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I’m a huge fan of the musical Hamilton. Two lines and themes in the show resonate with me: “History has its eyes on you” and “Who tells your story?” These lines suggest the desire to be remembered, to live well and to have our stories told.

They make me wonder how my children will see me. Will I be known as their mom only, or will there be other parts of me they see and emulate? Will they want to tell my story to their children and grandchildren?

While the role of wife and mother is important to me, there is more to living well than that. Following Jesus is part of living well. My faith follows me throughout my days. It clings to me when I read about injustice, violence and war. I come alive when I write or talk about injustices in our world. It grieves me when people are apathetic or lack compassion, especially Christians.

I hope my girls tell my story by first loving and serving God, then loving and serving people. How do you hope history remembers you? How do you want your story told?

This message is excerpted from “History has its eyes on you” by Susie Brekke from the May 25, 2017, blog of the Women of the ELCA. Today we commemorate Nicolaus Ludwig von Zinzendorf, renewer of the church, hymnwriter, 1760.