#11 In response to Morgan Willis

How did African Americans maintain their faith when dealing with harsh treatment? How were many African Americans able to resist retaliating and maintain their Christianity? In reading: “As the Lord Lives, He is One of Our Mother’s Children” I often found myself asking that same question.

While Reverend Stevens could have made $1,500, he found it in his heart to cover Stone's back and keep him safe in hiding, until all of the commotion blew over and he could safely escape. This display of kindness and care is expected of a reverend.
I agree that Rev. Stevens’ Christian behavior was to be expected. I also think that it was rather easy for him to act with integrity. In my opinion, most reverends do not go into ministry for the money so I do not think it was that difficult for him to ignore receiving a reward for turning in Jim. However, I do think that it was hard to show bravery and courage to harbor a fugitive when he was responsible for the safety of his son. I think it if he waivered at turning in Jim it would have been to protect his son not out of greed or malicious intent to cause Jim harm. Although I think that Rev. Stevens also thought of the example he would be not only setting for his son, but for the example, he was setting for his flock. How could he send an innocent man to face an unjust punishment and still be able to minister to his congregation?

After all Stevens did for Stone out of the love in his heart, Stone knew he had to save him and his son. Therefore, he works and works to get the tree off the track, with the love and support through prayers from God. In his final moments alive, Stone is one on one with God, praying for help and salvation. Stone then gets struck by the train, taking his life to save the lives of Stevens and Flip. Both men found it in their hearts to sacrifice their safety through God's faith and love to save the other.
I agree the Stone/ Jim wanted to help Rev. Stevens and his son because of the kindness he showed him. In addition, I also think that Jim helped them because that is what he wanted someone to do for him. Jim wanted and needed someone to help him when an angry mob burned his wife and son out of pure hate. Jim showed God’s love by sacrificing himself for someone else. By doing this final act in his life I believe that Jim was forgiving everyone that had wronged him and his family. This final act released any bitterness and unforgivness that he still harbored. He made peace and was able to move on to the next life.

I wonder how people of their time still managed to have faith in God despite all of the turmoil and hard times they faced.
In response to your initial question, I believe many people held onto their faith because they grasped an important Christian concept and belief. They had an eternal mindset. Their focus was not on the natural world of earth, but their focus was on heaven and the next life they would spend with Their Lord and Savior. Like Uncle Tom, in Uncle Tom’s Cabin, they also knew that in order to achieve and keep their salvation they needed to continue to act accordingly to reach heaven. I believe they knew one day they would be reunited with their loved ones in heaven. I also believe that this was a big incentive.