Grace is Given

    We were given an assignment for Sharon's English class. We were in a unit learning about braille. We were talking about how braille is what blind people use to read. We met a young lady that had learned from the braille system but uses better technology now for most things.Then we got to Fanny Crosby. Fanny was diagnosed blind at 6 weeks old. There is speculation that she was born that way. Her parents believed it was due to a fever. she had written over 9,000 poems and lyrics for songs in her lifetime. Our assignment was to pick our favorite hymn.
    This assignment was easy for Sharon. She loves music. I let her listen to a few. However, I knew her favorite was "To God be the Glory". Fanny had a unique prospective on her blindness. It was the reason that they chose her for this particular unit. She viewed he blindness as a gift. As young as 8 years old she had wrote about the joy of her first sight being her Savior. She also was pretty sure she would be distracted by all the worldly beauty if not for her blindness. Her fear in this was that she would of lost her ability to write efficiently. She was meant for this purpose in her mind. She wouldn't have changed it. It is what caused her great joy in her life. She knew whatGrace was given to her and why.
     Fanny had struggles in her life. She was blind. It was at the turn of the 20th century. It was not an easy life. Here is the kicker, she had no expectations for one. When one is outfitted with blindness you expect struggle. You expect work. Fanny worked hard all her life for the church. Although she lived comfortably she gave most of her money to support the church, poverty stricken neighborhoods. She had lived in that neighborhood to be of service. Fanny lived a long life of service to the Lord.
     A person probably saw her walking down the street of that poor neighborhood. They were probably sad for her. However, knowing what we know Fanny's life was exceptional. It wasn't that she accomplished a lot of things. Her name is on a lot of songs and writings. I am here writing about her today even. It was the sight she had. Fanny had the best vision in life. She didn't look to this place for her comfort. She looked to her Savior. Although we were not given the same Grace as Fanny. Each of us has a different purpose. We can appreciate the ability to be blind to this world and have a clear vision of God's eternal love.

Some of Fanny's work:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ymrZO1PZbU4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMFM-lpzCC0


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_nIRLD_5gE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEOtFEs0Jos&list=PLYFFDf-5H3xCqnih72z9wS2Lel_pTkEZW

Most of songs are like this. In complete awe of the wonderful Grace that has been bestowed upon her. Keep in mind while you listen to the music: She was blind, the world was dark to her. Listen and see if you hear any darkness in her heart or words. God Bless.