It was a
$5 bill that might have looked something like this (see picture of the American
$5 as it looked in the 1869-80 period) that she received from a total stranger,
inspiring her to write three verses. Aunt Fanny, known more formally as Frances
Jane Crosby, perhaps got a new appreciation for God that day in 1874 in New
York City’s Manhattan district when she prayed and almost immediately got an
answer, proclaiming that “All the Way My Savior Leads Me” in her recollection
of this extraordinary experience. It’s
remarkable how a seemingly momentary incident spurred Crosby to write poetically
and endearingly about Him, revealing how closely linked to His life she really was.
The place where she was underscores still more the strength of this poetess’
life, despite her outward appearance. But, she made it clear – it wasn’t about
herself, but instead the One about whom she wrote.
Fanny Crosby
was 54, and working in domestic rescue missions in the slums of New York City
when she felt the need to pray about her situation one day. She could have
despaired and sought a way to get out of her circumstances, perhaps by using
her musical and writing skills to garner more personal prosperity. Yet, she had
made the choice many years prior to 1874 that she would serve the Lord, by not
just supporting missions to poor people in the slums, but also by living among
those who needed help so desperately. She wanted to feel their pain, to be one
of them, and so there she was one day in a forlorn state. Prayer was all she
had, and so she prayed. One wonders what words she must have used! By her own
account, the words she would write as a result were the first put to music by
her minister-friend Dr. Robert Lowry. But, the fellow who knocked on her door
and handed her five dollars remains unknown, an anonymous, obedient vessel who had
responded to God’s heart-call, communicating a truth to her – that He was
leading her, in every step. This $5-giver was unknown to Fanny in two ways: she
knew not his face, since she was blind; and, his name was likewise hidden. Perhaps
with her extra-sensitive ears, Fanny might have been able to recall his voice.
Another voice was what she chose to hear, however. She could hear her Master speaking,
and she could foresee being in His presence, too. She could laud him for her
present circumstances, the ‘here…’ (v.1), see what was approaching – ‘a spring
of joy…’ (v.2), and exult in a future when she’d be able look back and recall
His guidance – ‘Jesus led me all the way’ (v.3). It seems Fanny was capable of
seeing much more than what we might imagine.
What’s $5
worth in the 2020 economy? It probably wouldn’t get you a complete meal in America,
not even a fast food meal. But to Fanny, the half-sawbuck she held in her hand –
which someone must have told her about, since she couldn’t see it – was evidence
of a priceless treasure. ‘Give us this day our daily bread’ (Matthew 6:11) may
have been ringing in Fanny’s ears. One gets the sense that she didn’t allow
herself to be overcome with anxiety, perhaps a trait she allowed to grow still
more as a consequence of this episode. Are you feeling anxious today? You need $5
to see God at work? God has paid much more than that to show you Himself. Fanny
must have thought so too.
See more
information on the song story in these sources: The Complete Book of
Hymns – Inspiring Stories About 600 Hymns and Praise Songs by William J.
Petersen and Ardythe Petersen, Tyndale House Publishers, 2006; Amazing
Grace: 366 Inspiring Hymn Stories for Daily Devotions by Kenneth W. Osbeck,
Kregel Publications, 1990; 101 Hymn Stories, by Kenneth W. Osbeck,
Kregel Publications, 1982; and Then Sings My Soul, by Robert J. Morgan,
Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2003.
Also see this link, showing all three verses: http://www.hymntime.com/tch/htm/a/l/t/altheway.htm
Also see this link for author’s biography: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fanny_Crosby
And here also: http://www.hymntime.com/tch/bio/c/r/o/s/crosby_fj.htm
Also see this site for song information: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All_the_Way_My_Savior_Leads_Me
See this link for information about the U.S. 5-dollar bill: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_five-dollar_bill
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