STEAL AWAY
LENT 40 day time – Day 30
Scripture reading: “The sun rises, and they steal away; they return and lie down in their dens.” Psalm 104: 22
During this Lent season, reflect with me on the story of Wallace Willis, the enslaved man who gave us the timeless spiritual “Steal Away to Jesus.” Born into slavery on a plantation in Mississippi, Wallace endured the harsh realities of slavery alongside his wife, Minerva, under the ownership of Britt Willis. Despite the oppressive conditions and harsh labour in the cotton fields, Wallace found solace in his faith and his music. https://aaregistry.org/story/wallace-willis-lyricist-born/
Imagine the sweltering heat of a Mississippi August day in 1840, with Wallace and his fellow slaves toiling tirelessly in the fields from sunrise to sunset. As they worked under the scorching sun, Wallace’s thoughts must have turned to freedom and liberation. Perhaps it was in those moments, surrounded by the endless rows of cotton and the shimmering Red River in the distance, that Wallace was inspired to compose the spirituals that would uplift and sustain generations to come.
“Steal Away to Jesus” emerged from Wallace’s soul as a prayer for deliverance, a yearning for escape from the bonds of slavery and the promise of a better life beyond this earthly realm. In the midst of hardship and suffering, Wallace found hope in his faith, trusting that God would lead him to freedom, whether in this life or the next.
As we reflect on Wallace’s story, let us meditate the power of music and faith to sustain us in our own trials and tribulations. Like Wallace, may we find strength and solace in our connection to something greater than ourselves, trusting in God’s promise of deliverance and redemption. And may we, too, find courage to “steal away” from whatever enslaves us, and journey toward the freedom and abundance that await us in the loving embrace of our Creator.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank you for the gift of music and the power of faith to sustain us in times of trial. As we journey through this Lenten season, may we draw strength from the example of Wallace Willis and the spirituals he composed. Grant us the courage to “steal away” from whatever binds us and to trust in your promise of liberation and renewal. Amen.
Reflection Questions:
- How does Wallace Willis’s story inspire you to find hope and courage in the midst of adversity?
- In what ways can music and faith help us navigate the challenges and struggles of life?
- How can we apply the message of “Steal Away to Jesus” to our own spiritual journey during Lent and beyond?