PAINT THE WORLD!

 

By Mary Davis

Paint has been around for millennia, from cave drawings to pottery. Painting the insides of dwellings has, likewise, been around for decorative purposes for thousands of years, but it hasn’t always been easy. Colors were made from iron oxide, yellow and orange pigments from soil, and dyes from the plants of indigo and madder for blue and red.

 

However, it wasn’t until the Middle Ages, that this medium came into common use to preserve exposed surfaces of buildings and furniture. Some Medieval paints used such things as raw egg whites in the base. Craftsmen closely guarded their secret formulas and could, therefore, charge high prices for their work.

 

Professional painters, as well as ordinary people, developed their own unique bases and pigments to create various paint colors. Some were good quality and some not so good.

 

In 1700, Thomas Child established the first paint mill in Boston, Massachusetts. A hundred and sixty-seven years later, Dr. Averill patented the first prepared or ready-mixed paint in the USA. With the large-scale manufacturing of linseed oil and pigment-grade zinc oxide, the paint industry expanded rapidly. A liquid base and the paint pigment it carried could be combined before it went to market.

In 1866, Henry Alden Sherwin teamed up with Edward Porter Williams to form Sherwin-Williams Company of Cleveland, Ohio. Sherwin wanted to sell pre-mix paints directly to customers even though some in the industry didn’t think it would take off. They argued that people mixed their own paints and knew the colors they wanted. However, home mixed paints could be hit or miss. Sherwin believed that standardized ingredients and measurements were key to creating a superior paint.

 

Though one source said Dr. Averill patented the first ready-mixed paint, Sherwin-Williams claims to have the first “high-quality oil-based paint”, introducing it to the market in 1873. Perhaps, the difference was that Averill’s wasn’t oil based.

 

But the big question was, would the public accept this new product? Professionals and amateurs alike embraced it, gladly abandoning the chore of mixing white lead base, linseed oil, turpentine, and pigment.

One Sherwin-Williams ad campaign encouraged Americans to become do-it-yourself painters of both the inside and outside of their homes. They also gave home owners instructions for preparation, coating, color aesthetics, brush choice, and clean up. Not only did this paint protect surfaces, it rejuvenated a home. They had created a painting frenzy and everything got a coat or two. Rich woods of mahogany, ebony, walnut, and oak were slathered over. From mantels, moldings, and paneled walls to antique armoires, hutches, and settles all got makeovers.

Being innovators, Sherwin-Williams patented the first resealable paint can in 1877.

 

By the mid 1880s, paint factories were popping up all over the country.

Today, people wonder why anyone would ever paint over such beautiful woods. My guess is they were tired of the same old boring wood tones when they could have vibrant fresh colors.

Though I love the wood of antique furniture and carved molding, I’m getting ready to paint my kitchen cabinets. They are nothing special, but a coat of paint will brighten up the room and bring life to it.

NEWLYWED GAMES

A "little white lie" grows into a very big problem. Meghann Livingston invents a husband to soothe her dying mother. But when her mom miraculously recovers and comes to visit, Meghann is hard-pressed to explain her "husband's" absence! Before Meghann can come clean, her handsome, elusive boss, Bruce Halloway, inadvertently steps into her romantic charade...and to Meghann's shock and horror, insists upon playing along. The masquerade's success depends upon them playing their newlywed games extremely well. When they do, both Meghann and Bruce—even as they struggle to overcome the consequences of their deceptions—find themselves falling in love...for real!

 

MARY DAVIS, bestselling, award-winning novelist, has over thirty titles in both historical and contemporary themes. Her latest release is THE LADY’S MISSION. Her other novels include THE DÉBUTANTE'S SECRET (Quilting Circle Book 4) THE DAMSEL’S INTENT (The Quilting Circle Book 3) is a SELAH Award Winner. Some of her other recent titles include; THE WIDOW'S PLIGHT, THE DAUGHTER'S PREDICAMENT, “Zola’s Cross-Country Adventure” in The MISSAdventure Brides Collection, Prodigal Daughters Amish series, "Holly and Ivy" in A Bouquet of Brides Collection, and "Bygones" in Thimbles and Threads. She is a member of ACFW and active in critique groups.

Mary lives in the Rocky Mountains with her Carolina dog, Shelby. She has three adult children and three incredibly adorable grandchildren. Find her online at: Books2Read Newsletter Blog FB FB Readers Group Amazon GoodReads BookBub

Sources

Extraordinary Origins of Everyday Things by Charles Panati, p. 150

https://swppc.com/2016/06/17/the-first-paint-revolution/

https://corporate.sherwin-williams.com/us/en/our-company/history.html

https://www.paint.org/about/industry/history/

https://www.sherwin-williams.com/painting-contractors/business-builders/paint-technology-and-application/sw-art-pro-paint-revolution

Sometimes, It Pays to Be Plain

by Sherri Stewart

 

Ida and Louise Cook, two plain-looking spinster sisters in their mid-thirties, lived unassuming lives in a quiet London suburb during the 1930s. Ida wrote 119 romance novels under the pen name, Mary Burchell, while Louise worked as a civil service secretary. They sewed their own clothes and saved every penny. Once Ida had earned some real money from her writing, they began making frequent trips back and forth to Germany, flying out on Friday nights purportedly to attend the opera—their only vice. They returned by train or boats from the Netherlands on Sundays, in time for Louise to get to her office on Monday morning. To the outside world, they appeared to be ordinary women with simple lives, but beneath their unremarkable exterior, they were quietly carrying out a dangerous mission. 

Unbeknownst to most, the sisters were deeply involved in a secret effort to aid refugees fleeing Nazi persecution. Disguised as opera enthusiasts, they traveled across borders, carrying jewels and valuables they’d collected from desperate refugees who wanted to escape Nazi domination. They’d wear the furs and jewelry they’d collected on their return trips to London. In Safe Passage, a book Ida later wrote, she explained how the smuggling part of the sisters’ homespun mission worked. “It was fairly simple at first, but then came the time when the Hitler guard used to come on the train at the frontier and check everything you had, and when you came out you were checked again.” They adapted by entering at one checkpoint wearing no jewelry, and leaving through another positively glittering. That way, they wouldn’t see the same officials twice, and there was no one to notice that we had become rather overdressed English girls with a taste for slightly too much jewelry.” 

Ida and Louise sold the items to raise funds to secure safe passage, housing, and legal documents for those in need. Their unassuming appearance and quiet demeanor allowed them to evade suspicion, and their resourcefulness and courage saved countless lives. They were proof that true heroism often wears the most ordinary of faces.

By the time their efforts became too dangerous to continue, the Cook sisters had saved twenty-nine refugees from almost certain death. Even after border crossings became impossible, they continued to support refugees in England, raising funds and spreading awareness until the end of their lives. In 1964, their bravery was recognized when they were honored as Righteous among the Nations by Yad Vashem, a testament to their selfless actions during one of history’s darkest chapters.

In her memoir, Safe Passage, Ida reflected on their work, describing it as, “just a bit of trouble, eloquence, and money.” Ida said, “We only gave what we could—our hearts, our time, and our courage.” Their legacy inspires us to believe that ordinary people can achieve extraordinary things when they choose to stand up for what is right.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AMg59QPCT/  Talbot, Margaret. “Ida and Louise Cook, Two Unusual Heroines of the Second World War.” The New Yorker. Sept. 3, 2019.

  

Sherri Stewart is woman of faith who loves all things foreign whether it’s food, culture, or language. A former French teacher and flight attendant, her passion is traveling to the settings of her books, sampling the food, and visiting the sites. She savored boterkoeken in Amsterdam for A Song for Her Enemies, and crème brûlée in Paris for its sequel, What Hides beyond the Walls. A widow, Sherri lives in the Orlando area with her dog, Lily, and her son, Joshua, who always has to fix her computer. As an author, editor, and Bible teacher, she hopes her books will entertain and challenge readers to live large and connect with their Savior. Join, chat, and share with her on social media. Newsletter Facebook Twitter Instagram Website

If the Nazis stole your house, wouldn’t you be justified in stealing it back? When Tamar Feldman admits to her husband, Daniel, and mentor, Neelie Visser, that she broke into her former home, they scold her for taking such a risk. Tamar is tired of being careful. She’s tired of living in the present, as if the past doesn’t matter. But the painting of the violin girl in her former bedroom draws her back again and again. She finally steals the painting to return it to its former owner. Now maybe this small act of justice will help Tamar start to heal. When Neelie sees the painting, she reveals a secret about it that will take the three of them on a quest to Amsterdam and Paris to find justice, forgiveness, and new beginnings. What Tamar doesn’t realize is the past isn’t finished with her yet; in fact, it’s as close as the walls in her house and even follows her to Paris. Amazon

 

An Impossible Choice (part 1 of 3) by Liisa Eyerly

Why Were Early Christians Persecuted? 

The Roman Empire’s persecution of Christians began sporadically but escalated over the centuries, starting in 64 AD under Emperor Nero and ending in 313 AD when Constantine legalized Christianity across the empire. However, despite this long period of persecution, most emperors showed no animosity toward the small, upstart Christian sect. The question remains: why were Christians specifically targeted, and martyred, whether by Nero tying them to stakes, tarring them, and setting them on fire as human torches, or being torn apart by lions in the arena to the applause and cheers of festive game attendees?

Rome’s Religion and Political Identity

The Roman Empire was famously polytheistic, incorporating gods from many cultures it conquered into the state religion. This policy was a political strategy that allowed the assimilation of a stunning array of gods and practices, all under one big tent, or rather one expansive empire. Worship of these gods and goddesses, particularly the emperor himself (who was considered divine), was seen as a civic duty, an integral part of being Roman.  

Capitoline Triad of Juno, Jupiter, and Minerva)

For Romans, religion was not a particularly personal matter, but rather one enacted through visible family and public rituals, festivals, sacrifices, and processions. A city’s gods were a reflection of its civic and political identity. In this context, religion was a mechanism for social unity and political loyalty.

In my previous blog, “Mean Gods,” I described the control that the Greek and Roman religious system had over the people. From birth to death, the gods were feared and needed to be appeased. Celebrations, sacrifices, and prayers were overseen by public officials, primarily the Roman Senate.

Why Were Christians Targeted?

If so many divinities were brought to Rome and installed as part of the Roman state religion, why not Christianity?

Christians were exhorted by their scriptures and spiritual leaders to be “good” law-abiding citizens. They paid taxes, helped widows and orphans, and believed in Christ’s commandment. ‘Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them.’ (Matt. 7:12 NKJV) They weren’t rioting or demanding special concessions; they were simply different. Perhaps, Christ would have been accepted as one of Rome’s many gods had His adherents agreed that He was just one of many.                            (Marcus Aurelius (head covered) sacrificing at the Temple of Jupiter)

They did not.

Unlike the general populace, Christians were not willing to accept the Roman gods as legitimate. The followers of Jesus Christ had a radically different belief system—they were monotheistic and could not reconcile their faith with the polytheistic practices of Rome. 

Christian exclusivity could accept only one divinity, and it wasn't Caesar.

 

(next month Part 2 of 3 The Consequences)

-Cairns, Earle E. (1996). "Chapter 7:Christ or Caesar". Christianity Through the Centuries: A History of the Christian Church (Third ed.). Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan. ISBN 978-0-310-20812-9. 
-Clark, Mark Edward (1983). "Spes in the Early Imperial Cult: "The Hope of Augustus"". Numen. 30 (1): 80–105. doi:10.1163/156852783X00168. JSTOR 3270103 
- Whitby, Michael; Streeter, Joseph, eds. (2006). Christian Persecution, Martyrdom, and Orthodoxy GEM de Ste.Croix. New York: Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-927812-1. 
-Jump up to:a b Catherwood, Christopher (2011). "Chapter Three, From Christ to Christendom: The Early Church". A Brief History of the Middle East (Second ed.). London: Constable and Robin Ltd. ISBN 978-1-84901-508-0. 
-A Short History of the Early Church, By Harry R. Boer page 45 
-Bart D. Ehrman, A Brief Introduction to the New Testament (Oxford University Press 2004 ISBN 978-0-19-536934-2), pp. 313–314

-Bryant, Joseph M. (1993). "The Sect-Church Dynamic and Christian Expansion in the Roman Empire: Persecution, Penitential Discipline, and Schism in Sociological Perspective". The British Journal of Sociology. 44 (2): 303–339. doi:10.2307/591221. JSTOR 591221.

Winner of Eric Hoffer's First Horizon Award, Obedient Unto Death launches the thrilling Secrets of Ephesus mystery series, weaving a captivating Christian twist into the heart of the first-century Roman Empire. When a scribe is murdered during an illicit Christian gathering, an innocent bishop is imprisoned. Sabina, a fearless believer, must navigate a treacherous world of deceit and betrayal to save him. With time running out and execution looming, she risks everything to uncover the truth—before the fragile Christian community is torn apart forever. Will Sabina's courage and faith be enough to stop the injustice before it's too late?



Bio Liisa Eyerly’s Secrets of Ephesus series adds a Christian twist to first-century Roman Empire mysteries. Her debut novel, Obedient Unto Death (2022), won the Eric Hoffer First Horizon Award and first place in Spiritual Fiction. The second book, Fortunes of Death, launched in October. A lifelong mystery lover, Liisa was inspired by the Apostle Paul’s depiction of early Christians. After careers in teaching, librarianship, and stained glass, she began writing full-time at fifty. Liisa lives in northern Wisconsin with her husband and enjoys pickleball, kayaking, Bible study, and visiting Ancient Roman sites.

Visit me at my website or my FaceBook author page.
or 

purchase my books at: CrossRiver Media and on Amazon
Fortunes of Death
Obedient Unto Death
My Amazon book page

Thank you for reading!

Heroes of the Wild West: Ranchers

When we think of the heroes who tamed the American frontier, our minds may leap to lawmen, cowboys, or pioneers in covered wagons. Yet one group quietly shaped the West in profound and lasting ways: the ranchers. They were not only stewards of cattle and land but also guardians of a way of life that required faith, determination, and resilience. Nowhere is this more evident than in Montana’s Deer Lodge Valley, where lush grasslands, open skies, and enterprising hearts gave rise to one of the most iconic ranches of the West—the Kohrs Ranch.

A Divine Opportunity

As settlers pushed westward during the 1800s, wagon trains heading toward Oregon and California often left behind cattle that were sick, lame, or simply too exhausted to continue. Left to the mercy of the wilderness, these abandoned cattle thrived on Montana's rich grasses. Ranchers rounded them up, nursed them back to health, and integrated them into their growing herds. This practice not only salvaged valuable livestock but also reflected a culture of stewardship rooted in frontier practicality and Christian compassion.

One of the greatest exemplars of this spirit was Conrad Kohrs, a German immigrant who came to Montana seeking opportunity and built an empire instead. Known as the "Cattle King of Montana," Kohrs began modestly, buying and raising cattle that others had given up on. With hard work, vision, and an eye for opportunity, he turned abandoned animals into thriving herds, building what would become the legendary Kohrs Ranch.

The Open Range and a Growing Industry

The success of ranching in Montana hinged on the concept of the open range. Without fences to constrain them, cattle could roam for miles, feeding on the bounty of the land. For ranchers like Kohrs, this meant lower overhead and larger herds, but it also required trust—trust in neighbors, hired hands, and God.

Ranch life was demanding. Days began before dawn and ended well after sunset. The weather could be merciless, isolation was common, and profits uncertain. Yet, through it all, many ranching families held fast to their faith. The Bible was as essential to life as the branding iron, and Sunday worship, whether in a distant town or around the family hearth, provided spiritual rest and direction.

Markets for beef flourished as railroads connected Montana to the rest of the nation. Towns like Chicago and Kansas City became key destinations for Montana cattle, and British investors began pouring money into massive herds, hoping to cash in on the boom. But such rapid growth brought its own dangers.

Greed, Overgrazing, and the Storm to Come

By the mid-1880s, overgrazing had become a serious problem. The open range, once an Eden of opportunity, began to show signs of strain. Driven by greed and fueled by speculative foreign capital, especially from British syndicates, ranchers allowed too many cattle to graze the same stretches of land. The balance that had once sustained the cattle industry was tipping dangerously.

Then came the winter of 1886–87.

Known as “The Great Die-Up,” it was one of the harshest winters in Western history. Cattle by the tens of thousands froze or starved, unable to paw through snow to reach grass. Entire herds were lost, and with them, the dreams of many ranchers. Conrad Kohrs himself lost more than half his stock.

This devastating winter spelled the end of the open range era. Fencing, controlled grazing, and winter feeding became necessary to survive. While this change marked the beginning of modern ranching, it also closed a chapter in the romantic but rugged life of frontier cattlemen.

The Whispering Wind

Learn More

This poignant and powerful moment in history provides the setting for my novel, The Whispering Wind, a historical Christian romance that takes place during the summer just before the Great Die-Up.

Phoebe, my heroine, is the daughter—and niece—of ranchers, living on her uncle’s ranch in the Deer Lodge Valley. Skilled with horses and determined to prove her worth in a man’s world, she persuades her uncle to take her on as a ranch hand—no small feat in an era when women were expected to remain in the background.

She finds herself working under Will, the ranch manager, a man of quiet strength who has seen both the promise and perils of the cattle business. As he trains her to work cattle, their bond deepens. But their growing affection is shadowed by the troubling signs of a range pushed to its limits, and the rising tide of ambition and foreign greed threatening to unravel all they hold dear.

Writing The Whispering Wind allowed me to explore the resilience and faith of people living on the edge of change. I was inspired by the courage of women like Phoebe, who defied cultural norms, and men like Will, who bore responsibility with integrity. The novel is steeped in the rich detail of ranch life—branding cattle, riding herd, and wrestling with the moral questions raised by unchecked growth. Yet, at its heart, it is a story of love, faith, and finding strength in God when the world around you begins to shift.

The Legacy Lives On

The ranchers of Montana, like Conrad Kohrs and the countless others who followed, may not wear the same kind of fame as outlaws or gunfighters, but their legacy is every bit as enduring. They helped feed a nation, shaped the land, and left behind values of hard work, humility, and trust in God's provision.

Their stories—and the lessons they teach us—still speak today. Whether you're drawn to the sweeping romance of the open plains or the quiet faith of those who called it home, the ranchers of the Wild West remain true heroes of the American frontier.

About Janalyn Voigt

Janalyn Voigt fell in love with literature at an early age when her father read chapters from classics as bedtime stories. When Janalyn grew older, she put herself to sleep with tales "written" in her head. Today Janalyn is a storyteller who writes in several genres. Romance, mystery, adventure, history, and whimsy appear in all her novels. Learn more about Janalyn, read the first chapters of her books, and subscribe for updates at http://janalynvoigt.com.

Lighthouses in the Thousand Islands

by Susan G Mathis

The Thousand Islands, nestled in the St. Lawrence River between the United States and Canada, is a breathtaking archipelago that boasts stunning landscapes, rich history, and a unique maritime culture. Among its many treasures are the lighthouses that have guided sailors and adventurers through these waters for centuries. These iconic structures not only serve as navigational aids but also as symbols of the region’s maritime heritage. Join us as we explore some of the most notable lighthouses in the Thousand Islands, uncovering their history and significance. My three-book lighthouse series, Love at a Lighthouse, highlights three of them.

Tibbetts Point Lighthouse, built in 1854, is located at the northern tip of the Thousand Islands in Cape Vincent. Standing at 67 feet tall, it was constructed to guide vessels into the St. Lawrence River and into Lake Ontario. This historic lighthouse is known for its stunning architecture and scenic location. The lighthouse is accessible to visitors, with a small park area surrounding it. While the lighthouse is no longer operational, the site offers beautiful views of the river and Lake Ontario. The nearby Tibbetts Point Lighthouse Park provides picnic areas, a gift shop, a fog horn museum, and a perfect spot for families and tourists to relax and enjoy the scenery.

Sister Island Lighthouse was built in 1838 and is one of the oldest lighthouses in the Thousand Islands. With its classic octagonal shape and picturesque setting, this lighthouse was critical in guiding vessels through the St. Lawrence River during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Although the lighthouse is not open for tours, visitors can view the island by boat. 

Rock Island Lighthouse was constructed in 1895, built to help ships navigate the often-treacherous waters of the St. Lawrence River. Standing at 29 feet tall, the lighthouse is known for its distinct white and red colors, which make it a recognizable landmark for mariners. Accessible only by boat, Rock Island Lighthouse is a popular destination for visitors looking to explore the natural beauty of the area. The lighthouse is part of the Rock Island State Park, offering hiking trails and picnic areas for a perfect day out. Climbing to the top provides breathtaking views of the surrounding islands and the river.

The lighthouses of the Thousand Islands are not just navigational aids; they are a portray the region’s rich maritime history and enduring charm. Each lighthouse has its own unique story, contributing to the captivating tapestry of the Thousand Islands. Whether you’re an avid maritime history enthusiast, a photography lover, or simply seeking a peaceful escape in nature, these lighthouses offer something for everyone. 

Have you explored the Thousand Islands? Leave your answer or comments on the post below and join me on February 19th for my next post. 

ABOUT LOVE AT A LIGHTHOUSE SERIES:

The three-book series includes: Libby’s Lighthouse, Julia’s Joy, and Emma’s Engagement

Join the Row-family women, Libby, Julia, and Emma, as they navigate the isolation, danger, and hope for lasting love at three Thousand Island lighthouses—Tibbetts, Sister, and Rock Island—in the St. Lawrence River.

ABOUT SUSAN:

Susan G Mathis is an international award-winning, multi-published author of stories set in the beautiful Thousand Islands in upstate NY. Susan has been published more than thirty times in full-length novels, novellas, and non-fiction books. She has fourteen in her fiction line. Susan is also a published author of two premarital books, stories in a dozen compilations, and hundreds of published articles. Susan lives in Colorado Springs and enjoys traveling the world. Visit www.SusanGMathis.com/fiction for more.

Andrew Jackson Higgins by Nancy J. Farrier

During World War II, General Dwight Eisenhower was quoted saying Andrew Higgins is, “the man who won the war for us.” Adolf Hitler spoke of Higgins as “the new Noah.” Who is this man who left such an impression on the top commanders of their respective armies?

Photo by Higgins Industries, Public Domain
Wikiemedia Commons

 

Higgins was born in 1886 and his parents were residents of Columbus, Nebraska. His father was active in politics, a lawyer, judge, and editor of a paper. Andrew’s father died from a fall when Andrew was seven years old. Afterwards, his mother moved them to Omaha, but there were hard times with no husband and little money.

 

At nine years of age, Andrew became an entrepreneur. He started a lawn service in addition to running several newspaper delivery routes. He was the business manager, hiring older boys to do the actual work. 

 

Andrew attended Creighton Prep school until his junior year, when he was expelled for brawling. He then joined the 2^nd Nebraska Infantry, part of the National Guard. Through this unit, he had his first taste of amphibious training in the waters of the Platte River.

 

In 1906, he went into the lumber business in Mobile, Alabama. In 1922, he opened the Higgins Lumber and Export Co. in New Orleans. They imported hardwood from the Phillipines, Central America, and Africa. He also acquired the largest fleet of sailing ships in the US. He also opened his own shipyard to do repairs. 

 

Higgins Boat, Wikimedia Commons

In 1926, Higgins designed the Eureka boat, used by oil drillers and trappers along the coast and in the Mississippi River. The boat was made for use in shallow waters, making it easy to navigate. He added a “spoonbill” bow, allowing the boat an easy way to be beached on a riverbank.

 

When boat trade declined, Higgins kept on by designing and producing motorboats, tugs, and barges for individuals and firms, but also for the Coast Guard. 

 

In 1938, the Marine Corps was looking for an easier way to get men across a beach via amphibious landing. They expressed an interest in Andrew’s boat designs. They tested the Eureka boat, which surpassed their expectations. The only drawback was the soldiers would have to clamber over the sides to the beach. 

 

Plan for Higgins Boat
Public Domain, Wikimedia Commons

Meanwhile, the Japanese were using ramp-bowed landing boats. When Higgins was shown a picture of the Japanese craft, he contacted his engineers and described the ramp-bowed idea and asked them to have drawings for him to examine when he returned. Within a month, Higgins had a boat built and ready for testing. The boat passed with flying colors.

 

Thus was developed the LCVP (landing craft, vehicle, personnel), or the “Higgins Boat.” All during WWII Andrew’s plant produced what the Navy needed from landing craft to torpedo boats, to gun turrets and smoke generators.

 

One of the statistics I read for this post said that 93% of the boats used to transport soldiers to the beaches in Normandy and other landings were Higgins boats designed by Andrew Higgins. He had a great impact on the war 

 

Memorial: by A. Carty, Wikimedia Commons

Andrew Higgins died in 1952 in New Orleans. He held 30 patents, most of them for amphibious landing craft and vehicles. He held an honorary Doctor of Law degree from Creighton University in Omaha, bestowed in 1943. There is a memorial to him in Columbus, Nebraska, his birthplace.

 

He started in humble beginnings working a lawn business and delivering papers. He was quoted as saying, “If it had not been for the Missouri River at Omaha there would have been no Higgins Industries of New Orleans..." They turned out ships, planes, engines, guns and what have you for the army and navy. Looking at the Missouri shallows, its snags and driftwood led to his first shallow-draft boat. Everything else came from that.

 

Have you heard to the “Higgins Boat?” I know we’ve all seen pictures of them on the beaches disgorging troops, but I didn’t know the name of them or their designer. Andrew Higgins played an important role in WWII with his boat designs. I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Nancy J Farrier is an award-winning, best-selling author who lives in Southern Arizona in the Sonoran Desert. She loves the Southwest with its interesting historical past. When Nancy isn’t writing, she loves to read, do needlecraft, play with her cats and dog, and spend time with her family. You can read more about Nancy and her books on her website: nancyjfarrier.com.

Just As I Am- the Hymn sung around the world

 

This will be the last of my hymn stories, so I wanted to talk about one of my favorites. I’d never heard Just As I Am until I became a Christian and attended a revival. Not only was the hymn used at altar calls in the church I attended as a teen but is known worldwide because the Billy Graham Crusades used it as their altar call hymn. Mr. Graham felt it was the most biblically accurate hymn when calling sinners to surrender their lives to Jesus.

What surprised me is this popular hymn is almost two-hundred years old. 

Charlotte Elliott (1789-1871) was born in Clapton, England, one of six children. Her father was a clergyman as were her two older brothers. Charlotte was a pleasant woman whose talents were portrait painting and writing humorous poems. She led a rather carefree life, ignoring her religious upbringing, until in her twenties she became seriously ill. There is no record as to what the illness was, but it also brought on severe bouts of depression that plagued her for the rest of her life. In 1822, while living in Brighton, England with her married brother Henry, a Swiss evangelist, Dr. Ceasar Malan, visited the Elliott family. He challenged Charlotte regarding her faith. She insisted she needed to clean up her life before she came to the Lord. But Dr. Malan encouraged her to come to Christ as she was. She did and celebrated May 8^th as her spiritual birthday every year as a reminder of God’s great love for her.

 Charlotte wrote hundreds of hymns published in various collections. “Just As I Am” first appeared in the Invalid’s Hymnbook in 1836. She was inspired to write the poem while her brother’s family was at a bazaar raising money for a home for poor clergymen’s children. She wanted so badly to help in some small way. The words Dr. Malan had spoken to her so many years ago came flooding back and when her sister-in-law returned home to check on her, she showed her the poem. Those words raised more money for the children’s home than anything sold at the bazaar. God used those simple words to change lives.

Thomas Hasting joined the tune “Woodworth” by American gospel composure William Bradbury to the poem “Just As I Am Without One Plea. The moving melody sets the tone to the words.

Original Poem

Just as I am - without one plea,
But that Thy blood was shed for me,
And that Thou bidst me come to Thee,
-O Lamb of God, I come!

Just as I am - and waiting not
To rid my soul of one dark blot,
To Thee, whose blood can cleanse each spot,
-O Lamb of God, I come!

Just as I am - though toss'd about
With many a conflict, many a doubt,
Fightings and fears within, without,
-O Lamb of God, I come!

Just as I am - poor, wretched, blind;
Sight, riches, healing of the mind,
Yea, all I need, in Thee to find,
-O Lamb of God, I come!

Just as I am - Thou wilt receive,
Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;
Because Thy promise I believe,
-O Lamb of God, I come!

Just as I am - Thy love unknown
Has broken every barrier down;
Now to be Thine, yea, Thine alone,
-O Lamb of God, I come!

Just as I am - of that free love
The breadth, length, depth, and height to prove,
Here for a season, then above,
-O Lamb of God, I come!

Just As I Am goes around the world and through the decades

This hymn has been translated into many languages and sung over the centuries. You can find gospel albums from various artist, from Johnny Cash to Carrie Underwood who include this song in their hymn albums.

Here is a link to Carrie Underwoods rendition of the song.

https://youtu.be/qRbrK6Pydgs

Often on hearing this hymn, I was brought to my knees in repentance and gratitude that I belong to Jesus.

When was the first time you heard Just As I Am? How did it affect you? 

Cindy Ervin Huff is a multi-published award-winning author. A 2018 Selah Finalist. She has a passion to encourage other writers on their journey. When she isn’t writing, she feeds her addiction to reading and enjoys her retirement with her husband of 50 plus years, Charles. Visit her at www.cindyervinhuff.com.

Cherishing Her Heart