Warner and her sister lived in a townhouse in New York City where their father, Henry Whiting Warner, was a successful lawyer. They lost their mother at an early age.
The Panic of 1837 affected their family’s finances, and they were forced to move to Constitution Island, in a dilapidated Revolutionary War-era home, which was right across from the Military Academy at West Point. For some years, they taught Sunday school classes for the cadets.
Both were well-educated women. They felt the burden to contribute to the family income and began to write stories and poems for publication. They were successful at this venture and was able to put out 106 publications, 18 of which they co-authored.
They willed their home, called Good Crag, to the Academy,
and it was made into a national shrine where both sisters were buried with
military honors in recognition for the spiritual guidance they offered to young
military officers.
Warner also wrote novels under the pseudonym, Amy Lothrop,
and she authored two collections of hymns, Hymns of the Church
Militant (1858) and Wayfaring Hymns, Original and
Translated (1869). Though Susan was the more famous literary personality
during her lifetime, it is Anna’s hymn that has become the most famous work.
William Bradbury, a famous hymn writer read this novel and
was inspired to write a simple, pentatonic tune that can go along with the
words. Today, this hymn is in over 559 hymnals and translated in many
languages.
Of the many stories about this hymn, one of the most
memorable came from the Swiss-German theologian, Karl Barth (1886–1968).
Numerous sources attest that they heard Barth cite the first stanza of the hymn
in response to a question posed to him at the close of a series of lectures
near the end of his life at the University of Chicago Divinity School. Other
accounts say that it took place at Union Seminary, Richmond, Virginia.
A weary Barth agreed to respond to questions at the
conclusion of the lectures. The story has been retold countless times as a
sermon illustration. The seminary president posed one, “Of all the theological
insights you have ever had, which do you consider to be the greatest of them
all?” Others recall that the question was, “How would you summarize your
theology in a single sentence?” Accounts indicate some quiet drama followed
while the great scholar meditated. Whichever question was asked, the answer was
“Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so!”
Scripturesavvy.com: When Jesus mentions “one of these little ones,” He is referring to believers, particularly those who are vulnerable or significant in His eyes, such as children or new followers in faith. The verse emphasizes that our actions, no matter how small they may seem, do not go unnoticed by God . . . The term “little ones” highlights those who are in need and plays a crucial role. It’s a reminder to us not to forget about those who might often be overlooked in society – children, the sick, or marginalized individuals. By referring to them as “little ones,” Jesus places enormous value on their well-being and reminds us of our duty to care for them.
Biblerepository.com: This verse offers profound insights into the nature of the eternal state of believers. We can interpret the perpetual opening of the gates as a symbol of God’s unending grace and access to Him . . . No more barriers like sin, shame, or guilt that often keep us at a distance. The open gates remind us that God desires fellowship with us, now and forever . . . Ultimately, the promise of open gates and the absence of night provide us with hope . . . These verses do not only describe life after death but encourage us to embrace hope and light in our present lives. Each time we feel overwhelmed or lost, we should remind ourselves of this promised future and draw strength from it.
Godsbless.ing: This verse highlights the eternal struggle
within each of us between our spiritual desires and our human weaknesses. It
encapsulates the internal battle we face when trying to do the right thing,
stay strong in our beliefs, and resist temptations that may lead us astray. It
reminds us of the importance of being alert and spiritually connected to
overcome the challenges that come our way by urging us to stay awake and pray .
. . Therefore, the verse encourages us to be vigilant, turning to prayer and
spiritual strength to navigate through life’s temptations and challenges. We
can strive to align our actions with our beliefs and overcome the weaknesses of
our flesh.
Godsbless.ing: This verse serves as a comforting reminder to all believers that God is a source of protection and deliverance for those who place their trust in Him. It assures us that as we walk in faith and cling to His promises, He will shield us from harm, rescue us from danger, and grant us a long and fulfilling life. This promise is a testament to God’s faithfulness and love for His people, giving us hope and assurance in times of uncertainty and fear.
Biblerepository.com: “Jesus loved Martha.” Here, we see Jesus’ love for Martha expressed directly. It’s essential to understand that love can be deeply personal. Jesus doesn’t just love humanity in general; He loves individuals by name. This suggests that we, too, can engage in personal relationships with Him . . . Even in our darkest moments, we can hold onto the comforting truth that we are loved. Jesus’s love provides strength and sustenance . . . Lastly, this verse serves as an illustration of hope. The eventual resurrection of Lazarus signals an overarching message: death and despair do not have the final say. Jesus’s love overcame the grave. When we face challenges, we can remember this story and understand that hope and renewal are always available through Christ.
By His Grace . . .
