Welcome back to Heroes of the Faith, a podcast from Free Grace Press where we uncover the incredible lives of believers who shaped history through their unshakable trust in God. In this episode, we dive into the extraordinary life of Fanny Crosby, a woman who, despite losing her sight as a baby, saw the world with a vision far greater than most of us could imagine. Known as one of the greatest hymn writers in Christian history, Fanny authored over 8,000 hymns, including timeless classics like "Blessed Assurance," "To God Be the Glory," "Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior," and "Rescue the Perishing."

We trace her journey from her upbringing in rural New York, where she was raised by her devout mother and grandmother, to her education at the prestigious New York Institute for the Blind. Here, Fanny's gift for poetry and song flourished, leading her to become the first woman ever to speak in the U.S. Senate. Despite facing immense personal loss and hardship—including the early death of her child—Fanny’s faith only deepened, launching her into a lifelong mission of hymn writing and ministry.

We also explore Fanny’s incredible memory, her passion for serving the poor in New York City’s slums, and her collaboration with famous hymn tune composers of the time. A national treasure by the time of her passing in 1915, Fanny’s legacy remains alive in the countless hymns sung in churches around the world today.

Join us as we celebrate Fanny Crosby’s legacy—a life marked by joy, generosity, and an unwavering dedication to Christ. Her story is a powerful reminder that God can use anyone, regardless of circumstances, to bring light to the world. If Fanny could see the face of Jesus through blindness, how much more can we learn to see Him through her hymns? Be encouraged, inspired, and challenged to live with the same courage and conviction that defined her life.

Make sure to subscribe and share this episode with friends who need a reminder of God’s power and faithfulness. For more stories like this and additional resources, visit us at freegracepress.com. Until next time, keep looking to Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.