Heavenly Vision

Known as the “queen of gospel song writers,” Fanny Crosby (1820-1915) wrote more than 9,000 Christian hymns, including “Blessed Assurance” and “Safe in the Arms of Jesus.” Blind from a young age, she developed a love for poetry and Scripture, memorizing about five chapters of the Bible each week. Crosby was the first woman to speak in the U.S. Senate, lobbying to support education for the blind. She also was an abolitionist who made friends with several presidents.

A well-meaning pastor once told Crosby, “It is a great pity that the Master did not give you sight when he showered so many other gifts upon you.”

She responded that her blindness was a blessing she wouldn’t wish away. “When I get to heaven,” Crosby said, “the first face that shall ever gladden my sight will be that of my Savior.”

 Blessed Assurance, Jesus Is Mine!

Oh, What a Foretaste of Glory Divine!