Fanny Crosby, the poetic songbird was blinded, while only six weeks old, by a quack unlicensed doctor. He permanently scarred her corneas by applying hot mustard poultices to her mildly infected eyes. Her father died when she was just twelve months old, forcing her mother to become a maid to support the family. Despite these tragedies, Crosby never fell into … [Read more...] about Fanny Crosby: Poetic Songbird
Music
Pandemic fosters faith releases from mainstream artists
Justin Bieber: Freedom, Def Jam, 2021 Canadian singer-songwriter, and mainstream artist, Justin Bieber had just released his 6th studio album Justice when he surprised fans with the release of his first explicitly Christian faith album Freedom on Easter Sunday this year. This 6-song EP is a personal account of his life’s struggles and the transformative grace … [Read more...] about Pandemic fosters faith releases from mainstream artists
Carolyn Arends offers first album of new songs in six years
The story of how Carolyn Arends came to write and record her first new full-length studio album in six years is one worth taking time to hear before experiencing the 12 songs found on Recognition. It started last March. Arends was giving her acceptance speech during the online Gospel Music Association Canada Awards. Her song “Seize the Day” was being … [Read more...] about Carolyn Arends offers first album of new songs in six years
Johnny Cash: Someone worth saving
Johnny Cash’s mother, Carrie, said to Johnny at age 15: "You've got a gift, JR. You're going to sing. God's got his hand on you. You're going to carry the message of Jesus Christ." Cash saw the song, "I walk the Line", as his first Gospel hit. He sang it not just to his wife, but also to God. His mother Carrie always believed in her son even through the worst of his … [Read more...] about Johnny Cash: Someone worth saving
Sing a new song – or an old one
While on vacation in the USA, my husband and I tried out a contemporary church for Sunday morning worship. A visiting worship pastor led us through the worship time. The sanctuary was dark with beautiful video and lighting engaging the senses in worship. At one point, the worship leader stopped and asked the audience if they liked singing new songs. In this service, most were … [Read more...] about Sing a new song – or an old one