A Scene as the Slavery Issue Heats Up

Sown in Dark Soil, my next novel in the Appalachian Series that's at the publisher's now, begins in 1854. Ivy and Leah Morgan have grown up on a plantation in Anson County, North Carolina, but the two sisters couldn't be more different. Ivy is the classic beauty with golden hair, blue eyes, and porcelain skin. She approves of slavery, loves social functions, and is used to the attention of all the men. She expects to get her way using her beauty. Leah has dark brown hair, green eyes, and is pretty but doesn't know it. She loves to learn and enjoys tasks around the plantation. While Ivy is their mother's favorite, Leah is their father's. 

In 1854, the chasm is growing between the North and the South over issues like slavery and states' rights, and the novel reflects both points of view. The following is an excerpt from a sermon given at a church the main characters attend in Salisbury, North Carolina:

Reverend Thompson used Matthew 7:13-14 to say many of those seated in the churches around the world would be flabbergasted one day to learn they'd not made it into heaven. "It's not so much what you do, although that's important," he told them. "The real criteria is that you've accepted Christ into your life and allowed Him to change you. You've got to change your ways and give total control to God, and most of us refuse to give up control. We want to shape our own future. Well, let me tell you, dear folks, God does a much better job of shaping our futures than we do."

"Do you recall when Jesus tried to show the Pharisees their attitudes were warped. They thought they were pious people in God's good graces. They certainly knew the scriptures, practiced all the rituals, and upheld the laws of Moses, but their attitudes were wrong. They were self-righteous and did nothing from a loving heart. How is your heart this morning? Do you love others as much as yourselves? Do you have a servant's heart?

"I truly believe many more of those slaves up there," he pointed to the balcony, "will make it to Heaven than you down here in the fancy clothes and fat pockets. They've been taught to be humble, and they know how to serve. They're more like Jesus than many of you."

There was a hugh gasp from the congregation, and over half of them got up and angrily walked out. Ivy and Francis looked to Dr. Moretz and Luke to see if they would also leave. The men stayed seated.

Did he just say the slaves are better than most of us?" Frances whispered in disbelief.

"I guess that cleared out those who are not serious about following Christ and are just sitting on the premises rather than standing on the promises," the pastor said....

"Well, that will be the end of Reverend Thompson in this church," Frances said, when they entered the Moretz home. "I guess he might be able to find a church up north somewhere."

"I fear you're right," Dr. Moretz said, "but I respect the man more than I can put into words. What a courageous thing to do."

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