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.