Early Life Under Slavery's Bondage
Harriet Tubman, born Araminta Ross in Dorchester County, Maryland around 1822, grew up under the harsh conditions of slavery. At the tender age of 13, a severe head injury, caused by an overseer's reckless act, left her with lifelong health issues, including seizures and vivid visions. Yet, what many saw as a misfortune, Tubman recognized as a divine connection that fortified her Christian faith. She believed these visions were messages from God, guiding her path and decisions.
God's Guidance Through Visions
In 1849, Harriet made the daring decision to escape the bonds of slavery, following the North Star to freedom in Philadelphia. Recalling this pivotal moment, she said, 'I had crossed the line. I was free; but there was no one to welcome me to the land of freedom. I was a stranger in a strange land.' Yet, her newfound freedom was not merely for her own sake. She felt a divine calling to return repeatedly to the South, risking her life to free others. Between 1850 and 1860, she made approximately 13 perilous journeys, leading around 70 people to freedom via the Underground Railroad.
Divine Protection Through Dangerous Missions
Tubman's unwavering faith in God was the cornerstone of her courage and resilience. 'Twasn't me, 'twas the Lord!' she declared. 'I always told Him, I trust to you. I don't know where to go or what to do, but I expect You to lead me, an' He always did.' Her reliance on prayer and trust in divine guidance was unwavering. She never lost a single passenger on her 'train' to freedom, a testament, she believed, to God's protective hand.
During the Civil War, Tubman's faith-driven bravery continued as she served the Union Army as a cook, nurse, armed scout, and spy. In 1863, she led an expedition in the Combahee River Raid, which liberated approximately 700 enslaved individuals in South Carolina. Despite the dangers, she trusted that 'God's time is always near,' and He provided her with the strength needed to fulfill her mission.
A Legacy of Faith in Action
Harriet Tubman's life is a testament to the power of faith in action. She attributed her success to divine intervention, stating, 'I said to de Lord, I'm goin' to hold steady on to you, an' I know you'll see me through.' Her story remains a powerful reminder that with God, all things are possible, and it continues to inspire those who seek justice and freedom.
