Laban West Hugh,
I know you have been featuring Great Hymns and Gospel Songs of the church. I Thought I would share a song that has been on my heart recently.
"Jesus Is All the World to Me". . . music and lyrics by Will L. Thompson, 1847-1909.
I can remember playing this song on the organ in the Norfolk First Pentecostal Holiness Church when I was about 12 years old. It was one of my favorites then as it is now. Many of the phrases still ring clear as eternal truths about our Lord and Savior. "He sends the sunshine and the rain, He sends the harvest's golden grain". . . "Beautiful life with such a friend, Beautiful life that has no end". . . "When I am sad, He makes me glad."
The story about the composer I found rather interesting. Below I have included a link to that story.
[Editor's note: I have prepared a hyperlink for you to hear Clonda Pierce sing this beautiful song. You will find her extremely funny. You will love her southern accent, and expressions of her thoughts. She will touch your heart, and if you are like me, you will be moved to tears as you identify with Clonda's pain, grief and loss of family members. In the midst of it all, the Gospel songs and hymns of the great singers we all love was there to speak to her heart and bring consolation. Click Here to hear Clonda Pierce speak and sing. The video is the first one. She is a blonde and has a straw hat on. You will love her.
JESUS IS ALL THE WORLD TO ME
Jesus is all the world to me, my life, my joy, my all;
He is my strength from day to day, without Him I would fall.
When I am sad, to Him I go, no other one can cheer me so;
When I am sad, He makes me glad, He’s my Friend.
Jesus is all the world to me, my Friend in trials sore;
I go to Him for blessings, and He gives them over and o’er.
He sends the sunshine and the rain, He sends the harvest’s golden grain;
Sunshine and rain, harvest of grain, He’s my Friend.
Jesus is all the world to me, and true to Him I’ll be;
O how could I this Friend deny, when He’s so true to me?
Following Him I know I’m right, He watches o’er me day and night;
Following Him by day and night, He’s my Friend.
Jesus is all the world to me, I want no better Friend;
I trust Him now, I’ll trust Him when life’s fleeting days shall end.
Beautiful life with such a Friend, beautiful life that has no end;
Eternal life, eternal joy, He’s my Friend.
Composer Story
http://www.lectionary.org/HymnStories/Jesus%20Is%20All%20the%20World%20to%20Me.htm