Blind Faith

Sometimes the phrase “Blind Faith” can have negative connotations. It can imply having faith in something false, misleading, or deceptive. Not so for Fanny Crosby, beloved author of more than 8,000 hymns in her rich lifetime. Fanny was blind, but had a clear vision of our Lord, and was used mightily by Him.

I’d like to share some lines from three of her best known hymns that illustrate how her spiritual eyesight was not at all impaired by her physical blindness. 

In “Redeemed, How I Love to Proclaim It” she says with confidence:

“I know I shall see in His beauty The King in whose law I delight.”

In “Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross” she says:

“There the Bright and Morning Star sheds its beams around me” and

“Near the cross! O Lamb of God, bring its scenes before me,” and

“Near the cross I’ll watch and wait, hoping, trusting ever.”

To me, the most striking example is found in “To God Be the Glory.”

She proclaims for all believers:

“But purer, and higher, and greater will be

Our wonder, our transport, when Jesus we see.”

As an adult, Fanny Crosby chided someone who felt sorry for her:
“Had it been up to me, I would have asked to have been born blind. This way, Jesus will be the first face I ever see.”

Lord, grant me the strong faith and clear vision

of this blind saint!