Phyllis believed in the God of the Bible, a remarkable overcomer. Unusually bright, the Wheatley household recognized her potential and she was encouraged to read and write. In 2 years, Phyllis mastered English and amazed everyone as she learned Greek and Latin. This angered Boston scholars. She never earned a dime for her poetry and died at age 31 in poverty. A heroine of the faith. Like Paul in chains, Phyllis wrote while a slave because God gave her a gift. Our Father gave her courage and strength and tenacity to defend her work in court. Humbly, she lived and died undervalued in this world. BUT GOD! Her reward was and remains in His hands. Her crown 👑 will be given to her on judgment day by the King of kings.

Phillis Wheatley was published in 1773, it marked several significant milestones. Enjoy a selected poem by Phillis Wheatley below. Her fame came after her tragic death. She was the first woman of color to be published in the Colonies, and only the third book by a woman in the American colonies to be published.

THOUGHTS OF PROVIDENCE

Arise, my soul, on wings enraptur’d, rise —To praise the Monarch of the earth and skies, Whose goodness and benificence appear — As round its centre moves the rolling year, or when the morning glows with rosy charms, or the sun slumbers in the ocean’s arms: Of light divine be a rich portion lent —to guide my soul, and favour my intend. Celestial Muse, my arduous flight sustain —And raise my mind to a seraphic strain! Ador’d forever be the God unseen, which round the sun revolves this vast machine. Though to His eye its mass, a point appears: Ador’d the God that whirls surrounding spheres, which first ordain’d that mighty Soul should reign. The peerless Monarch of Thy ethereal train: of miles twice forty millions is His height, and yet His radiance dazzles mortal sight.  So far beneath–from Him this extended earth. Vigor derives, and ev’ry flow’ry birth: Vast through her orb she moves with easy grace. Around her Phoebus in unbounded space; true to her course Thy impetuous storm derides, triumphant o’er the winds, and surging tides.

Almighty, in these wond’rous works of Thine, what Pow’r, what Wisdom, and what Goodness shine! And are Thy wonders, Lord, by men explor’d, and yet creating glory unador’d.

Phillis Wheatley Peters was one of the best-known poets in pre-19th century America. Educated and enslaved in the household of prominent Boston commercialist John Wheatley, her words lionized in New England and England. The printing presses in both places published her poems to parade before the new republic’s political leadership.  To the old empire’s aristocracy, Wheatley was a proven  testimony that blacks could be both artistic and intellectual. 

Quotes of strength, hope and faith.

“Wisdom is higher than any fool can reach.” ❤️ “While an intrinsic ardor prompts to write…” ❤️ “Father of mercy, twas Thy gracious  hand.” ❤️ “Life without death, and glory without end.” ❤️ AMEN

Who baits us to doubt God?  Ask the Lord when praying for people; what is His priority in their lifelong sanctification process? Newly baptized, some are thrilled about their new, fresh start. Some choose to keep carrying the bondages of Egypt, (the world) and the bondages of Babylon, (the religious system) and their flesh. We are His witness by our walk. When the ho hum believers see our joy and passion, and stay tuned into good teaching, they may decide to surrender their old way to gain more freedom in Christ. “Repent” is a frequently repeated need in every generation.

A new Christian who immediately gives up their pleasurable sins ie; smoking, drinking alcohol, sex outside of marriage, but then a few months later, go back to familiar shackles —many with a rebellious spirit choose to willfully sin. Perhaps they were falsely taught “once saved always saved.” Thess. 4 -“the will of God is our sanctification.” But the will of the believer must be to LIVE to PLEASE the FATHER, NOT the flesh. The gate is narrow and few find it. The difference between those who progressively grow, and those who reach a certain point, then decide to return to their vomit 🤢 well, we pray that they return to their first real love, Jesus 🙏

God graciously gives all who ask, forgiveness and the Holy Spirit. Some folks REMAIN IN LASTING AWE of the vacancy of guilt, shame, bitterness, and regret and with zeal pursue greater grace. Some people have a dark/light long lasting transformation like Mary Magdelene, and others seem to take salvation for granted. Whoever has been forgiven much, seems to be more grateful, merciful and passionate in their quest to honor God. 🎖