Everyone Has a Story
Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine.
O, what a foretaste of glory divine.
“Blessed Assurance” is a beloved hymn for many. The familiar tune provides comfort and connection. The hymn was a collaborative work written in 1873 by Fanny Crosby and Phoebe Palmer Knapp. Knapp wrote the tune and asked her dear friend what words came to mind when she heard it. Fanny Crosby replied without hesitation with the opening words of the beloved song, “Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine.”
Fanny Crosby was a prolific hymn-writer, penning over 8,000 hymns in her 95 years of life. Fanny was blind from the age of just six weeks old. Her lack of sight did not limit her experience of the world. She leaned on her love of literature and music to tap into the joy of life. One way she expressed her joy, was through writing sacred music. Through the music of the church, Fanny Crosby shared her profound faith in God’s presence throughout life. Many of her hymns are still sung today, like “Blessed Assurance.” The refrain confidently declares, “This is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long.”
Everyone has a story to share about God at work in their lives. Some are eager to share, and the words flow freely. Others are more hesitant, and the words come haltingly. In many churches, sharing the Good News is the designated responsibility of the pastor or priest or minister. In some churches, this responsibility is entrusted to every member.
As a lifelong Lutheran, I envy our siblings in Christ who learned to share their testimony early in life. I admire the denominations that coach their people to be bold in sharing their faith stories. If we only hear the Good News from one designated person, we miss out on the depth and breadth of God’s active presence in every single person. When we share our faith story, we experience God more fully. When we hear the faith stories of others we experience God in a new way.
This summer at SLM, throughout the month of June, we will hear from our siblings in Christ as they share their faith stories. I am eager to learn from our community, to see God through their eyes and to renew my own faith through listening. So, I wonder, what is your story? How has God worked in and through you?
Here are some questions to consider as you reflect on your own life of faith.
What is one thing you absolutely know to be true about God?
How do you know? What life experience taught you this? How does this shape your faith?
Who are your mentors in faith?
What did they teach you? How did they teach you? How does this influence your thoughts, words and actions today?
When do you feel closest to God?
Is it in a particular place? With people or alone? While doing a specific activity?
What is it about that place, time or activity that draws you close to God?
May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer. Amen. (Psalm 19:14).