“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.”

-Harriet Tubman

 

I couldn’t have been older than 9 years of age, when the thin book caught my attention. The picture on the cover- a bit captivating. The woman looked quite intriguing.

Her cheekbones set high on her face, her lips- determined, and her eyes- well her eyes told me she has seen her fair share. Nonetheless, she stood tall and commanded attention. I knew she was someone who was willing to do what it takes.

She called upon me to read the pages. And once I did- instant connection. Yep. Instant connection between Harriet and I. She espoused a certain strength that drew me in. “How could she have endured so much? Wasn’t she nervous? What drove her?”

You see, Harriet had her hands in many causes. She was born in 1822- a mere slave, she determined that she was worth more. Even in her circumstances- she dared to dream big! Not only did she escape slavery, she returned to free others. She shared her dreams!

I remember reading the pages about how she suffered sleeping spells, after a plantation owner threw a weight at her head and knocked her unconscious. My heart ached for her. Yet even with the sleeping spells, she returned many times to free others. If anyone had an excuse to give up on their dream- it was Harriet.

My heart pounded as I read of her near captures; and I cheered when she outwitted bounty hunters. It amazed me that she never lost a fugitive or allowed one to turn back. The more I read the more I wondered about who she truly was as a person.

What if I could meet Harriet? What would I say? I imagine it as an interview? I would first invite her to tea. I’m sure she drank lots of herbal tea. As the tea boiled, I’d thank her. “Thank you for the role you played in freeing many slaves. Thank you for the active role you played in the civil war.” Then I’d ask her: “How was it working with Suan B. Anthony on issues women’s rights?” Out of sheer excitement, I’d ramble off facts I could remember. She corrects some of my facts. She apparently played more of a leadership role than I had imagined.

She doesn’t say much- that Harriet. “She mostly listens and observes. I’m sure she is thinking I need to calm down a bit. I tell her how things have changed. she smiles a bit. I thank her repeatedly. Then I ramble on about the happenings of my era”.

All of a sudden, my ramblings come to halt. “What am I doing? This is Harriet Tubman, the one known as the Moses of her time. Collecting myself, I tell her about this community at “Seeking You”. She listens and appears to like the concept. So I use this as an opportunity to ask a question I feel this community could benefit from

Is there anything you want to say to my friends at “Seeking You”? What would you have me tell them?

“Well I would have you tell them to:

Believe in Him who is great than yourself and draw on His strength.  Look at what’s outside of yourself and reach out to it. Take note of the fellow beside yourself and help him along.”

“Thank you, Harriet. That is exactly what I needed to hear. I will be sure to pass your message along.”

 

 

Let me know what you think. .. What does her message mean to you?

Is there anyone from the past you would like to meet? Any particular question you would ask?