The Spiritual Force Behind Harriet Tubman's Journey

Photo courtesy of Tiyamiles.com

By Llerraj Esuod

From Wild Girls to Night Flyer

In her book Wild Girls, acclaimed historian Tiya Miles traced the paths of courageous women who defied tremendous odds and used their “environmental conscience and outdoor experiences” to escape slavery. She followed that work by illuminating the life of the woman most known for her mind-boggling ability not only to escape bondage herself but to return—dozens of times—to slave states to lead others to the freedom she claimed.

In Night Flyer: Harriet Tubman and the Faith Dreams of a Free People, Miles dismantles the mythology surrounding Tubman, portraying her not just as a legendary figure likened to Moses but as a complex woman born into slavery around 1822 who led others toward freedom.

Beyond an Image

Rather than a one-dimensional icon, Miles presents a richly complex individual whose connection to the divine and the natural world energized her extraordinary achievements. She deepens our understanding of Tubman, urging readers to see beyond the frozen-in-time, sepia-toned image typically displayed during Black History Month.

Faith and Spirituality

The hardships she endured and the victories she claimed reflected the reality of a Black enslaved woman daring to take her fate into her own hands. Her uncompromising belief in God and vivid spiritual vision were central to who she was. As Miles notes, conventional religious practices could not contain Tubman’s faith; she often experienced divine visions that shaped her choices. Trust in these spiritual encounters became foundational—fueling her with strength and a sense of sacred purpose, not merely as a heroic figure but as an instrument of God’s will.

Nature’s Compass

Equally important was Tubman’s intuitive connection to nature, cultivated through lessons from her father, which became a vital internal compass. These forces shaped her discipline and decisiveness, earning her a reputation for being no-nonsense. Those who traveled with her had to follow strict orders or risk deadly consequences—even being left behind to a life of servitude. Her reverence for the natural world was more than a matter of survival; it served as a spiritual guide that led her and her people to freedom.

A Biblical Parallel

Often called “Mama Moses,” her spiritual leadership is reminiscent of Exodus 13:21: “And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night.” That divine sense of direction and purpose runs through the stories Miles brings to life.

A Significant Contribution

Night Flyer is more than another book about Harriet Tubman—it is a deeply layered contribution to the literature on her life and legacy. Miles offers a nuanced, multidimensional portrayal, inviting readers to reconsider Tubman’s strength through a more spiritual and humanizing lens.