“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

“‘Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus, Just to take Him at His Word; just to rest upon His promise; just to know, ‘Thus saith the Lord.’ Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him! How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er!  Oh, for grace to trust Him more!”

We are living in perilous times in this great nation. Daily, we must apply strength, courage, and an unbreakable trust in the Almighty God. We must keep the principles and virtues that made us a great nation if God is to continue favoring us. One of those principles is unwavering trust in Him. Proverbs 3:5 encourages us to “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding.”

Louisa M.R. Stead composed the lyrics to the above hymn during the lowest time in her life. Accompanied by her husband and 4-year-old daughter Lily, they traveled to Long Island, New York. During a family picnic near the banks of water, they heard a drowning little boy’s cries for help. Her husband quickly swam out to rescue the little boy. Tragically, they both drowned as Louisa and Lily looked on in horror. It was from this tragic experience that she penned these words: “I’m so glad I learned to trust thee, precious Jesus, Savior, friend; and I know that Thou art with me, wilt be with me to the end.”

Do you have the courage to place absolute trust in God like the songwriter?  It is easy during pleasant times, but how about when it is time to stand for what we believe? The Bible tells us that we will suffer persecution – but to be of good cheer. When we live pleasing to God, we can wholeheartedly place our confidence and reliance in Jesus.

Another verse in the hymn says, “Yes, ‘tis sweet to trust in Jesus, just from sin and self to cease.”  He cares for us, but we are expected to do our part. I John 2:28 “And now, little children abide in him; that when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.” Full trust in Jesus is built over time and comes from a life that trusts Him not only for the little things but also for life’s larger issues.

Isaiah 26:3-4 – “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the Lord forever: for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength.” Indeed, it is so sweet to fully trust in Jesus.

By C Smith

Howard Walter penned this poem, that was later put to music, from Japan in 1906. As a hymn, it is titled: “I Would Be True;” but Walter titled the poem as: “My Creed.” These words truly inspire, challenge, and show us how to improve our own lives to this day.

“I would be true, for there are those who trust me; I would be pure, for there are those who care; I would be strong for there is much to suffer; I would be brave for there is much to dare; I would look up, and laugh, and love, and lift.”

Walter was born in Connecticut in August of 1883. He graduated from Princeton with honors and continued to Japan to teach the English language. He then returned to the United States to become a minister and volunteered to work in India.

Walter had sent his poem to his mother, and after she submitted it to Harper’s magazine, it was published. Sadly, all his life, Walter suffered from a heart condition that he succumbed to at the age of thirty-five during the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic.

“I would be prayerful through each passing moment; I would be constantly in touch with God; I would be strong to follow where He leads me; I would have faith to keep the path Christ trod.”

Is this your Creed, as it was this young man’s? We can all use this song to guide our actions. “Ye shall know them by their fruits, every good tree bringeth forth good fruit, but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.” (Matthew 7:26-27)

The Church of God teaches a life free from sin that can bring forth good fruit, no matter what this world faces! Let this be our creed: Be true, be brave, have love, and keep the path Christ trod. Let us stand up and be counted as Christians.

By C. Smith

“I trust in Him, though disasters grim before me seem to be; He calms my fears and He dries my tears, and FAITHFUL is to me! No matter what happens He will care for Me! “ –“He Will Care For Me,” C.W. Naylor

What a message of hope! We are told in God’s word to “Cast all your care upon Him; for He careth for you!” (I Peter 5:7) The above inspirational song lyrics were written by a man who had many reasons to be cast-down. But C.W. Naylor refused to let his own despondency prevent him from achieving happiness.

Charles, born in 1874, lost his mother at the young age of eight and was sent to his grandparent’s home to be raised. Throughout his life, he had anemia, kidney issues, and other health problems. At age twenty, after attending various religious services, he was born again through the message of salvation. He had searched the scriptures looking for something that would free him from sin and give him power to overcome. (Another song he later wrote is entitled “Be An Overcomer.”)

Naylor was married two different times, but each wife soon made him a widower. Then, while still a young man, he was involved two separate accidents which led to many injuries and left him totally bed-ridden.

Despite suffering terrible grief coupled with constant health issues which led to permanent disability, he kept confidence in his Father. He was daily in pain, yet became a prolific songwriter. He has, for over a century, encouraged and lifted many a discouraged soul through his songs of faith, hope, and confidence. No matter our distress or difficulty, our trust should remain undisturbed in God!

The Church of God hymnal includes many hymns penned by Charles Naylor who also wrote other inspiring literature (Secret of Being Strong, and Secret of the Singing Heart). Friend, at times when your faith is struggling, remember God’s compassionate care for you. He looks down on each trial and will bring you through if you trust Him.

“I will not fear for the Lord is near, and He will care for me!”

-by C Smith