1 of 2

"I think it's a great pity that the Master did not give you sight when he showered so many other gifts upon you," remarked one well-meaning preacher to poet/hymnwriter Fanny Crosby.

"Do you know that if at birth I had been able to make one petition, it would have been [to be] born blind?" replied the prolific writer, who only had sight the first six weeks of life. "Because when I get to heaven, the first [face] that shall gladden my sight will be that of my Savior."

Poet Francis (Fanny) Jane Crosby's love of her Savior proved the inspiration for more than 8,000 hymns, written under 200 pseudonyms so her real name wouldn't monopolize hymnbooks.

Born in Putnam County, New York, in 1820, Crosby became ill within two months. Unfortunately, the family doctor was away, and another man—pretending to be a certified doctor—prescribed hot mustard poultices for her eyes. The illness subsided but the treatment left her blind. A few months later, Crosby's father died. Her mother supported the family as a maid, with Fanny primarily raised by her Christian grandmother.

Fanny's love of poetry began early—her first verse, written at age 8, echoed her lifelong refusal to feel sorry for herself: Oh, what a happy soul I am,/Although I cannot see!/I am resolved that in this world/Contented I will be.

How many blessings I enjoy/That other people don't,/To weep and sigh because I'm blind/I cannot, and I won't!

Along with poetry, Crosby zealously memorized the Bible, often five chapters a week. Even as a child she could recite the Pentateuch, the Gospels, Proverbs, the Song of Solomon, and many psalms—chapter and verse.

Her mother's hard work paid off. Shortly before her fifteenth birthday, Crosby was sent to the recently founded New York Institute for the Blind, which would be her home for 23 years: 12 as a student, 11 as a teacher.

She initially was called upon to pen verses for various occasions. In time the principal asked her to avoid such "distractions" to her teaching duties. "We have no right to be vain in the presence of the Owner and Creator of all things," he said.

A traveling phrenologist (one who studies the shape and irregularities of the skull for insights into character and mental capacity) changed the school's mind and again ignited her passion. Though phrenology is now ridiculed by science, the phrenologist's words proved prophetic: "Here is a poetess. Give her every possible encouragement. Read the best books to her and teach her the finest poetry. You will hear from this young lady some day."

It didn't take long.

By age 23 Crosby was addressing Congress and making friendships with presidents, especially Grover Cleveland, who served as secretary for the Institute for the Blind before his election.

next page... |  1 of 2

	What did you think of this story?
	Please to give us your feedback.

Home  |  People of Faith  |  Stories of Hope  |  Today's Culture
Build Your Faith  |  Laughing Matters  |  Archives  |  Contact Us

				Try Today's Christian Woman Free! Name Street Address City/State/Zip E-mail Address No credit card required. Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery. Offer valid in U.S. only. If you decide you want to keep Today's Christian Woman coming, honor your invoice for just $17.95 and receive five more issues, a full year in all. If not, simply write "cancel" across the invoice and return it. The trial issue is yours to keep, regardless. Give Today's Christian Woman as a gift Order a gift subscription!

FREE Newsletter Subscribe to the Today's Christian Newsletter    RSS Feed   RSS Help