17 Comments

ERIN. This might be my favorite thing I've read. Besides, I think we might be virtual BFFS--I relate to most things you say/like/do (is that weird to say? oh well, maybe I'm weird) :D As someone who has been teaching/directing/investing in theatre for my whole life, and who helps run a kids' performing arts group---the power of moments in theatre is something that is so hard to explain. I've been carrying your words with me since I read them, and keep weeping every time I think of this---having now seen it a couple of times in the movie. The quiet, his face crumbling, the beauty of the grace of that moment. oof. Thanks for putting words to this moment. <3

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I am so happy you re-published this. I remember reading it the first time in tears. This is a treasure!

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Thanks, Erika!

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Thank you Erin! You put words to exactly what I felt both times I was fortunate enough to see Hamilton in person. I cannot wait until Friday - Forgiveness, can you imagine? Ugh, even typing that now gives me goosebumps. Hoping my kid loves it as much as I do....

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Crossing my fingers and toes for you!

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I'm in tears. I love the idea of thin places; I'd never heard that terminology before reading this. Thank you for sharing, Erin. Anxiously awaiting Friday...

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Thank you, Anne! Once you know about thin places they are everywhere!

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So good. I can’t listen to some of the songs in my car because I weep uncontrollably. I haven’t seen the show in person, and I’m so excited for Friday! And my children mocking me while I watch for crying uncontrollably.

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Let them mock!

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I am anxiously awaiting tomorrow. You are the best of salespeople for Hamilton. My previous favorite words on thin places (before reading this beautiful manifesto) were, "I feel God in this Chili's tonight."

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LOL YES! That is the perfect thin place! 😆

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Oh my word, I had such a similar experience when I saw Hamilton. That song, those lyrics!! I cannot wait until Friday, and I just love all of the things you write, say, etc.!

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Ah, thank you!

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Your post, It Good. Like, I want to save this post forever and reread it often. I laughed, I cried, it became a part of me. I'm about to forward it to my Hamilton-loving children.

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It sounds like you've raised your children correctly SO CONGRATS.

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A hearty AMEN to ALL OF THIS. But especially the thin places. And finding God in all the places. I am sad for the people I know who struggle to see the beauty and the grace in something like this and can only hear the swear words and other things they find objectionable. I listened to the music so much before seeing this that it was hard for me to enjoy hearing other voices singing the songs when I saw the production - this is an affliction that has plagued me in other productions but never as much as this one. I also want to express my profound gratitude that they had the wisdom to record this so it would not be lost like so many other great original performances. Why has this not been prioritized before? Lastly, I had to endure someone singing along to the show when I saw it in Chicago which I feel sure we can all agree is not loving your neighbor.

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Oh that's a BIG OLD NOPE, and you sound like a better Christian than I am for tolerating that.

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