Book Review: Then Sings My Soul

Then Sings My Soul: 150 of the World's Greatest Hymn Stories, Special Edition
By Robert J. Morgan
Thomas Nelson, 2010
English, 320 pgs


Description:

Don't look for a dry recounting of boring historical fact, the devotional-style stories in Then Sings My Soul show the emotion and drama behind the hymns of faith that have changed many lives throughout history. Designed to be personally reflective, these stories speak to the soul and add depth to a meaningful worship time with God through song.
Recounted are stories of the people whose faith led them to write these wonderful seasonal hymns and the people whose faith was affected by reading, hearing, and singing the songs.

• Includes words and music to each hymn
• Special, softcover, French flap cover design
• Ivory paper with brown ink
• Jagged edged paper, giving it a classic feel
• Complete with hymn index
• Use for devotionals, teaching illustrations, introductory remarks for song leaders and music ministers

Review:
I love stories. I love knowing the stories behind things I love. I love "old" hymns. There are so many song in the Hymnal that have a deep personal meaning, yet I've never wondered about the stories behind them. I guess I've just assumed that the person(s) who wrote them had the same deep experiences that caused them to write.

My all time favorite hymn is The Old Rugged Cross. You would never know it because I never sing it. I can't. I can't get through it without tears (and I HATE crying) and therefore I don't sing it.

The reason it's so personal to me is my grandfather. He passed away when I was just about to start my sophomore year of high school. It was sang at his funeral because it was his favorite. At that time, I was not a Christian and I didn't understand the meaning behind it. A few months later I accepted Jesus as my Savior and then I came to understand.

To that old rugged cross I will ever be true,
It's shame and reproach gladly bear,
Thn He'll call me someday to my home far away,
Where His glory forever I'll share.

It came to have meaning for me.

This book is really cool for learning the back story of the songs we sing at our churches, even those for the upcoming Christmas season are covered.

I received a copy of the book from BookSneeze in exchange for an honest review. No additional compensation has been received.