Uncle Tom

Whenever I hear someone called “Uncle Tom,” I get upset. It is not meant to be a complement. Uncle Tom was an example of strength, courage, faith, and love. If someone called me “Uncle Tom” I would feel highly complemented. Uncle Tom was a slave, and his body belonged to Simon Legree.

Legree:         Aren’t you mine, now, body and soul?
                     ...
Tom:             No! No! My soul isn’t yours, . . .

And so began the terrible punishment of Tom by Simon Legree. The attempt to break Tom’s spirit, to destroy his soul continued in vain until Legree lost control and ended up beating Tom to death.

And shortly before Tom’s death:

Tom: Master, if you were sick, or in trouble, or dying, and I could save you, I’d give you my heart’s blood; and, if taking every drop of blood in this poor old body would save your precious soul, I’d give them freely, as the Lord gave his for me.

Tom’s body belonged to Legree, but his soul was his own. His own and God’s. I only wish I could feel that I could live up to this strength of character. Tom was an example of true Christian love.

If someone calls you an “Uncle Tom” just say:

“Have you read the book? Thank you for the complement.”

Footnotes:
1. Uncle Tom’s Cabin - I have taken the liberty of using current, proper English.

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