I love musical theatre. One of my favorites is “Les Misérables,” by Victor Hugo. Hugo lived in a time of great turmoil. The French Revolution was in its early development. People were living in poverty while their rulers partied the night away. Hugo’s father was a general in Napolean’s army making it necessary for the family to move often. He witnessed the ravages of war – the politics of it – the drain on society – and the effect it had on the common man. In the 1830s Hugo started to write his major study on social misery and injustice. It wasn’t until 18 years later that his novel reached completion.

The Song, “Who Am I,” came later and centers around a man who has been wrongfully accused, serves a sentence in prison, escapes from his bondage, loses his identity, finds a redeemer, makes a new life and uses it to serve others.  This lovely story isn’t just about revolution, it’s about forgiveness and redemption.  Sounds kind of like the struggles of all our lives, doesn’t it?

I’ve often wondered about my purpose in this life. Who am I? I’ve lived a fairly average life. I’ve experienced things that most folks endure. I married my high school sweetheart. We raised three children. We struggled financially many times. We have three exceptional grandchildren. We experienced wealth for a few years too, but there isn’t much difference. I’m a writer, a poet, a sometimes artist, performer, theatre instructor and fairly healthy. I like to consider myself an encourager, but often find I’m the one who needs encouragement. I was raised as a Christian in a Lutheran church, I never really understood what a relationship with God meant until was older. Sin was often the topic of the sermons I heard as a child, with very little hope for salvation.

So far, my life sounds pretty boring, but that’s a good thing. Since I’m getting close to the end of it, I wonder if there is more I should do before my last breath. Jean Val Jean, the hero of “Les Misérables,” was serving a prison sentence for stealing a loaf of bread to feed his hungry family. He escaped and made a new life for himself. It was a life devoted to helping others through their adversities. Always, in the back of his mind, he struggled with being found by the officer who pursued him all his life.

We may suffer with some past sins, which come back to haunt us from time to time. We wonder how we can ever be forgiven from those trespasses. For those who trust in God’s plan for their life, we can be assured that our salvation has been paid for in full. Instead of seeing our sins, God, the Father sees only His Son and the cost He paid for our redemption.

Who am I?  I am a redeemed child of the One and only God.  I am guaranteed a place in heaven.  I am a witness to his love for me through His Holy Word.  The world will be an evil place until Christ returns, but we have a new life waiting to begin every day,

WHO ARE YOU?