So well said. It is rare to find a song that soothes the heart, beckons the lost, renews the believer, and comforts the bereaved. And, I agree, the title tells us all we need to know: His grace is amazing, but of course it would have to be to save a wretch like me. Thank you
A very good friend of mine, unbeknownst to me, had Amazing Grace played on bagpipes at my wife’s memorial service. The player was in full regalia. 30 years ago and she was a young 47 year old, the Mother of our only daughter, and my high school sweetheart. ❤️
Thank you for sharing this beautiful and touching life changing memory with the rest of us. It is my hope and prayer that this AMAZING memory carries you onward in strenght and peace to the glorious day when the two of you are renited once again.
Thanks Steven. Yes, so many memories. I did meet a 48 year old widow in church and we hit it off, so to speak. She had no children, widowed 2 years and always wanted a daughter. My daughter (only 17 then) fell in love with her. We’ve been married 29 years now and have grandchildren of our own. I am a Blessed man. 😇
There are times when this old tune and its story of being written by a former captain of a slave ship is very touching. It’s an expression of grace that can’t be topped in its poetic telling of something so valuable being freely given.
Over time, your columns have focused more and more on the spiritual side of life…on God and His love and amazing grace. On hope and love and heaven and eternity. This makes my heart so happy…you are knowing Him better and better. Closer and closer. And sharing it so others know they can know His love too. Thank you.
Sean, my husband was a VA Baptist Collegiate Minister for 41 years. Part of his ministry was reaching out to the very large number of international students at ODU, in Norfolk. For many years, one thing the state BCM office did was plan a retreat for these students because they usually could not go home for holidays. One year the-after Christmas retreat was in Maryland and several state BCMs were participating. I went along and we had a van load of mostly Middle Eastern students, guys. We learned all sorts of songs, American and some from other countries. One “we” learned was “Amazing Grace”. On the long ride home, we began singing songs we learned. Some, the guys suggested. I was moved to tears when they, unprompted by my husband and me, began to sing “Amazing Grace”! I will never forget that!—Bettina Sandford, Richmond, VA
At the graveside service of my momma’s recent Celebration of Life, my cousin played “Amazing Grace” on the acoustic guitar and sang three of the verses while we laid long-stemmed roses on her grave. The simplicity of it was absolutely beautiful.
Amazing Grace reminds me of my father. Rarely do I hear it with a tear in my eye. How Great Thou Art reminds me of my mother. She sang in church and at funerals.
I had always heard that the song originated from African slaves being transported in the hulls of ships. They hummed that tune for comfort. Someone later penned the words. It doesn't really matter - the song is beautiful no matter how you play it. Loved your comment about the churches that are named with verbs and the Cinabon in the lobbies. A member of my family calls some of these churches "country clubs without the golf courses." Beautiful piece.
Thanks Sean. I love that description of so many of today's churches and their names. We were taught that church was a worshipful place. As kids we were allowed to sit on the back pew... as long as we behaved. The church was a place of reverence. That is no longer true in many places of worship these days. I don't like people going to church in shorts and a halter top. I don't like seeing cut of jeans that expose butt cheeks in church. No, I still think church is a place of reverence. And, I don't like the endless repeating of a phase, ie; "Yes Jesus". I don't go any more and that is why.
Amazing Grace is my number one favorite hymn. It never fails to bring tears of joy to my eyes. I just got home from the funeral of a close friend of 72 years acquaintance, and it was played twice during the service. Being a Baptist service, along with few tears there were lots of smiles and laughter celebrating her joyous homecoming to Jesus. I want that song played at my funeral, and I'd like for it to be done on bagpipes. Thanks again Sean, for a wonderful heartwarming story.
I'm wondering if you were in the old Methodist church in Cades Cove? There are frequently people playing music and singing as the tourists stop by. Beautiful place. Would have loved to hear you play Amazing Grace there. ❤️
So well said. It is rare to find a song that soothes the heart, beckons the lost, renews the believer, and comforts the bereaved. And, I agree, the title tells us all we need to know: His grace is amazing, but of course it would have to be to save a wretch like me. Thank you
Amen
Amen 🙏
Amen!!
A very good friend of mine, unbeknownst to me, had Amazing Grace played on bagpipes at my wife’s memorial service. The player was in full regalia. 30 years ago and she was a young 47 year old, the Mother of our only daughter, and my high school sweetheart. ❤️
I have heard it played on bagpipes many times and it always brings the tears.
Thank you for sharing this beautiful and touching life changing memory with the rest of us. It is my hope and prayer that this AMAZING memory carries you onward in strenght and peace to the glorious day when the two of you are renited once again.
Thanks Steven. Yes, so many memories. I did meet a 48 year old widow in church and we hit it off, so to speak. She had no children, widowed 2 years and always wanted a daughter. My daughter (only 17 then) fell in love with her. We’ve been married 29 years now and have grandchildren of our own. I am a Blessed man. 😇
I bet it was beautiful
There are times when this old tune and its story of being written by a former captain of a slave ship is very touching. It’s an expression of grace that can’t be topped in its poetic telling of something so valuable being freely given.
🙌🏻✝️
Over time, your columns have focused more and more on the spiritual side of life…on God and His love and amazing grace. On hope and love and heaven and eternity. This makes my heart so happy…you are knowing Him better and better. Closer and closer. And sharing it so others know they can know His love too. Thank you.
It cannot be said better than Ralph Johnson in the "COMMENTS" and all the other heart felt comments ! I can do NO better to praise the LORD !
Praise God for amazing Grace. For we all fall short of the glory of God.🙌🏻✝️
Sean, my husband was a VA Baptist Collegiate Minister for 41 years. Part of his ministry was reaching out to the very large number of international students at ODU, in Norfolk. For many years, one thing the state BCM office did was plan a retreat for these students because they usually could not go home for holidays. One year the-after Christmas retreat was in Maryland and several state BCMs were participating. I went along and we had a van load of mostly Middle Eastern students, guys. We learned all sorts of songs, American and some from other countries. One “we” learned was “Amazing Grace”. On the long ride home, we began singing songs we learned. Some, the guys suggested. I was moved to tears when they, unprompted by my husband and me, began to sing “Amazing Grace”! I will never forget that!—Bettina Sandford, Richmond, VA
So beautiful. I sat there beside you and sang all seven verses and swallowed down that lump in my throat when I sang the fifth. Thank you for this.
At the graveside service of my momma’s recent Celebration of Life, my cousin played “Amazing Grace” on the acoustic guitar and sang three of the verses while we laid long-stemmed roses on her grave. The simplicity of it was absolutely beautiful.
Amazing Grace reminds me of my father. Rarely do I hear it with a tear in my eye. How Great Thou Art reminds me of my mother. She sang in church and at funerals.
I had always heard that the song originated from African slaves being transported in the hulls of ships. They hummed that tune for comfort. Someone later penned the words. It doesn't really matter - the song is beautiful no matter how you play it. Loved your comment about the churches that are named with verbs and the Cinabon in the lobbies. A member of my family calls some of these churches "country clubs without the golf courses." Beautiful piece.
Thanks Sean. I love that description of so many of today's churches and their names. We were taught that church was a worshipful place. As kids we were allowed to sit on the back pew... as long as we behaved. The church was a place of reverence. That is no longer true in many places of worship these days. I don't like people going to church in shorts and a halter top. I don't like seeing cut of jeans that expose butt cheeks in church. No, I still think church is a place of reverence. And, I don't like the endless repeating of a phase, ie; "Yes Jesus". I don't go any more and that is why.
Can’t add a word. Well said. Grace has saved this wretch, and I will be eternally grateful.
Amazing Grace is my number one favorite hymn. It never fails to bring tears of joy to my eyes. I just got home from the funeral of a close friend of 72 years acquaintance, and it was played twice during the service. Being a Baptist service, along with few tears there were lots of smiles and laughter celebrating her joyous homecoming to Jesus. I want that song played at my funeral, and I'd like for it to be done on bagpipes. Thanks again Sean, for a wonderful heartwarming story.
This is so beautiful and touching and timely. I just wish we could all "get the message".
I'm wondering if you were in the old Methodist church in Cades Cove? There are frequently people playing music and singing as the tourists stop by. Beautiful place. Would have loved to hear you play Amazing Grace there. ❤️