A couple of weeks ago I received a package in the mail from Amazon. As I often don't remember what I order, even though it's only been 2 days!, I anxiously ripped open the package to see what was in it.
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First, I flipped through this adorably illustrated children's book and started to get excited.
Then, I searched my Amazon orders record to see if I had accidentally ordered it. I hadn't.
I was determined to get to the bottom of this mystery.
Growing up in the Baptist church, I knew of Fanny Crosby. She was an amazing hymn writer. She wrote some of my all-time favorites like “Blessed Assurance” and “To God Be the Glory.” And, she was blind.
I decided that maybe someone had sent me the book as a gift. But, I also decided that if I didn't figure it out, I would let Amazon know so I could pay them because I was KEEPING this book!
It's a softback picture book of 40 pages. This beautiful biography tells the story of a courageous person named Fanny Crosby who lost her sight as a young child in the 1800s. It didn't stop her from creating big goals and achieving huge successes.
Fanny memorized large portions of Scripture, attended a school for the blind in New York City, and served others her whole life.
She met several U.S. Presidents, wrote thousands of hymns, and chose to live in a New York tenement to be a blessing and a help to others.
An Inspiration to My Daughter
My nine-year-old daughter saw the book in my room a couple of days ago and sat down to read it. She said, “Mom, can we get the other books in this series?” I could tell immediately that she was inspired by this gutsy girl Fanny Crosby.
I would love my daughters to have Fanny's same determination. Not her successes, necessarily. It is the Lord who determines our steps. But, I want my girls to dream big, never give up, and know that God can make happen whatever He will if we will simply have the courage to follow his will.
Don't you love the adorable illustrations?
Hymns by Fanny Crosby
Here are just a few of the wonderful hymns (poems) that Fanny Crosby wrote:
Blessed Assurance
To God Be the Glory
All the Way My Savior Leads Me
I Am Thine O Lord
Near the Cross
Mystery Solved
By the way, I did solve the mystery of how I got the book. My sister sent it to me as an early birthday present. Thanks, Jill!
Other Books in the Gutsy Girls Series
Gladys Aylward
Sisters, Corrie and Betsie ten Boom
Fanny Crosby
Jennifer Wiseman
Ruby Bridges
Visit the author's website at AmyLSullivan.com for free educational materials for classrooms, churches, and families.
Get Free Copywork of Fanny Crosby's hymn “Blessed Assurance” here: