Remembering the bold: Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Amelia Bloomer, and Sojourner Truth
On July 19-20 we remember our foremothers, bold reformers who fought and won women's rights, freedoms, and suffrage. In 1776, women did not share in the inalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness proclaimed in the Declaration of Independence. Sojourner Truth, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and Amelia Bloomer organized the Women's Civil Rights Convention July 19-20, 1883 to demand women's suffrage. August 18, 1920, one hundred forty-four years after the Declaration was signed in Philadelphia in, women finally won the right to vote. Let us sing to celebrate the bold!
In boldness, look to God
Voices Found 94
1. In boldness look to God for help, like women folk who dared
to ask that Jesus heal a child, that crumbs of grace be shared,
that outcast ones be welcomed to the feast that God has prepared.
2. In boldness lean on God for strength, and healing from disease, of mind and body, heart and will,whose bondage Jesus frees.
Reach out and touch the hem of Christ, and gather spirit's ease.
3. In boldness, learn of God the truth of Mary's better part:
by fear and censure undeterred, determined in her heart
to kneel at Jesus' feet and learn the wisdom he imparts.
4. In boldness love, nor count the cost. Confront the world's harsh stare:
like one who washed the feet of Christ, and wiped them with her hair,
poured perfume to anoint her Lord, and left love's fragrance there.
text : Mary Louise Bringle
music: Morning Song, accompaniment by Thomas Foster
Bringle's text highlights bold women of faith who dared to demand God's love, healing, and justice. The Caananite woman of Tyre and Sidon (Matthew 15;21-28) dared to confront Jesus; she persisted as she pleaded for mercy. Jesus answered her bold demand, commending her faith.
Elizabeth, Amelia, and Sojourner, energized with that same bold, persistent faith, fought for women’s rights and suffrage. Women now have that right, privilege, and responsibility. We are empowered with the vote to work for justice and peace. God grant us wisdom to use it wisely.
Reflection:
How can you use your vote in today’s fight for justice and peace? Can you help to influence others with your vote? Could you write letters, support good candidates?What else?
How would Elizabeth, Amelia, and Sojourner work today? Where would they fight?
Reflect on bold women in your life. Have they helped or supported you? Can you support others in bold efforts to enhance God's realm on earth?
Meditation:
Mother God, help me to be bold in loving and caring for all children of your Creation. Help me to give birth to your justice. Help me to share my crumbs of Grace.
In boldness look to God for help is # 94 in Voices Found
The Leader's Guide to Voices Found offers more background for the text and performance suggestions
Voices Found is available at https:// www.churchpublishing,org
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