Thursday, August 19, 2010

Rights

"If you hear the dogs, keep going. If you see the torches in the woods, keep going. If there's shouting after you, keep going. Don't ever stop. Keep going. If you want a taste of freedom, keep going."Harriet Tubman
Harriet Tubman born a slave.....had no rights...forced to do what someone else wanted....living less than human...a miserable life.....letting others define her worth...

A slave....subjected to the whim of those who claimed ownership over her. Like a dog chained and bound to another. But somewhere deep inside, she knew - she was born to live free. She wouldn't stay a slave....no matter what anyone said. She fought...closed her ears to those who said she couldn't do it.....risked her life....risked everything....to be free.  

Funny thing....once she got free.....she went back....risked her life again...wanting others to  find freedom too. Harriet Tubman....a slave....a woman....a black woman.....a hero. 

I think I feel what Harriet Tubman must have felt. That fighter mentality...fighting to be free....knowing inside it's my right....everyone's right. It's how He created us....to live free...to be our own person....choosing the life we want...not letting anyone or anything define who we are or who we become.

I won't let what happened define me anymore. I won't let shame or fear force me to live less than human. And I'm going to tell and keep on telling so others also can know there's a way to freedom...and a right to that freedom for all of us. I used to think I had no rights...not even the right to exist.  I used to believe others knew better than me about what I needed and what was good for me. I used to.....not anymore. I want the freedom that comes from knowing it's a right...my right.....everyone's right.

Running alone in the woods....hearing His gentle whisper in my heart....I know He's running with me....I know He's helping me to live free. 



26 comments:

Denise said...

Amen, He is with you every step of the way sis. I love you.

Mya said...

You WILL help others through your writing, your honesty, your caring. And remember to take time for yourself now and then, so the memories to not burden you too heavily.

MTJ said...

Hi Sarah,

The only thing I can think of that compares to living free is helping others discover that they too, can live in freedom.

Good post.

Blessings and peace.

MTJ

Anonymous said...

Very poignant post, Sarah! You're right-- you do deserve freedom. But it's interesting that you describe it as freedom from your past. Sometimes our pasts can be enslaving. It takes a lot to step outside of it.

Wishing you well,
NOS

Catherine said...

Thank you for posting this Sarah! Something We all need to hear and remember. I love the quote!

Grace said...

Sarah, I love your posts...I feel terrible, I come here and read your wisdom & truth, breathe it in and feel better for awhile.
I should probably print them and wallpaper my bathroom with the. (stupid anxiety disorder...I spend a lot of time in the bathroom)
Thank you...for you...
Grace

Anonymous said...

Amazing that she went back to help others get free.....

Blessings,
Tammy

Elizabeth Dianne said...

Beautifully written--don't forget, we are running with you! Love, Dianne

Syd said...

Beautiful Sarah. Harriet Tubman was a brave person. Keep telling your truths and find your freedom. Awesome.

Anonymous said...

That story about Harriet Tubman was awesome! I laughed when you said, she went back. :D

You're a hero, too. Keep going. You're so very very right!

Sarah, a bucket load of love to you. :)

Dulçe ♥ said...

Oh freedom... sometimes we carry but the chains of our heart... so bad that is, as bad as being physically jailed...
The big difference> it does not depend on others but ourselves to break thoe chains.

Love you Sarah!

D.

PS. Iam playing this beautiful song again and i again as I do my housechores! :)

Amanda said...

Sarah, thank you for stopping by my blog today!

I'm not sure how you found me, but I am glad you did.

Freedom is a word I meditate on and speak about (in conversations) alot. True freedom comes from a deep revelation of WHO HE is and WHAT HE did for us on the cross!! I *know* it in part, yet to experience the fullness of it.

I suspect you have gained revelation of this, and are tasting the freedom it wroughts for you.

Bless you dear girl...

PJ said...

I thank God Everyday for guiding my steps. For SO LONG I felt like my "hidden feelings" were the norm. I tried to shove them to the back. To act as though they didn't have hold of me, they didn't exist. Somehow, they always came to the forefront. No matter what I did. Whether it was something I did, something someone said, it would bring all of those "feelings" up front and center. When I FINALLY began my relationship with God, and felt Him there with me, I changed. He said "let those without sin cast the first stone". It was then I realized I was going to be ok. Even though I hadn't done anything to warrant the abuse and other things in my life, I had somehow felt everything was my fault. God told me otherwise. I feel free now. God Bless!

PJ

Foxglove said...

Thank you Sarah for visiting my blog and leaving a lovely comment.

You are so right when you said "to live free is everyone's right" but sometimes it is not as easy to seams. As we run though we discover that it becomes easier, we get stronger and over time the truth starts to seep down deep into our soul until it eventually becomes part who we are.

Thank you for a wonderful post.

Karen said...

I agree with the other comment...YOU are a hero...you are doing so much to help others see the truth so they can be free, too....

Deborah Ann said...

Oh, my sweet sister - you're not running alone! I so hear you here...we need to share our freedom. That's been the hope from day one. From day one...

A Mother Always said...

This reminds me of something I read in Maya Angelou's Book about a slave who had saved to buy his freedom. And yet when he could afford to, he held back and said that he would wait til his value dropped some more.

That's interesting because we ourselves are afraid to grab something for ourselves even if it is something we want and can have.

Have no fear. Pray the same for me too.

Paula said...

Oh yeah, on various ways I can relate. freedom. at my recoveryinart blog is a painting of stigma and freedom.
Thanks for this great post.
Have a wonderfulw eekend. Love you

Crown of Beauty said...

You really are able to express so beautifully the healing journey that you are on!I was just at the ten day Elijah House school of prayer ministry here, and GOd also ministered so much healing to me.

I appreciate reading this today, dear Nikki.

Much love
Lidj

Weezer said...

Thanks for stopping by and joining Weezer's Haven. You have a wonderfully inspiring blog and I'll be following from now on. I can see that you are one who can put words on paper and affect the lives of those who read them. That's a God-given talent.
I look forward to getting to know you here.
Oh. Who's the little white fuzzy-faced buddy up there? He/she is precious.
Weezer

Mehdi A. said...

You're not less than any soul who fought her way out of dark corners of the world.
Thanks for sharing.

A Plain Observer said...

knowing it's your right. That's it. That's the key

Tra La La Boom De Ay said...

One morning I woke up and decided it was over. That is when my healing really began. Love to you my sister. It is over. Let your true healing begin. I havent read your blog throughly but have you actually shared your story? If you havent and would like to, drop me a line. I will read your story.

Aliene said...

So glad we can be free to be ourselves. To make our own decisions, to follow where our heart leads us. Not be in bondage to what others expect from us.
Whom the Lord set free is free indeed. Just came across yor blog and will be back.

Carrie Cooper said...

Carrie @ comfortedbyGod.blogspot.com

Hi, Sarah!
Beautiful post about inner freedom. Its amazing we struggle our whole lives to find it, only to receive it in Christ. Keep strong!

Nikki said...

Wow what an amazing and encouraging write! I love the quote you posted of Harriet Tubman! This really blazes a spark in my own struggle to freedom and just like Harriet to continue to go back and help others! Thank you for writing this!!

May the Lord bless you on your journey!