Fanny Crosby: Happyand Contented

Oh, what a happy child I am,

Although I cannot see

I am resolved that in this world

Contented I will be.

How many blessings I enjoy

That other people don't!

So weep or sigh because I'm blind,

I cannot, nor I won't

I quote this poem, it is needless to say, not on account of its literary style, or as anything very remarkable, except that it gives an indication of the spirit in which I have taken life throughout all these eighty-three years—of optimism, and of thankfulness because I had as many blessings as I did, rather than of repining because one was left out.”

Fanny J. Crosby (1820-1915) in Fanny Crosby's Life-Story, by Herself (New York: Every Where Publishing Company, 1903) 27.

This is the second of seven posts from this book. Download it in PDF form freely here. For today’s hymn, enjoy Rescue the Perishing.

Fanny could have allowed her blindness to lead her to discontentment. Instead, she looked at the blessings she received from God. This made her happy and contented.

What if you did that? What if you made a list of God's blessings alongside your challenges and chose to be happy and content with Fanny?

I chose the song "Rescue the Perishing" today for a reason.

Fanny often went to the rescue missions—particularly the New York City Bowery Mission—to speak to people struggling with severe poverty and addiction.

In August 1869, a few days before one of her visits to the mission, a composer named William H. Doane sent Fanny a suggested song theme based on today's Scripture, Luke 14:23. He suggested the title "Rescue the Perishing."

While sitting in the mission hall a few days later, looking at the broken lives around her and yet witnessing a young man's sudden transformation in response to her speaking, the title connected perfectly with her experience.

The line "Rescue the perishing, care for the dying" locked into her mind. She returned to her home that very night, immediately went to work, and finished the lyrics before going to sleep. Doane composed the musical tune for it the next day.

What's the lesson for us?

We must not only choose to live happy and contented as we have Christ. We are here to collaborate with each other like Fanny and William did and use our giftedness to rescue the perishing and care for the dying.

Ask God these questions today.

1. Who needs help around me, Lord?

Listen. Do whatever God says.