my bestseller

When this canvas first began selling I was excited but also surprised. Who knew that something so small (9x12), uncolorful (grey), and with so few words (5) could become my bestseller?!  I have always liked this song but I had no idea how it resonated with so many.  

 

Have you heard the story of this song?   It was written by Horatio Spafford, a man who after he lost his son to Scarlet Fever planned to take his family by boat to England to see his friend DL Moody.  Delayed by business, he sent his wife and four daughters ahead, planning to join them later.  After nine days he received a telegram that read “saved  alone.”  His daughters had been killed in a boat wreck, but his sweet Anna had been spared.  He quickly boarded a ship to reunite with his wife.  It is reported that when the ship’s captain pointed out the site of the accident, Horatio returned to his cabin and wrote this amazing song that has touched countless numbers of people.

I have had comment after comment all saying the same thing-- that this song has been a mantra through difficult times and simply having the words on a wall have been a reminder that it is well with their soul. These little canvases seemed to have taken on a life of their own which really had nothing to do with me—just God using the pain of a man in 1873 to bring words of comfort and resolve to those suffering in 2012.  Here are those words...

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

 

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

 

My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.