Tuesday, February 9, 2010

overcoming spirit

dear emily,

when your children come home from school and have been
bullied or teased by cruel children, it is often helpful to tell
them stories about inspiring people who have overcome
adversity, too.

here's a story about a hero of mine.  isaac watts (1674-1748)
wrote many of the hymns we sing today.  my favorites are
'o God, our help in ages past,' and 'when i survey the
wondrous cross.' i know every word.

what i didn't know is that he was only five feet tall with
a giant head and a great big nose.  sadly, the woman he
loved wouldn't marry him, because he was so ugly.  if that
weren't bad enough, his health was severely weakened by
a devastating case of smallpox.

though his happiness was threatened by his appearance,
his rejection, and his health, he must have still been filled
with an unfathomable joy.

after all, he wrote, 'joy to the world the Lord is come!'

love,
lea

10 comments:

vikki said...

thank*u for visiting me... do u mind if i copy the saying you have? love.love.love. the olde timey sayings, etc... will look further down for the rest of your wonderful sayings...
i have not gotten any choco yet from the vine...just pretty birdies & flowers... so that is good for the diet... {giggle} have a cozy day... hugs & blessings, vikki ~♥~

Bettyann said...

Dear Lea..thanks for visiting my blog..very inspirational words to emily..take care..

Single and Sane said...

I didn't realize he wrote "Joy to the World." Thanks for making that connection!

My favorite, though, is the last verse of "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross."

Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were a present far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all.

Wow.

Kristin said...

What an inspiring story. Certainly shows that we can always have joy in our hearts, despite the circumstances.

Unknown said...

I just found your blog. I love it and can't wait to come back and read more.

Vicki/Jake said...

Wow, learn something new everyday...
What a great lesson to share.

coolboy said...

oh no

when i get married i need stories

lol :)

great i like your post

stories are good if there is any inspiring story it will help for all people

Vee said...

Poor Issac who also suffered nervous breakdowns and many dark nights of the soul. He's always been one of my favorites, too.

elaine @ peace for the journey said...

Poor Isaac... I didn't know. Funny how many of the ancient, favorite hymns are those born out of adversity. I love my "Then Sings my Soul" devo books; they give a wealth of info regarding hymns and those who wrote them.

peace~elaine

Suzanne said...

thanks for stopping by my blog:-) what a wonderful letter to your friend, and i agree mr. watts did indeed overcome so much adversity, yet loved the Lord so much.