Fanny Crosby: Remember

I went, readily enough; supposing that a new ode or other kind of lyric was to be ordered, to the honor of some distinguished person or event: and, perhaps, a little proudly, stood before the Superintendent, at his desk, awaiting his wishes, and hoping that I could find time, among my other duties, to accord to them.

His very first words were a most emphatic surprise, and fully disposed of my theory that I was to write a new poem by request.

"Fanny," he said, "your—your attempts at poetry, have brought you into prominence here in the school, and a great deal of flattery has been the result. Shun a flatterer, Fanny, as you would a snake. Now, I am going to give you some clean truth, which may hurt just now, but will be of great use one of these days.

“As yet, you know very little about poetry, or, in fact, anything else—compared to what there is to be known. You have almost all of it yet to learn.

"Do not think too much about rhymes, and the praises that come for them. Store your mind with useful knowledge and think more of what you can be, than of how you can appear.

"The favor and laudation of the world, Fanny, is a very fragile thing upon which to depend. Try to merit the approval of God, and of yourself, as well as that of your fellow-creatures.

"Remember that the very air you breathe—the very food you eat—all the ability or talent that you may develop—come from God.

"Remember that you are always in His presence: and who has any right to be vain for a moment, when standing before the great Owner and Creator of all things?”

He talked to me in this way, kindly but firmly, for perhaps five minutes; and at the end of that time he had convinced me that instead of being the great poet Fanny Crosby, I was really the ignorant young school-girl, who as yet knew scarcely anything whatever.

His words were bombshells in the camp of my self—congratulatory thoughts: but they did me an immense amount of good. Something said to me, "He tells the truth, Fanny, and it is all for your own benefit.”

Still, the hot tears came to my eyes, as perhaps they would have done to those of any ambitious girl: and I naturally felt much pain and mortification at his words. But a reaction of feeling soon took place: and going around behind his chair, and putting my arms around his neck, I kissed him on the forehead.

“You have talked to me as my father would have talked, were he living," I said, ''and I thank you for it, over and over again. You have given me a lesson that I might have had to learn through bitter experience, and I shall profit by it."

Fanny J. Crosby (1820-1915) in Fanny Crosby's Life-Story, by Herself (New York: Every Where Publishing Company, 1903) 36-38.

This is the third of seven posts from this book. Download it in PDF form freely here. For today’s hymn, enjoy Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross.

Remember is the operative word today. Fanny spent decades at the New York Institution of the Blind, now known as the New York Institute for Special Education.

As Fanny's fame grew larger, her superintendent wanted her to remain humble and remember the Owner and Creator of all things, including her and her abilities. She received his advice rightly.

We all do well to follow her example.

God has given each of us the ability to be productive with the gifts and resources we possess. We can do it for ourselves or we can surrender ourselves to God and allow Him to work through us in unfathomable ways.

Yesterday I mentioned William Doane, who inspired her to write something called "Rescue the Perishing." I want you to know more about him. He was a fascinating American industrialist, inventor, and musical prodigy.

He treated composing not as a job, but as a lifelong spiritual passion—his "avocation"—while making his living as a highly successful businessman.

Perhaps you can relate? You do well financially in your business or vocation, but you give your heart to some spiritual passion, some avocation, that glorifies God. And you find joy working with someone in full-time ministry. That's all good! Do it!

As the story goes, one day William came to Fanny with a tender reflective tune.

Upon hearing him play the notes, Crosby folded her hands, paused, and stated that the music felt like a prayer rising up from her soul. She added that the melody distinctly spoke the words to her: "Jesus, keep me near the cross." The rest is history.

She penned today's song. Enjoy it. And pray this prayer with me today.

Jesus, keeps me near the cross. Help me remember that everything I have, including my ability to produce wealth, comes from You. I surrender myself and my abilities to You. Work through me like You did with Fanny and William, I pray. Amen.