Our pastor shared this story with us a while back, and the way it was shared, many were crying because it was so moving. Here is a synopsis from Wikipedia:
This hymn was written after several traumatic events in (Horatio) Spafford’s life. The first was the death of his only son in 1871, shortly followed by the great Chicago Fire which ruined him financially (he had been a successful lawyer). Then in 1873, he had planned to travel to Europe with his family on the S.S. Ville du Havre, but sent the family ahead while he was delayed on business concerning zoning problems following the Great Chicago Fire. While crossing the Atlantic, the ship sank rapidly after a collision with a sailing ship, the Loch Earn, and all four of Spafford's daughters died. His wife Anna survived and sent him the now famous telegram, "Saved alone." Shortly afterwards, as Spafford traveled to meet his grieving wife, he was inspired to write these words as his ship passed near where his daughters had died.
It Is Well With My Soul
When peace like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
Refrain:
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.
It is a special experience to sing this song acapella with an entire church congregation. And after knowing the background of this story, I can't get through it without tears. As much as it feels like our sorrows of waiting to be parents are too huge to bear at times, (or to quote Horatio, "whatever your lot") there is always someone who has had a tougher journey and pain beyond recognition. Count your blessings, friends!
Thursday, March 12, 2009
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3 comments:
I've heard the story before, but appreciated hearing it again. We are blessed beyond belief.
I remember singing this in Church when Shrimp was going through chemo and the tears were streaming.
I still cry every time we sing it.
We sang this song at our son's funeral and had our music director share this story with the people there. No matter how bad we think we have it, it can always be worse. Can't wait to see you with pictures of your kiddos, btw.
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