In the Walt Disney movie, Pinocchio, Jiminy Cricket sang “When you wish upon a star your dreams come true.” Many people have dreams, but how many people do what it takes to make their dreams come true?
Many African-American slaves looked to the North Star for their dream of freedom. They knew that this star pointed north, and that meant it pointed to liberty. But it took more than wishing upon this star for them to leave their bondage behind. It took courage and a willingness to act upon their dream. Danger from the elements and risk of capture haunted them at every turn. Sometimes they found help by compassionate people on the Underground Railroad.
The North Star was one of the most powerful aids to freeing slaves. Even a slave fleeing on his own could follow the North Star to freedom. This star could be found above the Big Dipper, which the slaves called the Drinking Gourd. If one followed the two stars on the end of the dipper, one could find the North Star.
Twelve-year-old slave Moses followed the North Star to his dream of freedom in my novel for kids, Dark Enough to See the Stars. God has given everyone a dream. May we all learn to follow the one He has given to us.