# My Conversion explained — Father Henson’s Story of His Own Life

> Chapter companion for Father Henson’s Story of His Own Life by Josiah Henson.

## What happens

Josiah Henson recounts his first exposure to Christian preaching at age eighteen, which leads to a profound religious conversion. Encouraged by his mother, he attends a sermon by John McKenny, a benevolent baker and occasional minister. The sermon on Hebrews 2:9 fills Henson with joy and a sense of divine love, contrasting sharply with his brutal enslavement. He begins to pray, preach to fellow slaves, and becomes an esteemed preacher among them.

## Themes in this chapter

### Faith and Religion

Josiah's conversion to Christianity provides him with a new sense of purpose, hope, and moral clarity, contrasting with the brutality of slavery.

### Resilience and Survival

Despite his harsh conditions, Josiah finds inner strength and joy through his newfound faith, enabling him to endure and even pray for his oppressors.

## Character check-ins

### Josiah Henson

Experiences a transformative religious conversion after hearing his first sermon; begins praying and preaching to other slaves.

### Charlotte

Urges Josiah to seek permission to attend the sermon, emphasizing the importance of taking up his cross despite fear of beatings.

### Amos Riley

Grants Josiah permission to attend the meeting but warns him to return immediately afterward.

## Key lines

> My heart exults with gratitude when I mention the name of a good man who first taught me the blessedness of religion. His name was John McKenny.

Josiah feels deep thankfulness for John McKenny, the man who introduced him to the joy of faith.

_Highlights the pivotal role of a benevolent white man in Josiah's spiritual awakening._

> I date my conversion, and my awakening to a new life—a consciousness of power and a destiny superior to anything I had before conceived of—from this day, so memorable to me.

Josiah marks this day as the beginning of his conversion and a new awareness of his own potential and purpose.

_Emphasizes the transformative impact of the sermon on Josiah's identity and outlook._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/father_henson_s_story_of_his_own_life_se/chapters/iv-my-conversion
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/father_henson_s_story_of_his_own_life_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/father_henson_s_story_of_his_own_life_se/chapters