“If I hear you talking that way again, I’ll tell your master!”
Harriet Tubman, born in 1882, heard these words from her husband, John, when she shared her desire to be free from the cruelties of slavery. What did Harriet Tubman do? Her quest for freedom did not allow his threats to deter her. Harriet wanted to flee up north to live her life: free.
Born with the name of Araminta Ross, she knew the cruelties of slavery from a young age. As a little girl, her master hired her out as a nursemaid. Poor Harriet was forced to stay awake throughout the nights to prevent the baby from crying. If the baby cried, the mother would awaken. How tired Harriet must have felt. Furthermore, whenever she fell asleep, the baby’s mother whipped her. Who could blame Harriet for not wanting to spend the rest of her life doing such inhumane tasks, and being whipped for doing what every human being was designed to do: sleep.
Several years later, Harriet learned about the Underground Railroad through a Quaker woman who promised to help her. What did Harriet Tubman do? One night, she decided it was time to make her escape. She traveled during the nights to each of the Underground Railroad’s friendly stations to avoid being seen.
During Harriet’s escape, she prayed, “Lord, I’m going to hold steady onto you and you’ve got to see me through.” And that’s exactly what the Lord did!
The journey to freedom was not easy for Harriet. She suffered from a head injury that caused her to faint throughout the remainder of her life.
How did this happen?
While enslaved, Harriet was told to whip another slave who went to the store without seeking permission from his master. Harriet rightly refused. When the young man decided to run away, the overseer threw a weight at him. The heavy weight missed the young man. Instead, brave Harriet was hit as the weight crushed her skull leaving a deep scar. The injury left Harriet unconscious and caused her to suffer from seizures throughout her lifespan.
Despite her injury, this determined woman made it to Pennsylvania, a free state, without being captured. What did Harriet Tubman do? She repeatedly traveled back south to help other black people in bondage escape to freedom. Harriet proved through her actions that she had a great love for God’s people who were still enslaved. During their escape, she uttered the same prayer, but in plural form: “Lord, I’m going to hold steady onto you, and you’ve got to see us through.”
Although many of us are familiar with Harriet Tubman’s life story, it’s important that we remember she was a brave soldier of the Lord.
God heard Harriet’s prayers and led her and other slaves safely up north to freedom. Because of Harriet Tubman’s commitment and her love for God and His people, many lives were changed.
Many who record Harriet Tubman biography have failed to include the deep faith she had in God. Her faith played a prominent role in work to free people in bondage. Praise God for the life and work of Harriet Tubman!
Credits: Photo of Harriet Tubman https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Harriet_Tubman_portrait_photo.jpg