Friday, May 26, 2023

Last weekend, Barb Roose took us on a deep dive into the legacy of Harriet Tubman. I’m thankful because it’s not the typical information taught to students. Sure, most people know Harriet escaped to freedom and paid it forward for countless generations by freeing others, but many think her grit, determination, and pride alone drove her to succeed.

Truthfully, it was the freedom Harriet found through God that continued to open doors for her and instilled the fearlessness we know Tubman for. With all she accomplished during such a scary time for civil rights, why do so many assume that Harriet’s courage was self-made? 

Joshua 1:9
“This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Harriet was illiterate, so having a Bible handy wasn’t enough. Instead she took what she was given and surrendered it to God. Harriet understood his hand would help lead the way from slavery through the Civil War to building a hospital and sharing her truth with influential people who could help make real change going forward. It was made possible because of God’s presence within her wherever she went.

“Tubman” was Harriet’s married name, but she was born Araminta Ross. I know firsthand how proud the Ross family is of Harriet’s legacy. Harriet’s first cousin gave birth to a woman who married my grandfather in the 1930s. He had two children from that first marriage and four more kids after he married my grandmother in the 1950s. Although I share zero DNA with Mother Tubman, my aunt and uncle do. My aunt is especially proud of her heritage and had the opportunity to attend a ceremony where she received the legal documentation connecting her to her famous cousin.

Barb said, “Your freedom is the best legacy that you can leave those you love.” Harriet is a great example of how finding freedom through Christ leaves a fantastic legacy. We all have the same opportunity. Find freedom in God and say, “I’m gonna stand up. Take my people with me.”

Questions:
Have you ever turned the wrong way because you chose self-confidence and forgot to have God-confidence? What do you do when you’re feeling dismayed and disheartened?

Next Steps:
Take time to reflect on areas where you tend to choose self-confidence. Confess this to God and ask him to help you trust and place your confidence in him.

Find out how to make a difference by texting IMPACT to 419-419-0707. Join a Group for the summer semester. Go to https://cedarcreek.tv/groups/

Prayer:
Lord, this world today is filled with challenges. It’s easy to get discouraged, but I am grateful that my faith in you relieves that pressure. I know that I don’t have to do it on my own. Thank you for walking beside me and carrying me when I am disheartened. Help me to be a light to others, Lord, so they may find freedom in you and leave a legacy for generations to come. Amen.

Series Theme Verse:
Luke 8:15
And the seeds that fell on the good soil represent honest, good-hearted people who hear God’s word, cling to it, and patiently produce a huge harvest.