Frances Jane Crosby

Frances Jane Crosby (1820- 1915) (Wikipedia)

“To God be the Glory great things he hath done, so loved he the world that he gave us His son.” This magnificent song encompasses my hero's life and work of honoring God with her talents. Although blind since childhood, she pressed on and never gave up her passion for her savior. This wonderful woman composed many hymns and poems that pointed to her Lord throughout her lifetime; giving Him the praise for all the great things He hath done. During her extremely difficult life, Francis Jane Crosby never gave up. She praised God with her whole being and when she died, she had the “Blessed Assurance” that she soon would be “Safe in the Arms of Jesus.”

Fanny Crosby was born on March 24, 1820 in Puntum County, New York. Six weeks later, her eyes became inflamed and she lost her sight. Her handicap did not stop Fanny though. When she turned fifteen, she left for the New York Institute for the Blind. There, she became very accomplished in music, learned how to write lovely works of inspiring poetry, and met her future husband, Alexander Van Alstyne. Fanny wrote the lyrics to over eight-thousand hymns during her lifetime. She traveled around the world speaking and singing for many presidents, kings, and common people until she died on February 12, 1915. Her life truly portrayed a life of “Faith in Jesus.”

Francis Crosby is my hero for many reasons. First of all, I admire this talented woman of God because, although she went through terrible times and harsh hardships, she had a constant hungering for God. Fanny faithfully lived out the lyrics to her hymn to “Never Give Up.” Secondly, I call her my hero because she always gave the glory to her “Blessed Redeemer.” Even towards the end of her life when honored by many kings and presidents, she always gave God the honor for her talents. Thirdly, she is my role model because of her pure heart. Beyond any doubt, this woman of talent, of hunger for her “Redeemer,” and of a purpose to honor Him in all she did, brought much glory to God. For these reasons, I proudly call Francis Jane Crosby my hero.