“If I had a choice, I would still choose to remain blind; for when I die, the first face I will ever see will be the face of my blessed Savior.” Fanny Crosby, a song writer of many spiritual hymns and blind for most her life, stated these words. She was devoted to Christ and through her writing, did all she could to win others to the Lord. She is one of the most revered female song writers from the 1800’s.

Crosby wrote over 8,000 hymns, poems, and lyrics, many that we receive joy from today. She was a true mission worker for souls. Through her music, many have realized their need for Christ and knelt at an alter with conviction on their heart.

Frances Jane Crosby was born near New York City in the year of 1820. Her parents were presumed to be first cousins, possibly the reason for her   blindness. When she was six weeks old, she caught a cold and developed inflammation in her eyes. Due to this and the congenital issues, she was termed blind from birth. Her father died when she was six months old and she was raised by her mother and grandmother. While she was still a child, doctors diagnosed her with permanent blindness and told her mother she would never be able to see.

Fanny used this blindness to her advantage. She honed her brain by memorizing the Bible, playing multiple instruments, and developing a beautiful soprano voice. She was the first woman to speak before the United States Senate and a lobbyist for the blind.

Fanny Crosby’s song, “Rescue the Perishing” reads: “Rescue the perishing, care for the dying, snatch them in pity from sin and the grave; Weep o’er the erring one, lift up the fallen, tell them of Jesus the mighty to save. Down in the human heart, crushed by the tempter, feelings lie buried that grace can restore; touched by a loving heart, wakened by kindness, chords that are broken will    vibrate once more. Rescue the perishing, duty demands it; strength for thy labor the Lord will provide; back to the narrow way patiently win them; tell the poor wand’rer a Savior has died. Rescue the perishing, care for the dying; Jesus is merciful, Jesus will save. “

The only thing we can take with us to heaven is another soul that we helped rescue. Fanny’s epitaph read, “She hath done what she could.” Fanny was blind and did not let this hinder her. We can follow her example to win souls for Christ.

by C Smith