Unexpected Legacies: Louisa M. R. Stead

Matthew J Elliott

It is a busy season for many of us, and with the ‘Big’ holidays just around the corner, things are not going to cool off any time soon. We also have an election coming up, and while I do not advocate for promoting any candidate, it is important to take a few moments to focus on the motivations behind the choices we make before all the chaos of that election, and the upcoming holidays ensue. Sometimes it’s better to put our focus on something a little more heavenly than what the world brings.

While I have typically been highlighting the painful memories of certain songs or authors, today, I’d rather focus on the message left behind by the person. In truth, there is a bit of sadness to the story behind ‘Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus’. She struggled with health issues for most of her life. Despite failing to accomplish her goal of becoming a missionary to China, Louisa married William Stead and together they had a daughter named Lily. 

After tragedy struck, her husband died trying to save a young boy from drowning in the ocean. Louisa and Lily found themselves destitute, with only a prayer to guide them. However, faced with this loss, Louisa found the courage to pray and seek guidance. In the end, that prayer paid off and eventually, she became compelled to write the hymn we all know. While we all know and love the words of this classic hymn, that is not where the most impactful aspects of her legacy lie.

Rather, the most impactful aspects of her legacy come from the missionary she became after the tragedy struck. Less than a year after Stead penned the chorus of her song, she and Lily moved out of the country and became missionaries in Africa. While she was living there, Louisa married a gentleman named Robert Wodehouse. As they began to experience their life together, they both worked in various African countries. They were all about serving others and sharing a message of hope with those around them. Many came to believe through their ministry. 

Louisa’s health issues continued through all of this and eventually, she had to return to America. However, once the healing came, the missionary could not stay in one place. Instead, she returned to the missionary field in Rhodesia. This is where Louisa would spend the rest of her days ministering anywhere the road would take her. In time, Lily became interested in being a missionary like her mother and chose to pursue the same calling. 

So again, the legacy was not in the song “Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus.” It was about the courage Louisa showed through her dedication to serving as a missionary to so many in Africa. It was through this determination and dedication that her daughter Lily found her own path and several South African churches flourished. Louisa trusted that in all things, it was truly so sweet to trust in Jesus. Regardless of what she faced, Louisa continued to believe in the calling she felt she should embrace.  

As each day passes, we are confronted with many difficult trials and choices that require our attention. While overcoming the pain of those hard moments is not always easy, we can look at others as an example. Louisa trusted in something bigger than herself and things worked out for her. While she still endured pain and sickness throughout her life, she accomplished many things. We can do so as well. What are some ways we can pursue our own unexpected legacy? Share your thoughts in the comments below. I’ll be looking to reply to any comment I see.

 

See you in the pages and sooner than you think!!

Matt

PS (Next Time, The Unexpected Legacies Series, will be traveling back to ancient biblical times. It's going to be fun and I can't wait to go back there.)
PSS (I will be giving away a few copies of my newest book, The Cyprus Journal, at the Mid-Month Madness Takeover this month. Are you coming?)

~ Biography ~

Matthew James Elliott (M.J. Elliott) is a passionate writer who loves to encourage and inspire others. He has served in various ministry roles for over 15 years, which has given him a unique perspective on people and Biblical History. Matthew holds a degree in Biblical Studies from Oklahoma Wesleyan University, with a focus on Pastoral Care, Christian Education, and Worship.

Matthew is happily married to Traci, and they have three children named Leyla, Caleb, and Hannah, who bring them immense joy and inspiration. As a writer, Matthew's goal is to share love, equip others, and edify them for the greater good. He loves connecting any amount of scripture to his stories and uses his knowledge of Biblical History to do so often.

You can find Matthew's works on Amazon, Goodreads, Facebook, and His Website. He has written Devotionals, An Episodic Series, Novellas, and even Commentaries for The Gospel Daily.

~ Highlighted Release ~

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