Fanny Crosby, Blind Hymnwriter

Terrible at Math, Gifted with Words
I was terrible at math, but I became very good at writing poems. In fact, all my friends spoiled me by praising my poetry all the time. My teacher, Mr. Jones, finally called me into his office and told me that I had listened to their flattery until I became too proud! Mr. Jones said I was talented, but my poems still needed work.

Then he asked me, "Fanny, have I hurt your feelings?"

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Something inside of me knew that this teacher was telling the truth, so I answered, "No, sir. You have talked to me like a father, and I thank you very much for it."

From then on, I tried my best not to allow the sin of pride in my heart.

My teachers helped me to write better poetry, and after a few years, I wrote poems for presidents and governors, and I recited my poems to them when they came to visit our school. Even when people liked my poems very much, I remembered my talk with Mr. Jones and I didn't let their flattering words make me proud.

Mother was so pleased with my new school! After I graduated from the New York Institution for the Blind, I became a teacher there. On March 5, 1858, I married one of the boys who went to my school. His name was Alexander van Alstine (I called him Van), and many said he was the finest organist in New York City! In fact, Van played the organ, I played the harp and piano, and pretty soon my poems were turning into songs. I liked to write songs that made people want to ask Jesus into their hearts.

Presidents and Preachers Wanted My Songs
Not only did I sing and write songs, but I was asked to travel to different cities and speak. I loved to tell people about Jesus.

Famous preachers and presidents used my songs in their special meetings. I can hardly believe that in my lifetime I wrote more than 9,000 songs! We put these songs into hymnbooks for everyone to sing along with us.

PostScript
Fanny Crosby's music is still treasured by millions today. Her extraordinary life can be seen in a movie simply called The Fanny Crosby Story. It tells about God's grace and goodness as seen through the beauty of her music.

• Suggested reading:
  • Fanny Crosby by Bonnie Harvey (Women of Faith series, Bethany House)
  • Fanny Crosby the Hymnwriter by Bernard Ruffin (Heroes of the Faith series, Barbour)
• Video:
  • The Fanny Crosby Story, a 46-minute drama.
• Websites:
  • cyberhymnal
  • Fanny's school
  • Wholesome Words biography
• Activities:
  • Fanny Crosby seek and color
  • Fanny Crosby quiz

Return to Part One of this Fanny Crosby "Glimpses for Kids" children's worship bulletin insert.