I often learn how spiritual principles work when I study historical figures. They don't necessarily identify a particular spiritual law that they used, but their life exemplifies the application of the principle.
One such figure is Harriet Tubman, sometimes referred to as "A Woman Called Moses."
Ms. Tubman escaped from slavery in 1849. Before the start of the American Civil War, she risked her life and freedom to become a leading abolitionist. She eventually returned to the South to rescue family members and other slaves from the plantation system. Tubman was the most famous "conductor" on the Underground Railroad, an elaborate secret network of safe houses organized for the purpose of helping others gain their freedom.
She took on something that was much bigger than herself. Spiritual law reminds us that when we take on a God idea that seems like more than we can handle, the universe supports us in ways that we may not have imagined.
In one instance, Tubman was being pursued by a group of slave catchers. Today, we would say she was the subject of an "all-points bulletin." According to the story, she was on a train when she was being pursued. The passenger car on the train had no avenue for escape if a slave catcher or sheriff happened to board the train to question suspected runaways. It was common knowledge that Tubman could not read. As "A Woman Called Moses" was being sought by the authorities, she noticed there was a newspaper on the seat right next to her.
To cast suspicions away from her, Tubman picked up the paper and pretended she was reading. All the while she was saying to herself, "God, please let this newspaper be right-side up." Even if the newspaper wasn't right-side up, because she was carrying out a God-inspired idea, the people looking for her would have seen the newspaper as right-side up and continued on their merry way.
To determine if an idea is God-inspired or just a notion that originates from the limited self, I've found it helpful to ask: "Does this vision or idea require help from a Higher Power?"
No doubt, Tubman needed support from invisible hands to take on the lofty but risky task of liberating people from bondage. In our own lives, we know that what we have taken on is a God-inspired idea if it requires support that goes beyond our own might and power.
Along the same lines, there is another important question we can ask to help us determine if we are being led by a God-inspired idea. It's "Is this vision worthy of my life?"
Oftentimes people reverse the question and incorrectly ask, "Am I worthy of the vision?" But the more appropriate question is, "Is the vision worthy of my time and my attention? Is the vision worthy of my prayer work and my meditation time? Is the vision worthy of me?" If the answer is no, then it's time get a new or perhaps a bigger vision.
Often, we allow ourselves to let the facts and appearances stop us from following our heart's desire. We wonder how we're going to make the vision happen, but that's not our job. Our job is to decide on the "what," do our part and then leave the rest to Spirit.
"A Woman Called Moses" shows us just how Spirit can work. She is no doubt a good model to see spiritual law in action.
Peace and Blessings,
James