[easyazon-image align=”left” asin=”0802410782″ locale=”us” height=”160″ src=”http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51n06ayXrxL._SL160_.jpg” width=”112″]Page 2: Jamie Janosz – When Others Shuddered
Fanny Crosby, well known to those of us who grew up on her hymns, is given life through Janosz’s writing. We feel what she felt. We rejoice with her in political fame that God used to bring the gospel to the nation. Jamie’s words take us to the places she describes. My imagination worked overtime as I sat with Crosby writing hymns, visiting President Cleveland, and living the historical moments of lyrics such as “Rescue the Perishing” (29-30). Quotes bind us close to history as Crosby’s honesty intersects with our experience, “The most enduring hymns are born in the silence of the soul, and nothing must be allowed to intrude while they are being framed into language” (31). One story alone might compel one to buy and read Shuddered.
A Scottish evangelist once said to Fanny Crosby, “I think it is a great pity that the good Master, when He showered so many gifts upon you, did not give you sight.”
Fanny responded, “Do you know that if at my birth I had been able to make one petition to my Creator it would have been that I should be made blind.”
The evangelist was startled. “Why?” he asked.
“Because,” said Fanny, “When I get to heaven, the first face that shall ever gladden my sight will be that of my Savior.”
Jamie does the reader a favor by including three important touchpoints for further reflection: women in education, missions, and politics. Jamie’s focus on “Bible knowledge [being] the key to bettering both the home and society” (58) is cheered. Women served around the globe in missions work (110-12). Women in politics show us how women often saw problems sometimes bypassed by men (163-65). Generational histories have been preserved for us, a prompt to continue their work. Every generation has its heroes. The following generation must be sure to honor those who have gone before in education, missions, and politics.
Original pictures throughout the volume show the depth of research. The conclusion summarizes the spirit of all the women included. Questions for discussion allow a continued engagement by reader and teacher alike. I believe history is paramount in education. History taught through story, through biography is glue that holds us together. We become independent, authoritarian and arrogant without appreciation for others who have made our way easier, smoothing our path. Thanks to Jamie Janosz, the road paved by these eight women straightens our way.
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Mark Eckel is Professor of Leadership, Education and Discipleship, Capital Seminary and Graduate School, Washington, D.C. Find him online at warpandwoof.org.
C. Christopher Smith is the founding editor of The Englewood Review of Books. He is also author of a number of books, including most recently How the Body of Christ Talks: Recovering the Practice of Conversation in the Church (Brazos Press, 2019). Connect with him online at: C-Christopher-Smith.com
 Reading for the Common Good From ERB Editor Christopher Smith "This book will inspire, motivate and challenge anyone who cares a whit about the written word, the world of ideas, the shape of our communities and the life of the church." -Karen Swallow Prior Enter your email below to sign up for our weekly newsletter & download your FREE copy of this ebook! |
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