To Members of the Faith Music Connection community,
From Dr. Larry Frazier
A New Normal
Thankfulness and gratitude! 2020 has been a year like no other. The pandemic, along with political and social discord, leaped into our lives. In response, we have greatly altered the ways we gather for worship, sporting events, weddings, funerals, or even for meals. This “new normal” does not feel normal at all.
Social Distancing
Social distancing hinders the way we interact. Every personal contact brings the risk of contamination or infection. Masks are a must for every occasion. Thus, we find it hard to cultivate and maintain a sense of empathy with others. Things that divide us seem to prevail over those that bring us together.
Maintaining Thankfulness and Gratitude
In such a climate, keeping a spirit of thankfulness is difficult. Being grateful for the blessings and joys of life may be even more challenging inside the “bubbles” that separate us.
Inspiration, Courage and Strength
Hard times seem to highlight our needs for inspiration, courage, and strength. But, we are not alone. Hard times often produce hymns which inspire, strengthen and encourage us. They help us prevail in faith that God is with us and ultimately in control.
A 17th-Century Pandemic
About 400 years ago, Martin Rinkart, Lutheran pastor, looked out his window. Carts carrying bodies of victims of a plague moved slowly through the streets of Eilenburg, Germany. Hundreds died every week. Soon, Rinkart was the only pastor remaining, the other pastors having joined the thousands who died.
1586-1649 source: wikipedia
Great Hymn of Thanksgiving
Instead of despairing, Rinkart wrote a great hymn of thanksgiving, “Now Thank We All Our God.” He intended the first two stanzas as a prayer before meals with his family. The third stanza is his personal statement of thanksgiving and faith in an all-powerful God.
Want 5 Free Stories?
From my new book,
A Story Behind Every Hymn
Enter your Name and your Primary Email Address below so that I can send you the 5 Free Story Chapters via a PDF download. This is my way of saying thank you for being a part of our community of people who love traditional hymns.
Want the Lyrics to Now Thank We All Our God?
Click the lyrics image below to go to the lyrics. May they provide you with a dose of courage, inspiration and strength.
Keep Singing,
Dr. Larry
