This morning in Church, they sang "It Is Well With My Soul", which is also known as "When Peace, Like A River", a hymn penned by hymnist Horatio Spafford. This has always affected me deeply whenever I hear it. The story behind it follows from Wikipedia
"This hymn was written after traumatic events in Spafford's life. The first was the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, which ruined him financially (Spafford had been a successful lawyer and had invested significantly in property in the area of Chicago that was extensively damaged by the great fire). His business interests were further hit by the economic downturn of 1873, at which time he had planned to travel to England with his family on the SS Ville du Havre, to help with D. L. Moody's upcoming evangelistic campaigns. In a late change of plan, Spafford sent the family ahead while he was delayed on business concerning zoning problems following the Great Chicago Fire. While crossing the Atlantic Ocean, the ship sank rapidly after a collision with a sea vessel, the Loch Earn, and all four of Spafford's daughters died. Spafford's wife, Anna, survived and sent him the now famous telegram, "Saved alone …". Shortly afterwards, as Spafford traveled to meet his grieving wife, he was inspired to write these words as his ship passed near where his daughters had died.
I cannot imagine suffering that loss that Mr. Spafford did and still be able to write this hymn of such powerful Faith. I have to confess, I would not be able to do something like that. My life would have been so impacted. Every time I hear it, I have tears streaming down my face. I guess God has a message for me and anyone else who's faiths would be shaken. This man, losing almost everything was still able to write a song of praise and faith in God. If we could all be that strong in our individual faith."
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