Christian Living

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Larry Lilly's Letter Thursday September 21, 2006

To say that life can get tough is to but state the often painful obvious. I find that when I think of the pain of my life it is very depressing. I try not to think much about it because I would rather feel and act in a happy go lucky manner. A happy go lucky attitude does more to disrupt the peace of your enemies than any rumor you could spread about them.

On the other hand when I read of the pain in the life of others and especially the pain of those who overcame or are overcoming it, I am encouraged. I read of or see them in the victory in spite of things that would do most people in and weep with joy at their courage.

I came across a story just today that blessed me as I thought of my uphill battle and the courage this particular man showed.

In his day he had walked with the luminaries, performed before the crowned heads of Europe and was closely associated with the most famous evangelist of his time, one whose name still causes many to pause and pray for God to 'do it again.' He wrote songs that are to this day considered a staple in most biblical churches. In his later years he lost his eyesight, but never his vision for Christ. One of his favorite friends was the revered and blind Fanny Crosby.

Near the end a distraught man came to visit him, telling him of all his troubles. He listened carefully and tried to comfort him. The man remained near the edge of sanity due to his troubles. The visitor then asked our blind friend, "Do you still play the little organ and sing?"

The blind man had composed the music for a song, which had become famous due to his singing it and so he made his way from the couch to the organ and began to play and sing,

"There'll Be no dark valley when Jesus comes to gather His loved ones home."

Ira Sankey had been one of the most used singers of all time, paving the way for men such as Cliff Barrows and many others. Ira had been an Internal Revenue Service agent and it was while plying this career that God called him to work with D.L. Moody and the rest is as they say, history.

I was deeply moved by the account of Sankey moving to the organ and singing 'No Dark Valley' as I know the tremendous power of listening to a powerful singer belt out the glory of Jesus.

I had been having a mild pity party while reading the book and I promise the playing and singing of Ira Sankey, though he has been gone since 1908, 98 years ago, touched me deeply and I found a renewed determination to keep on keeping on. Thank God for folks who bear their cross with a song in their heart!! They really help whiners like me.

Larry Lilly Copyright © 2006 Use with credit.

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