When we think about the ways faith has been handed down, we often think of sermons, songs, and scripture. But there is another vessel that carries faith across time: storytelling. Few women embody this more beautifully than Zilpha Elaw (c. 1790–1873), one of the earliest Black women in America to preach publicly and record her life in writing.
A Woman of Faith and Boldness
Zilpha Elaw was born free in Pennsylvania, yet her life was marked by the hardships and limitations of being a Black woman in the early 19th century. In spite of these barriers, she answered the Spirit’s call to preach the Gospel. Like Jarena Lee and Maria W. Stewart, she entered pulpits and platforms few women were ever permitted to stand upon.
Her preaching was fueled by both scripture and deep personal experience. She had a gift for taking biblical truths and weaving them with the fabric of her own life, making them vivid, relatable, and unforgettable for her listeners.
Memoir as Ministry
In 1846, Zilpha Elaw published her autobiography: Memoirs of the Life, Religious Experience, Ministerial Travels and Labours of Mrs. Zilpha Elaw, an American Female of Colour.
This was more than a life story—it was a spiritual memoir, a testimony infused with scripture, prayer, and reflection. Through her words, she bore witness to the faithfulness of God in her life. She did what few women of her era could: she claimed her voice, recorded her journey, and offered her testimony as a gift to generations yet unborn.
Her writing reminds us that memoir can be a form of ministry—a way to teach, encourage, and pass down the truths of God through the intimate lens of lived experience.
Why Her Witness Still Matters
Zilpha Elaw’s life and words still carry power today:
- She broke silence: At a time when women—especially Black women—were expected to remain quiet, she chose to speak.
- She preserved memory: Her memoir is a historical treasure, one of the few firsthand accounts of a Black woman minister in the 1800s.
- She models courage: Her story calls us to write, speak, and testify even when we feel unseen or unheard.
Reflection for Today
Spiritual memoir does not belong only to preachers or pioneers. Each of us has a testimony worth sharing. Whether written in journals, spoken to our children, or whispered in prayer, our stories become vessels of God’s truth.
Reflection Prayer
Lord, thank You for the witness of Zilpha Elaw. Teach us to value our own stories, and to recognize how You weave Scripture, truth, and testimony into our lives. May we be bold enough to record them, so others may see Your faithfulness through us. Amen.
