This past week I listened to a devotional from Sing — The Worship Initiative, and it stayed with me long after it ended. It invited me into the life and witness of Fanny Crosby—a saint of song, a theologian of grace, and a quiet hero of our faith.
Fanny Crosby wrote more than 8,000 hymns, poems, and gospel songs. Many of her words still rise from our lips today:
“Blessed Assurance,”
“To God Be the Glory,”
“All the Way My Savior Leads Me,”
“Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior,”
“Jesus Is Tenderly Calling.”
Songs that have crossed generations and sanctuaries—still telling the truth about who God is and how deeply He loves.
Blinded as an infant, Fanny never described her life as one of loss. Instead, she spoke of a holy gift—that her physical blindness sharpened her spiritual sight. Words became her eyes. Poetry became her window to the world. Song became the language through which she named God’s grace, mercy, and nearness.
Scripture reminds us:
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.”
— Lamentations 3:22–23
Fanny lived as though she believed this with her whole heart.
She once said that when she reached heaven, the first face she would ever see would be that of her Savior. And I can’t help but imagine the celebration when she arrived—David and the psalmists roaring with joy, heaven itself declaring,
“She’s home! To God be the glory! Great things He has done through Fanny Crosby!”
In a world always searching for the next new tune, may we not forget the songs that have already taught us how to believe. These hymns still breathe—still carry theology rich with grace and truth. They still shape our faith, steady our hope, and lift our eyes toward eternity.
May we continue to sing them, read them, and let them form our hearts.
And may our lives echo the same refrain—
To God be the glory.
Prayer:
Gracious God, thank You for the faithful witnesses who have gone before us. Thank You for Fanny Crosby and the way You turned her faith into song for generations. Teach us to see with eyes of faith, to steward the gifts You have given us, and to offer our lives back to You in worship. Anchor us in truth that endures, and let our words and songs bring glory to Your name. Amen.