Fanny Crosby: Heartfelt Gratitude

I was now, I think it may be said without vanity, considered as the poet laureate of our Institution; and the teachers evidently determined to make a first-class writer of me, if cultivation could do it. I was taught all the intricacies of verse, until I began to wonder that the subject which I had considered as a very simple, easy sort of thing, had so many complications. I was taught to analyze, to parse, to scan, to write in different measures ; and began to worry lest I should disappoint the high expectations that the phrenologist had raised.

Among the most potential aids I received at the time, was that from a gentleman named Hamilton Murray. Mr. Murray claimed that he could not write poetry, but could teach others how to do so; and as pupils in that branch of study were not numerous, he seemed to take especial pleasure in giving me prosodical instruction. He had a poetic temperament, and a fine rich voice: and hour after hour he would read me some of the grandest poems he could find in English literature.

This, as you may readily imagine, was a luxurious feast: and a benefit. Mr. Murray also encouraged me to imitate, as nearly as I could, the different poetical masters of that day—as Bryant, Willis, etc. He pointed out, with much delicacy, the different defects in my literary style, and tried his best to remove them. With rare faithfulness, and with much kindness, considering that his pupil was not a rich man’s daughter, but a poor blind girl just starting in life, he toiled for my benefit; and though I could not pay him in money, he had my heartfelt gratitude.”

Fanny J. Crosby (1820-1915) in Fanny Crosby's Life-Story, by Herself (New York: Every Where Publishing Company, 1903) 53-54. This is the fifth of seven posts from this book. Download it in PDF form freely here.

I fly to Florida today to visit my parents. It's extra special as today is my mom's birthday. Happy Birthday, Patricia "Patsy" Hoag. I love you. With us, enjoy Praise Him, Praise Him.

I chose this hymn for today because of the backstory linked to it.

Fanny wrote it in 1869 for the "Sunday School Movement" as a joyful, energetic tool to teach children how to worship.

I thank God today for my mom, whose passion to sing fueled my own enthusiasm to worship God in song since my childhood.

Consider the two characters in today's post. We can learn from both.

Praise God for the example of Hamilton Murray. He toiled for Fanny's benefit. She was a poor blind girl with talent and he invested in her.

Are you like Hamilton?

God has given you the ability to teach, so you pour yourself into promising pupils. Keep doing it though you may never live to see the impact!

Do you think he knew she would go on to write over 8,000 hymns? Of course not! But with "rare faithfulness and with much kindness" he taught her.

Or maybe you can identify with Fanny today?

Someone believed in you and helped you in tangible ways. I recall how Barnabas supported the Apostles in the Book of Acts. Or how Hamilton helped Fanny.

But maybe like Fanny, you are not a rich man’s child, but a poor needy person. You cannot possibly repay them with anything but "heartfelt gratitude."

Speaking of heartfelt gratitude, I conclude today with a bonus poem.

I have a person in my life who is like a Barnabas to me. He is a dear spiritual friend and fellow fly fisherman. His name is Kent.

In a recent interchange he shared this poem with me. It touched me deeply. I share it because it captures the idea of Fanny's heartfelt gratitude.

If You Have Nothing

by Jessica Powers

The gesture of a gift is adequate.

If you have nothing: laurel leaf or bay,

no flower, no seed, no apple gathered late,

do not in desperation lay

the beauty of your tears upon the clay.

No gift is proper to a Deity;

no fruit is worthy for such power to bless.

If you have nothing, gather back your sigh,

and with your hands held high, your heart held high,

lift up your emptiness!

Whether we can identify with Hamilton or Fanny, we are all poor and needy before God. So together let us lift up your emptiness with heartfelt gratitude to Him.

Simultaneously, let us ask God to bless the people in our lives who have served like Hamilton and resolve to look for Fanny's that we might serve.