Fanny Crosby: Fake Newsand Real Responsibilities

People do not always stop to reflect that a poem is not an anecdote, or a table of statistics; and that an incident so near and interesting to them that they consider it worthy an epic, might be almost ridiculous to the world at large, if set in rhyme.

But there was and is no lack of events well worthy any poet's best endeavor, and I found them frequently. I remember one evening, as I was going through the street, with a party of friends, we heard newsboys proclaiming the death of Daniel Webster, and offering papers for sale with full accounts of the melancholy event.

"You must write a poem on the subject at once, Fanny," every one said, "while the inspiration of the sad event is on.” I went to my room, and began the mournful but (to me) interesting task. I remember commencing as follows

“A casket has broken—a jewel has fled

The mighty has fallen—the peerless is dead

And the heart of the nation is bleeding once more,

For her eagle lies low on her desolate shore!"

I was just repeating this stanza over to my friends, so as to gather from it inspiration for the next, when a gentleman, who had come into the room in time to hear it, exclaimed, "O Fanny! Fanny! the heart of the nation isn’t bleeding, or the casket broken, or the eagle lying dead on the desolate shore! That news was all a 'get-up' to sell papers: Webster isn't dead ! Don't let the poem go on any farther: you might kill him yet!”

I was personally glad to know that the great expounder of the Constitution "still lived”; but must say that my "muse" was a little disappointed, at having plumed herself for flight, and been ruthlessly brought down to earth again by Mr. Webster's oversight in not dying.”

Fanny J. Crosby (1820-1915) in Fanny Crosby's Life-Story, by Herself (New York: Every Where Publishing Company, 1903) 94-95.

Today marks the sixth of seven post from this book. Download it in PDF form freely here. Today enjoy, Safe in the Arms of Jesus.

This was one of Fanny's favorite hymns. It gained national prominence when it was played at the funeral of U.S. President Ulysses S. Grant on 8 August 1885.

Think about it. Someone had to write the song for moments like that.

In today's Scripture we see Jesus remind the disciples that greatness in His kingdom links to service. The greatest among you get to be the servant of all.

As Fanny's renown grew, this describes her experience. We notice that she was expected to write some amazing verse to memorialize historic moments.

We also notice that fake news is not a new thing. People spread lies in the past to sell papers. The same sad condition continues today.

Despite the fake news, Fanny's real responsibilities come into view and serve as a lesson for all of us today.

If God blesses us with any greatness or any renown, we must see it simply as a platform for serving people humbly and giving God glory.

And I am sure people thought Fanny could just snap her fingers and a remarkable verse would appear. No, she had to do real hard work, day in and day out!

The world tells us to use greatness for personal gain and glory, like the so called 'Benefactors' in today's Scripture. Not so for disciples of Jesus or for Fanny!

Her greatness emerged in her generous service. May we all go and do likewise with the skills God has given us and the doors He opens before us.

Let's pray this and make it personal.

Father in heaven, help me by your Holy Spirit to use any greatness or renown as an opportunity to serve others and glorify you. Do this I ask in the name of Jesus. Amen.