Harriet: Stillness That Hears Freedom's Call - Black Church (Psalm 46:10)

In the heart of the night, amidst the whispers of the trees and the distant sounds of a restless world, Harriet Tubman would often find a moment of stillness. Picture her beneath the vast expanse of the starry sky, her breath visible in the crisp air, a woman on the brink of a great and perilous journey. In those hushed seconds, she would close her eyes and attune her spirit to the voice of God. It was in this sacred silence that she discerned her path—a path that would lead countless souls to freedom.

The Black Church, through generations, has understood the profound power of tarrying—that beautiful, sacred practice of waiting on the Lord. Imagine a dimly lit church basement, filled with the scent of old wooden pews and the flickering glow of candles. Here, faithful souls gather, hands clasped, hearts open, waiting in prayerful stillness. They embody Psalm 46:10: “Be still, and know that I am God.” For them, stillness isn’t merely a luxury; it’s a lifeline, a source of divine strength when the world outside feels hostile and overwhelming.

For Harriet, this stillness was not an escape from the struggle but a profound wellspring of courage—a refuge in the storm, as the psalmist assures us. It was in those quiet moments, saturated with prayer and deep longing, that she received clarity on her next steps. She would rise from that stillness, fortified by faith, ready to lead others toward liberation. Just as she listened for God's direction, so too do we find our footing in the chaos of life. In our own times of uncertainty, may we embrace the sacred silence, trusting that the God who is our refuge will guide us through the darkness into the light of freedom.