He knew a secret and he shared it with me.

Horatio G. Spafford was a successful lawyer and businessman in Chicago with a lovely family - a wife, Anna, and five children. However, they were not strangers to tears and tragedy. Their young son died with pneumonia in 1871, and in that same year, much of their business was lost in the great Chicago fire. Yet, God in His mercy and kindness allowed the business to flourish once more.

The famous hymn, "Just As I Am" was written by Charlotte Elliott birthed out of a time when she was depressed and felt useless like she had absolutely nothing to offer. Ms. Elliot was raised up in a Christian home, surrounded by a family deeply committed to their faith. As a young woman, she gained fame as a poet, showcasing her literary talents and wit. Despite her upbringing and success, Elliott struggled with feelings of uselessness and depression, particularly after a serious illness left her disabled at the age of 32. It was during this time of inner turmoil that she encountered Swiss minister and hymnologist César Malan.

John Newton was a slave trader in his early years, and openly mocked religion. What better way to start a story of God’s grace? Newton thought himself invincible – beyond the need of God – yet all that changed on a stormy sea in 1748. Newton would have been used to storms at sea, for most of his life was spent there; first with the British navy, then transporting slaves. But this storm was especially violent, and it brought Newton to his knees as he pleaded for the God he loved to mock to save him and his crew. Newton first felt the grace of God when he was replaced on deck by another crew member. Within mere minutes, the storm increased its rage and killed the crewman on deck. All the rest of the crew, including Newton, survived.

“A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” was born out of the tumultuous environment of the Protestant Reformation, as Martin Luther sought to communicate his theological beliefs and provide comfort to his fellow believers. Inspired by Psalm 46, Luther crafted lyrics that declared God’s steadfastness and protection in the face of adversity. The hymn’s bold expression of faith and confidence in God’s sovereignty struck a chord with many, becoming a cornerstone of Protestant hymnody.”