Finding Strength in the Past

Whenever I am troubled by something, or need answers, I look to the past.  In this case in the form of Frederick Douglass, a man born to slavery.  True, there are differences in our lives and times, but there are also similarities.  Douglass in his autobiography spoke of bondage.  I, of course, expected a physical bondage, men whiped into staying slaves.  I was wrong.  Yes, he described the phyiscal challenges of being a slave.  But he also explained that it wasn't just the physical punishment, but fear as well that kept men and women slaves for so many years.
I apply that same reasoning to the things that challenge us now.  For example, I work with a man who decided to quit his job in order to pursue his dreams as a director of films.  I thought, he's crazy.  He is, afterall, a man over 50 with a family to support.  He has no savings.  His wife does not work.  And they have a 13 year old son.  He'll have no unemployment.  I guess he figured what I was thinking because he pointed out, if not now, when do I pursue my dreams?
Is it selfish of him to do so?  At the time, I thought so, but now, I'm not sure. 
Frederick Douglass described men and women who stayed in slavery because they feared punishment.  Some stayed because they feared what was on the other side of their world.  And then there were those who feared leaving the ones they loved behind.  And those who enslaved them exploted that fact, pointing out passages in the bible that sayed the slaves should also fear God.  In the end, they suffered greatly, living and dying without ever having lived.
I look at my life.  I spent my early years with the noble intentions of caring for my parents as they aged.  I was able to do so with my mother, providing much comfort to her as she transitioned to Heaven.  Not so with my father, and yet I suffered unberablebly by his hands.  After reading about the life of Frederick Douglass, I was forced to question my motives.  I would not have taken what I've taken from any other person.  So what are my motives: Fear.  Fear of what would happen if I leave. 
What have I learned from Frederick Douglass, a man born in 1819.  A man who endevored to leave slavery many times, and finally suceeded.  I learned to take that step into the unknown.  To leave my fear at the door.  And so with that in mind, I was happy to sign a lease for a brand new apartment.
Is it scary?  You bet.  I've lived at home or with my husband my entire life, minus 3 months.  And so, when I awaken in the middle of the night, and find myself alone.  I shall think of the journey Frederick Douglass made when he finally escaped slavery.  He left with few pennies in his pocket.  He left with the uncertainty of what lied ahead.  He left with not a friend waiting for him.  Yet he did it.  And now, over 100 years later, I too will make my own journey.