Harriet Tubman: Defying Fear, Leading with Purpose

As we commemorate International Women’s Day, I decided to read about women whose courage and conviction shaped our world. I read Harriett Tubman—The Moses of Her People by Sarah H. Bradford.

Few embody the spirit of this day more perfectly than Tubman. Her journey from slavery to freedom fighter shows the power women have always had, even when society denied them their basic rights. Her story reminds us why days of recognition like International Women’s Day remain vital—they illuminate the paths blazed by extraordinary women and inspire us to continue their work toward equality, justice, and liberation.

The Woman Behind the Legend

Harriet Tubman was born in 1822 in Maryland. She was born into slavery. She not only secured her freedom but repeatedly risked her life to lead others to liberty.

At the age of thirteen, she was in a general store when a white overseer attempted to punish an enslaved man who was trying to escape. When she refused to assist him in the punishment, the overseer threw a two-pound weight that struck her in the head. The injury nearly killed her and left her with lifelong complications, including seizures and visions. However, rather than being defined by hardship, she drew strength from her experiences, deepening her spiritual convictions.

At twenty-four, she married a free black man named John Tubman. She urged him to escape to the north with her, but he refused. He feared getting caught. Determined to claim her freedom, she left alone in 1849, making the perilous journey to Philadelphia. Later, when she returned to Maryland to bring him with her, she discovered that he had already remarried. But she didn’t waste the trip—instead, she led others willing to take the risk of escaping. Time and time again, she traveled under the cover of darkness, hiding during the day, walking at night, and trusting divine guidance to lead many to freedom. She took immense pride in her flawless record as a conductor on the Underground Railroad:”On my Underground Railroad, I never ran my train off the track, and I never lost a passenger.”

Her bravery extended beyond the Underground Railroad. During the Civil War, she signed up with the Union Army as a cook and nurse and later served as a spy and scout. She played a key role in the Combahee River Raid, which led to the liberation of about 700 enslaved people and disrupted Confederate supply lines. This was the first military operation in American history planned and led by a woman. This raid is a testament to her strategic brilliance and unwavering commitment to the fight for freedom.

After the war, Tubman continued her fight for justice. She became deeply involved in the women’s suffrage movement, expanding her advocacy from freedom for the enslaved to broader social justice issues.

Her story holds invaluable lessons for women today as they navigate their own journeys of leadership, courage, and purpose.

Lessons from Tubman’s Life

• Courage and Resilience : Tubman’s courage enabled her to overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges. She was fully committed to freedom, risking everything for what she knew was right. In her own words: “I had reasoned this out in my mind, there was one of two things I had a right to, liberty or death; if I could not have one, I would have the other, for no man should take me alive. I should fight for my liberty as my strength lasted.”
• Breaking Barriers in a Hostile World: As a Black woman in 19th-century America, Tubman defied expectations and accomplished incredible things. Her 1849 escape from slavery showed not only bravery but also strategy and determination—key traits of a leader. Although her first escape attempt with her brothers was unsuccessful, as they turned back out of fear, within days, she set out again on her own and secured her freedom. She became a beacon of hope even within a deeply unjust society, proving that barriers can be overcome with conviction and purpose, no matter how formidable
• Selflessness and Servant Leadership: Tubman’s dedication to helping others exemplifies servant leadership. Historical accounts suggest she made approximately 13 rescue missions over a decade, helping to free about 70 enslaved people directly and providing instructions that helped many more find their way to freedom. Despite a bounty on her head (reportedly as high as $40,000 in some Southern states), she repeatedly returned to dangerous territory to lead others to freedom.
  • As I researched her story, I confronted a profound question: Would I have returned after reaching safety? Or would I have said the risk was too great?
  • Tubman’s story challenges us to examine our commitment to our values. Are we willing to take risks for what we believe in, even when we’ve already secured our own comfort?
• Faith as a Foundation for Action: Harriet Tubman’s faith in God was a central driving force in her life and her work on the Underground Railroad. Her unwavering faith provided her with strength and guidance through her most challenging moments:
  • Prayer as Practice: She constantly communicated with God, seeking divine guidance at every turn.
  • Trust in Providence: Her confidence came from believing she was doing God’s work, allowing her to face capture or death with remarkable calm.
  • Living Her Faith Through Action: Rather than merely professing beliefs, she demonstrated faith through courageous action—a powerful example of living with purpose.

Applying Tubman’s Lessons Today

Tubman’s example offers specific, actionable guidance for women today:

• Champion others: Just as Tubman returned for those left behind, identify ways to mentor and support other women in your community or workplace.
• Confront injustice: Speak up against inequities you witness, even when it’s uncomfortable.
• Transform Fear into Action: Acknowledge your fears, but don’t get crippled by them. Take small, consistent steps towards overcoming them.
• Reframe Challenges as Opportunities: When facing obstacles, remember that they make you stronger. View them not as roadblocks but as stepping stones to showcase your strength and determination.
• Embrace the Power of Perseverance: Trust the process and keep working to achieve your goals. One day, you will see the results.

As Tubman wisely said:

“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.”

Personal Reflection

As you reflect on Tubman’s journey, ask yourself:

• What freedom am I seeking in my own life?
• What barriers am I working to overcome?
• When have I taken a risk to help others?
• How would my life change if I faced challenges with Tubman’s courage and conviction?

Her legacy reminds us that true leadership isn’t about titles or recognition—it’s about having the courage to chart a path that aligns with your deepest values and helping others find their way forward.

On this International Women’s Day, may we all find inspiration in Harriet Tubman’s extraordinary example and commit ourselves to creating the kind of world she risked everything to build.