Hidden Riches: What Sarah's Oil Teaches Us About Faith, Legacy, and Purpose

Every so often, a story comes along that reminds us of who we are, where we come from, and what we can leave behind. Sarah’s Oil is one of those stories. This biographical drama, based on the true life of Sarah Rector, shines a powerful light on a part of history that is often overlooked, the triumphs, resilience, and legacy of African Americans whose contributions are rarely written about in textbooks. When I first heard about the film and then had the opportunity to see it, I was both inspired and deeply moved. It was not just Sarah’s story that touched me, it was the reminder that all of us carry within us the potential to leave something lasting for generations to come.

Set in 1910 Oklahoma, Sarah’s Oil tells the remarkable story of Sarah Rector, an eleven-year-old African American girl who, through a twist of fate and divine purpose, became one of America’s first Black millionaires. Born to parents who were once enslaved, Sarah’s family received land in Oklahoma as part of the government’s allocation to freedmen. The plot assigned to her was considered barren, but what others saw as worthless would soon prove to be a well of abundance. When oil was discovered beneath that land, Sarah’s life, and the lives of those around her, changed forever. The film captures more than wealth; it captures the spirit of perseverance and faith against overwhelming odds. Sarah and her guardians faced a system that was not designed for her success. Greedy oilmen, opportunistic lawyers, and even institutions tried to strip her of her newfound fortune. Yet through determination, divine favor, and the support of those who believed in doing what was right, she was able to protect her inheritance. It is a story of courage and character, of holding on when the world tells you to let go. Watching her story unfold reminded me that God often places treasures in the most unlikely places and people, and it takes faith to recognize them.

As I watched Sarah’s Oil, I could not help but think of my own family’s journey and the legacy left by my great-grandfather, Nathan Harris, from East Texas. Many years ago, perhaps in the late 1800s or early 1900s, he purchased land that others dismissed as useless swamp ground. People did not see value in it, but my great-grandfather saw something more. Whether it was intuition, wisdom, or sheer faith, that decision would eventually prove to be a blessing for generations. Beneath that very land, oil was discovered, and even today, five generations later, our family still receives what are known as, oil rights, checks because of his investment. When I think about that, I am humbled. My great-grandfather probably did not have all the resources or education that others had. What he did have was vision, faith, and the determination to create something better for those who would come after him. That, to me, is the true definition of legacy. It is not just about wealth or property, it is about foresight, values, and the willingness to invest in something you may never see the full return on during your lifetime. Like Sarah Rector, my great-grandfather planted seeds that would bloom long after he was gone. His belief in ownership, stewardship, and perseverance created a ripple effect that continues to touch our family today.

Both stories, Sarah’s and my great-grandfather’s, carry a lesson that is deeply personal to me and foundational to The Purpose Partner Path: we all have hidden riches within us. Sometimes they lie dormant beneath what looks like barren land, overlooked potential, or forgotten dreams. But just because something does not look promising on the surface does not mean there is not treasure waiting to be discovered underneath. The key is to believe in what is within you and to act, even when the outcome is not guaranteed. Legacy does not just happen. It is cultivated through intentional choices, through forgiveness, through faith, and through stewardship of what God has placed in your hands. It is about more than money; it is about meaning. It is about being a person of your word, staying true to your purpose, and building something that lasts beyond you. Sarah Rector did that. My great-grandfather did that. And so can you. #SarahsOil

Wendy is The Purpose Partner, Life Strategist, Coach, Consultant, Author, and Speaker. Visit www.WendyGladney.com and www.forgivingforliving.org to learn more.