Last week I wrote about earth just being temporary as we travel to our true home in heaven.
The word “sojourn” stood out to me shortly after I posted on the blog. I like the sound of that word – sojourn.
Sojourn means “to stay as a temporary resident; to dwell for a time, a temporary stay.” The word originated from old French and dates back to the 13th century. Its roots go back even further into Latin for “spend a day there.”
But don’t think being a sojourner means you are off easy and don’t need to work. A sojourner has a purpose and a passion.
On June 1, 1843, Isabella Baumfree changed her name to Sojourner Truth
. She told friends, “The Spirit calls me [East], and I must go. …the Lord gave me Truth, because I was to declare the truth to the people.”
Later she wrote, “Sojourner means traveler and truth means being real or genuine. I felt that God had told me that my mission in life was to tell people the truth about women’s rights and slavery.”
Sojourner Truth was a feisty, not afraid to speak up woman. Here is another great quote from her:
“I am not going to die, I’m going home like a shooting star.”
We are all sojourners. Just spending some time here before we complete our final destination. How does that impact how I live?
A sojourner worries less. The weight of this world is easier to let go when I know I won’t have to carry it forever.
A sojourner knows the final destination. I can enjoy the scenery, the trip, more knowing someday I will safely arrived.
A sojourner knows my fellow travelers are also on their paths, but we will all meet up again at one grand party/reunion eventually.
Sojourn will be a word/concept I will continue to ponder.
How does that word impact how you live?
This is a word that I too will ponder on. It reminds me to live for the moment and make the best of each day.
God Bless, I have enjoyed hanging out on your blog, as I hopped over from Desiray’s blog.
God Bless
Thanks for all the great comments. Seems like this word touches a lot of us, fellow sojourners.
I’d never really given that word much thought Jean, but it’s a perfect fit with our time here.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us!
Have a Blessed Day!
I love this. A sojourner to me means that we better make the most of every opportunity as we will soon be gone and we will have lost our chance to impact the world for Christ. I have moved every two years of my life (on average) and have actively taken this mentality.
I love this, Jeanie. Sojourn is one of my favorite words! And what a timely post, here in the summer when so many will be sojourners.
Sojourn makes me appreciate a bit more what I have here in this temporary place.
Oh! I like this a lot–especially the quotes from Sojourner Truth. I’m going to forward this to a truly feisty Jesus-loving young lady I know. Blessings.