August 2015 Song of the Month
“Blessed Assurance”
Written by: Fanny Crosby & J.F. Knapp
(c) Public Domain
I have been writing these articles for a short time now, and I am always amazed at how these songs are written. Some songs come from years of dedication and poetry writing, some come from a life change or happening. One of my favorite hymns has a pretty simple story of how it came to be. Born in 1820 Fanny Crosby was an American poet, lyricist and composer. Over her lifetime she wrote over 8,000 hymns and songs. Becoming blind shortly after birth, she has over 100 million copies of her songs printed. One day Fanny was invited over to J. F. Knapp’s home to hear a tune she had composed on the piano. After the tune was played a few time, Mrs. Knapp asks “What does the melody say to you?” Fanny responded “Blessed Assurance, Jesus is Mine!”. Following that question and response, the entire first stanza was recited. It amazes me how a tune or melody can make someone feel. It could be a familiar tune or something quickly composed, and it can bring a certain feeling. When asked the question “What does the melody say to you?” Fanny responded from the heart. This is how we should be. When someone asks us “What does the melody mean…, What does God mean… What does God’s love mean… to you?” How quickly can you respond?
-Ryan
ryanleelejeune.com 
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