I love poetry. I used to write poems much more often than I do now. Actually, these days, I rarely write my thoughts in poetry. Perhaps I should (just thinking out loud) because I love it. And, yes, poetry put to music can be beautiful and moving, however, the words truly impact me the most. I’ve shared lyrics here before – maybe too often – but they are so often what immediately comes to mind when I read a prompt. For instance, today’s prompt: Redeem. What a beautiful word especially here in the Easter season as our thoughts turn to the cross – and the resurrection! The price paid to redeem lost sinners. To cancel our sin debt and to restore us to fellowship with our heavenly father. As Christians, we have been redeemed!!
All morning, I have been singing Redeemed, How I Love to Proclaim It, penned in 1882 by Fanny Crosby, who, after writing over 9,000 (nine thousand!!) hymns, is often referred to as the hymn queen. Once asked if she had a hymn written especially for your conversion experience, she replied, “I have written many hymns to describe the joy of my salvation. The one that stands out the most to me right now is this one.” She then began to sing:
Redeemed, how I love to proclaim it!
Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb;
Redeemed through His infinite mercy,
His child, and forever, I am.
May I never “get over” the wonderful gift of my salvation. The price paid for my redemption. May I never cease to be amazed that I am His child, and forever, I am. And may the wonder of it all cause me to proclaim it whenever I have the opportunity. If you have not accepted this gift of salvation, you can read both my story, as well as my son’s story, at the tabs above. No doubt there will be other encouraging thoughts regarding redemption. You can find them here. Have a beautiful weekend.
I think we need more beautiful things that bring us joy in our lives! Poetry included – and I think those old hymns totally count!
Poetry, hey, yeah, I’m on it,
four thousand in the last two years
in one form, Shakespearean sonnet,
but all is not as it appears,
for I cannot think in rhyme,
it just comes out when it’s needed
at blog-reading keyboard time,
and I just hope that I have heeded
some kind of call the Lord God sent
for a talent that I never knew
to give a message that He meant
for me to write to only you…
and thus, perhaps, through poetry
is how redemption’s come to me.
Fanny Crosby is amazing. Her music has spoken to many throughout the decades–including me.
I enjoyed your thoughts today.
Peace and grace,
Tammy
Looks like we both were reminded of Fanny Crosby’s wonderful hymn “Redeemed.” She blessed so many in her day and many in the years that followed.