“But thanks be to God, who gives the victory through our Lord Jesus.” - I Corinthians 15:57
Fanny Jane Crosby (1820-1915) was one of the most prolific of all 19th Century American song writers. By 1900 she was a household name. Throughout her 95 years she was a lobbyist, composer, teacher and lyricist who wrote hymns, poems and political songs. She was a mission worker who memorized the Bible. She met with political leaders and presidents, spoke to the U.S. Senate and to a joint session of the U.S. Congress.
As an infant at just six weeks old, Crosby developed an inflammation from a cold. Mustard poultices were used for treatment, which left her blind for the rest of her life. Crosby once said, “When I get to Heaven, the first face that I ever see will be of my savior Jesus Christ.”
Despite her blindness, Crosby wrote some of the most sufficient and lasting hymns in her lifetime. They could be found in churches all over the world as well as in schools for the blind, which were growing across the nation. Many of her songs are still used today in our praise to the Lord.
“I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.” - Psalm 146:2
Such hymns include “Jesus is Tenderly Calling,” “Safe in the Arms of Jesus,” “Lord Here Am I” and (arguably one of her most renowned) “Blessed Assurance Jesus is Mine.” It first appeared July 1873 in the Palmer Guide to Holiness and brings her perfect submission to God as expressed in Philippians 1:21 “for to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”
So much of Crosby’s life was spent in Brooklyn, New York in her work with missions. She stated that she had a goal of winning a million people to Christ through her hymns. Whenever she wrote a hymn, she prayed it would bring to Christ the process she used.
“It may seem a little old-fashioned to always begin with prayer,” she once said, “but when I undertake a hymn I first ask the Lord to be my inspiration.”
In 1905, over 3,000 churches observed her 85th birthday.
Ten years later, on Feb. 12, 1915, Fanny Jane Crosby passed into the arms of her savior. A national day of mourning was observed.
Crosby lived a life of faith and dedication. This Feb. 12 will mark 111 years since her passing. I believe that she still shines the light of the word of the Lord on us through her hymns and writings. Even today, her words “praising my savior all the day long” remind us Christ is always with us.
“His Lord said to him, well done good and faithful servant, you were faithful over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord.” - Matthew 25:21
Grace and peace be with you.
Tom Leach lives in Whitesboro and is an active member of the First United Methodist Church of Whitesboro.