Faith of Slave Girl
Spirituality and faith are transitional. "Incidents in the life of a Slave Girl" by Harriet Jacobs is more than a documentary of the experiences of a woman of bondage; it is a story of faith and the changes that take place in spirituality during a lifetime. The understanding of a higher power and religion are vastly different between a child and a person of maturity. These differences can be very evident in the lives of women when the experiences of childhood and children are taken into account. As children, we have very clear-cut ideas on how things are supposed to be. Our lack of life experience makes our thoughts and feelings categorical. God is either good or bad. As we grow physically, we also grow spiritually. Teachings of others and our personal experiences begin to change our views. The greater the wealth of experiences either good or bad, the greater the change in how we feel about God and faith. Harriet Jacobs' transitions from childhood to womanhood, motherhood, fug!itive and freedom all mark different stages in spiritual growth and change. Her grandmother remains throughout the account an example of maturity of spirit and true faith in God. Harriet Jacobs becomes closer to the example of her grandmother's faith as th
Without the specific names mentioned, this letter of goodbye could have been written by Linda to Ellen and summarizes the circle of faith from the Creator of youth to the end of time on earth for those who are "faithful unto the end". Harriet Jacobs who calls herself Linda in "Incidents in the life of a Slave Girl" was born into slavery in 1813. Her autobiography begins with a "happy childhood" then goes on to describe her experiences as a female slave during the pre civil war era. She describes in detail her experiences and faith through the sexual advances of her master, being a slave mother during that turbulent time, her escape and fugitive years and finally the trip north and freedom. nation, and say 'Not my will but thine be done oh Lord!' But when the ruthless hand of man strikes the blow, regardless of the misery he causes, it is hard to be submissive." The refusal of the request by Linda to marry the man that she loved sends Linda to her lowest emotional point yet. "With me the lamp of hope had gone out. The dream of my girlhood was over. I felt lonely and desolate." She goes on to say "I felt I was forsaken by God and man; as if all my efforts must be frustrated; and I became reckless in my despair". This recklessness leads her to an affair with a white man and the resulting pregnancy marks not only the biggest transition in Linda's life but the beginning of the biggest change in her spirituality. Motherhood seems to be the key to Linda's faith. Her spirituality grows in relation to her children's growth and Dr. Flint's persecution. Almost all mentions of God are linked to expressions regarding her children. For example "I thought to myself that, God being my helper, they (her children) should never pass into his hands". These feelings lead Linda again to drastic measures and another transition in her life: The escape. "Dear Daughter: I cannot hope to see you again on earth; but I pray to God to unite us above, where pain will no more rack this feeble body of mine: where sorrow and parting from my children will be no more. God has promised these things if we are faithful unto the end. My age and feeble health deprive me of going to church now; but God is with me here at home. Thank your brother for his kindness. Give much love to him, and tell him to remember the Creator in the days of his youth, and strive to meet me in the Father's kingdom. Love to Ellen and Benjamin. Don't neglect him. Tell him for me, to be a good boy. Strive my child to train them for God's children. May he protect and provide for you, is the prayer of your loving old mother."
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Approximate Word count = 2277
Approximate Pages = 9 (250 words per page double spaced)
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