Born Into the Harsh Realities of Slavery
Harriet Tubman, born into the harsh realities of slavery in Dorchester County, Maryland, around 1822, experienced a life marked by both profound suffering and remarkable courage. From a young age, she endured brutal whippings and the constant threat of being separated from her family. ## God's Voice Guides Her to Freedom
A significant turning point in her life came when she was struck in the head by a two-pound weight, an injury that resulted in lifelong seizures and vivid visions. These visions, however, became a source of divine guidance for Harriet, as she interpreted them as messages from God.
In 1849, Harriet made the daring decision to escape to freedom. Traveling by night and guided by the North Star, she crossed into Pennsylvania and tasted freedom for the first time. Reflecting on that 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.' Despite the loneliness, Harriet felt a deep connection to God, who she believed had set her free.
Harriet's faith was unwavering. She often said, 'I prayed to God to make me strong, and able to fight, and that's what I've always prayed for ever since.' Her prayers were answered as she became a conductor on the Underground Railroad, making approximately 13 trips back to Maryland to guide around 70 enslaved people to freedom. 'Twasn't me, 'twas the Lord!' she insisted. '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.'
During the Civil War, Harriet continued to serve others, working as a cook, nurse, and spy for the Union Army. Her leadership during the Combahee River Raid freed over 700 enslaved people, further cementing her legacy as a fearless leader driven by her faith and commitment to justice.
Harriet Tubman's life is a testament to the power of faith and the courage to act upon it. Her reliance on God's voice and her determination to fight for freedom not only changed her own life but also the lives of countless others. Harriet's journey from slavery to freedom and her role as 'Moses' to her people remains a powerful story of divine guidance and human resilience.
