Who we are today is the sum total of the experiences, convictions, dedication, beliefs and sacrifices of our spiritual lineage and knowing their stories develops in us a sense of identity. Our shared history shapes our identity, our identity builds our purpose and our purpose determines our mission in life. The past, present and future are all inextricably tied together and knowing how God guided in the stories of our past helps us understand how we can also live in the future at a time when religious and civil liberties will once again be stripped away.