Words are a powerful tool for communicating feelings. Ernest Hemingway is credited for writing the six-word memoir: "For Sale: Baby shoes, never worn." Though reportedly it is unlikely that Hemingway was actually the author. Regardless, the impact of those six words linked together vividly reflect a story of undue sadness and unfulfilled dreams.
Our church doesn't meet on Sunday nights. This past Sunday, a special gathering was provided to simply sing hymns. Anyone could name their favorite hymn and collectively we'd sing a couple of verses. We concluded the evening by sharing desert and conversation in the fellowship hall.
The impact of the evening was profound. I love stories and the stories shared through the lyrics of hymns is undeniable powerful. My favorite hymn is Because He Lives. It carries me back to the 1970s when I was experiencing some medical issues that were a threat to my piece of mind. I won't share the details, but it was a difficult time in my life.
One Sunday morning at church, during the offertory, someone sang "Because He Lives" and the words were like a balm in Gilead to me. That experience of worship orchestrated a sense of peace for me as my eyes filled with tears. It was well with my soul.
Scripture recalls that in ancient times there came from Gilead, beyond the Jordan, a substance used to heal and soothe. It came, perhaps, from a tree or shrub, and was a major commodity of trade in the ancient world. It was known as the Balm of Gilead. That name became symbolic for t he power to sooth and heal.
Recently, our pastor made reference to the hymn, "His Eye Is On The Sparrow". Just the name of the song brought an image of Ethel Waters to memory. She often was featured in Billy Graham Crusades and routinely chose to sing His Eye Is On The Sparrow.
The song was written in 1905 by Civilla D. Martin and composer Charles H. Gabriel. Obviously, the theme of the song is tied the words of Jesus. "Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?" (Matthew 6:26) and "Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows" (Matthew 10:29–31).
Civilla Martin, who wrote the lyrics, said of her inspiration to write the song based on the scriptures. She also added: "Early in the spring of 1905, my husband and I were sojourning in Elmira, New York. We contracted a deep friendship for a couple by the name of Mr. and Mrs. Doolittle—true saints of God.
Mrs. Doolittle had been bedridden for nigh twenty years. Her husband was an incurable cripple who had to propel himself to and from his business in a wheel chair. Despite their afflictions, they lived happy Christian lives, bringing inspiration and comfort to all who knew them.
One day while we were visiting with the Doolittles, my husband commented on their bright hopefulness and asked them for the secret of it. Mrs. Doolittle's reply was simple: "His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me." The beauty of this simple expression of boundless faith gripped the hearts and fired the imagination of Dr. Martin and me. The hymn "His Eye Is on the Sparrow" was the outcome of that experience.
The lyrics to hymns often communicate a story or come to the author's mind because of their personal experiences. I am a fan of stories, and I am strengthened by the personal testimony that makes it way into song.
All My Best!
Don
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