God and HamiltonSýnishorn

The most recognized song from Hamilton, “My Shot,” focuses on a character trait Hamilton consistently embodied: he was a man of extraordinary initiative. “I am not throwing away my shot,” Hamilton sings throughout the story. This line could have been his life mantra.

Every time Hamilton faced a challenge, whether traveling to America, fighting in the Revolutionary War, or building a new government, he constantly took action. This bent-toward initiative determined the direction of his life at every turn.

Hamilton’s bent-toward initiative played a part in Washington selecting Hamilton to lead the American soldiers in the decisive battle of the Revolutionary War, the battle of Yorktown. With the British pinned down between American and French soldiers on land, and the French Navy by sea, Hamilton commanded the American attack that would end with the British surrender. Hamilton attacked with full force and overtook the British position in a matter of minutes. His leadership in the victory earned him a hero’s status throughout America, which would prove invaluable for his future career. Hamilton’s initiative played an indispensable role in America’s victory in the Revolutionary War. 

Every time we face a challenge, large or small, we are forced to reckon with this question: will we take initiative, or will we shrink back? Fear of failure, lack of confidence, and insecurities all conspire against us in that moment. Their voices ring out with surprising force. 

However, a voice stronger than our fear and insecurity lives inside all of us: the voice of the Spirit of God. This voice calls us forward and implores us to move, to take action, to do something. When we answer that voice we take slow and steady steps towards becoming the people God created us to be.