Julia A. J. Foote

(1823-1900)

Bible Passage (NRSVue): “Sing praises to the LORD, O you his faithful ones, and give thanks to his holy name. For his anger is but for a moment; his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may linger for the night, but joy comes with the morning! ​As for me, I said in my prosperity, “I shall never be moved.” (Psalm 30:4-6)

Her Interpretation: Julia A. J. Foote’s “new song” tells a story of healing and change. It encourages us to embrace the opportunity of living into the resurrection during May 2025. Although the song is not directly quoted from Psalm 30, the theme of God granting her a new song in her daily life resonates with verses 4-6 and another reading for this week, Revelation 5:11-14, particularly verses 9-10. In her autobiography, Foote connects her new song to her conversion story. She narrates her conversion in a way that mirrors Paul’s experience in Acts 9. Like Paul, Foote describes seeing divine light, hearing voices from God, and receiving guidance. This parallel between their experiences creates a connection to the Scriptural narrative. The Good News of Jesus’ resurrection and our calling did not end with Paul, Mary Magdalene, Peter, Dorcas, and others. Foote suggests that it continues with us! Her conversion was not just a spiritual change but also a call to action. She overcame her doubts and fears by embracing the creative arts. This aspect of her conversion serves as a powerful motivator for all of us. Her journey began with a song of gratitude for her recovery, her new life, and most importantly, her new work. She invites us to discover our own new song within her story, inspired by Psalm 30, Acts 9, and even Revelation 5:9-14.

Dr. Shively’s Reflection: Song, poetry, storytelling, blogging, vlogging, crocheting, knitting, cooking, coloring—this week, inspired by Julia A. J. Foote and our lectionary, we are invited to exercise our creative faith! What does it mean to live in the light of the resurrection through innovative, even “artsy” forms?

Julia Foote was a trailblazing figure in the 1800s, making history as the first woman ordained as a deacon in the AME Zion Church in 1894 and as an elder in 1900. Her active involvement in her community, particularly through camp meetings and revivals, demonstrated her determination to combat sexism and advocate for women’s leadership both within and beyond her church community. Foote’s conversion to Christianity empowered her to preach, teach, and write despite facing significant opposition. Her first spiritual encounter gifted her with an artifact from the creative arts—a song with melody and lyrics.

I love the obscure quote highlighted this week! It reminds me that our senses—what we hear, see, taste, smell, and feel—are the raw materials of our spirituality and faith. Chapter 5 (“My Conversion”) of Foote’s spiritual autobiography, A Brand Plucked from the Fire: An Autobiographical Sketch, models the joy and hope of a creative response. This isn’t just art; such acts can serve as divine communication and fellowship expressed through us. These acts have the power to bring renewal when we are most uncertain about what is next.

So, this week, I encourage you to revive your creative journey that you may have set aside. Or perhaps take a leap of faith and start something new. Learn to play the bass guitar, write your first haiku, grab a blank canvas and throw some paint on it, or take photographs and print them so you can hold them in your hands and truly see what you see! Happy Third Sunday of Easter!