Who Tells Your Story?

“We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done.” (Psalm 78:4 ESV)

Like so many of my fellow Americans, I tuned into Disney+ on July 3, 2020 to watch the live cast recording of the hit musical, Hamilton. Our family had been fans of the soundtrack for a few years but had yet to see the play performed. While I still hope to sit in a theater for the live experience one day, I was mesmerized by the video version. Even though I was familiar with every song, my heart still swelled with each note, and I could hardly take my eyes off the screen.

It’s hard to pick a favorite song from the blockbuster show, but the final song held special meaning for me on my first viewing. “Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Tells Your Story?” is performed just after Vice President Aaron Burr kills Alexander Hamilton in a duel. The song features several prominent figures in Hamilton’s life, such as Burr, George Washington, and James Madison, recounting his accomplishments. The most striking part of the song comes when Hamilton’s widow, Eliza Schuyler, picks up the baton from these founding fathers to tell of all the ways she helped keep Alexander’s name and legacy alive during the fifty years she lived after his passing.

This song hit me particularly hard that night because just four days earlier, my paternal grandfather had died. Edmond Neveu lived to the age of ninety and had a remarkable life. He was married to my grandmother for over sixty years until her death in 2013. He was a devoted husband and father to six children. He ran his own contracting and architectural business. After retiring from his business, he became the building inspector for his hometown of Goffstown, New Hampshire. He was an accomplished skier, a world traveler, and an avid swimmer.

My grandfather lived a beautiful life. But it’s not his many accomplishments or adventures I will remember best. It’s the way he said my name and held out open arms each time I walked into his house. I’ll remember and tell of how he came to nearly every dance recital and how he and my grandmother made time to vacation with our family. I want my children to know he threw a great party, always welcoming the large extended family into his home with laughter and dancing. He was a man who exuded joy, and that is what I will remember most. That is the story I will tell of his legacy here on earth.

The hard reality is that few of us will be remembered here for more than a few generations after our passing. While I have no desire for fame or fortune, I desire to live a life my children and grandchildren will be proud to tell about, a life that oozed love, joy, kindness, connection, and faith.

Indeed, the best example we have of leaving behind a story worth telling is Jesus. It’s hard to fathom that Jesus would be remembered over two thousand years after he walked the earth as a lowly carpenter from a low-income family in first-century Israel. And yet the stories of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection have been preserved for thousands of years and are still some of the most studied topics today.

Jesus lived a life worth telling about. He disrupted systems of power, showed us what a deep and abiding faith looked like, and advocated for the marginalized people of his time. He lived a deeply connected life in fellowship with a group of trusted friends. His sacrifice endures to this day, continually drawing people to himself.

None of us will ever live a fully Christ-like life, but that doesn’t mean we should not aspire to live a story saturated with the love of Jesus.  When my family tells my account after I’m gone, I pray that my life will point to the endless love of God, much like my grandparents’ lives. I’m writing the story of my life each day with how I love my family and neighbors, how I serve my community, and how I freely give all that I have been given. I pray that, in the end, it’s a story worth telling.

Prayer

Lord, your story is the story we seek to emulate. Remind us of the ways you lived and loved in this world. Please help us to be more like you each day. Keep our legacy and witness for you at the forefront of our minds. Teach us to live stories steeped in love. Amen.

Scripture for Reflection

“One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts.” (Psalm 135:4 ESV)

“The righteous who walks in his integrity— blessed are his children after him!” (Proverbs 20:7 ESV)

“I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well. For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.” (2 Timothy 1:5-6 ESV)

Spend some time in quiet contemplation and prayer, asking God to reveal the legacy he is leading you to lead to bring him glory.

Reach for More

Is there someone you know who led a life filled with Christ-like love that left an impression on your life? Share their story with us on social media using the hashtag #tgtreachformore.

Lindsay Hufford is a small-scale farmer, home educator, chicken chaser, kitchen dancer, and mediocre knitter. Her favorite things include spending time with her family, exploring the natural world, reading, eating spicy food, and singing loudly in the car (to the embarrassment of her children). Lindsay believes sharing our stories will change the world. She writes about farming, homeschooling, faith, mental health, sobriety, and living an unconventional life. You can follow her adventures at peckandpetalfarm.com.

Photograph © Neel, used with permission