Fanny Crosby’s hymn “Saved by Grace” is one of over 8,000 hymns which she wrote under her name and numerous pen names. She was blind from infancy yet lived a long and active life as a preacher, teacher, lobbyist, wife and mother. No computers to help her write. No televisions to spread her works. No large monetary rewards for her work.

She was a life-long Christian who poured her soul into her music. “Saved by Grace” was originally written as personal hymn for herself, not to be published. When D.L. Moody asked her to make some off-the-cuff remarks at a Bible Conference, she recited this poem.

This is what she said to the audience: “There is one hymn I have written which has never been published. I call it my soul’s poem. Sometimes when I am troubled, I repeat it to myself, for it brings comfort to my heart.” (Then Sings My Soul, Robert J. Morgan, page 215).

The words were inspired by a sermon preached by her friend Dr. Howard Crosby. The message relayed the thought that no Christian should fear death because God’s grace teaches us to live and will also teach us how to die. After this talk, the hymn was published and added to her long repertoire.

Quite a remarkable woman of God, she gave away most of what she earned to support the Rescue Missions in some of New York City’s toughest neighborhoods. Fanny Crosby wrote hymns right up to the night before she died at the age of 95. Amazing!

Her poet’s eyes see the power and majesty of God. Her timeless music brings comfort and healing to souls over 100 years after her death. Her poems and hymns tell of God’s unconditional love for us. They reflect her love for God and her joy at the prospect of eternal life in His presence. Take a moment and reflect on what it will be like to “see Him face to face.”

Terri