Those who have been nurtured by hymns in their Christian faith owe a debt of gratitude to the likes of Fanny Crosby. It is estimated that she wrote more than eight thousand songs in her lifetime. Most of them have been forgotten, but who can forget ‘’To God be the Glory,’’ ‘’Blessed Assurance,’’ “Praise Him, Praise Him,’’ ‘’Jesus Keep Me Near the Cross.’’ Her songs continue to inspire till today. A salient thing to note is that she did all these exploits through the infirmity of the flesh. When she was just six weeks old, she developed a minor eye inflammation. She was taken to a doctor who, through careless handling, left her permanently blind. All the things she ever accomplished were despite her condition.
“With right perspective, we can put a good construction on any aspect of life and go on to accomplish great things.”
How could someone so handicapped accomplish so much and remain an inspiration? The answer can be summed up in one word: perspective. Even in her state, she was thankful. In her biography she wrote: “It seemed intended by the blessed Providence of God that I should be blind all my life, and I thank Him for the dispensation.’’ The doctor who caused the damage did not forgive himself and had to change base. Fanny on her part said if she could meet him she would thank him over and again. Finally, we see perspective coming to light again when she wrote: “I could not have written thousands of hymns if I had been hindered by the distractions of seeing all the interesting and beautiful objects that would have been presented to my notice.’’ With right perspective, we can put a good construction on any aspect of life and go on to accomplish great things.