The Trail of Tears

by Anita Phillips

Just as the Old Testament tells the stories of Israel's relationship with God from the earliest, collective memory, so my people have told stories that testify to God’s presence among us.

My people came to Oklahoma on that infamous journey known as-"The Trail of Tears." Despite a decision by the Supreme Court upholding the-rights of the Cherokee people, President Andrew Jackson ordered the U.S. Army to move in on my people in May 1838. Forced to abandon all their earthly possessions and their homes in the Southeast, everyone -even elders, small children, and women great with child--began the Journey of 1,000 miles. Most traveled on foot.

For as long as we have existed as a people, we have recognized and eagerly sought a relationship with the Maker of all creation. This story comes from the experience of that terrible trail we walked and tells how a song born of heartbreak became a song of triumph.

At the time of this event many Cherokees already embraced Jesus Christ as the son of Creator God. Native preachers had long witnessed to God's love through Christ. Preachers and missionaries walked "The Trail of Tears" with us. Worship services and Cherokee hymns were also our companions.

A tragic part of the journey occurred at night after the people had set up camp. Fearful that many of the captives would run away and return to their homeland, the soldiers made it common practice to "run the old people" at night. Some of the oldest and most revered members of the tribe were forced at gunpoint to run in circles to the point of total exhaustion. This was done to keep the young ones under control. The soldiers knew the young ones would not desert the elders, and the elders were too exhausted to escape. Other soldiers cast their eyes upon the young women and girls. Many were dragged away from the camp light to be attacked and raped. To protect the youngest girls, a group of women came forward and bartered themselves in return for the agreement not to attack any others, a great sacrifice made out of the love for their daughters, little sisters, and friends. The people's hearts were broken. Out of this despair there arose a song, now entitled "One Drop of Blood." This song testifies that it takes only one drop of the blood of Jesus to save us. Our oral tradition tells how this song was sung around the fires, traveling up and down the campsite with voices rising and falling. It was sung for those beyond the light of the campfires who were suffering for the love of their fellow Cherokees, sung for them to hear and know, that they were not alone. This song remains the most beloved of all Cherokee hymns.

As Creator God brought the Israelites from exile, so God sustained the remnant of the Cherokee people.