by Church @ 434 | Jul 19, 2025 | Hit in the Head with a Hymn Book
The hymn “I Am Thine, O Lord” is a prayer for deeper intimacy with God. But what does a life dedicated to that prayer actually look like? The answer is found in the incredible life of its author, Fanny Crosby.
Join us in this moving episode of “Hit in the Head by a Hymn Book” as Jeff Dixon shares how a blind woman’s devotion—memorizing scripture, serving the poor, and writing thousands of hymns—became the ultimate expression of drawing near to God. Her story gives new meaning to the words we sing and challenges us to live them out.
#DrawNearToGod #SpiritualGrowth #ChristianLife #FannyCrosby #Hymns #FaithInAction #Testimony
by Church @ 434 | Jul 7, 2025 | Hit in the Head with a Hymn Book
Did you know one of Christianity’s most famous “battle” hymns was written by an eccentric, self-taught scholar who kept a pet bat on his shoulder? In this episode of “Hit me in the head with a hymn book,” host Jeff Dixon uncovers the strange and fascinating life of Sabine Baring-Gould, the man behind “Onward, Christian Soldiers.” Discover why this iconic marching anthem was hastily written for a children’s parade on Whit Sunday, and why its author later admitted its rhymes were “faulty.” It’s a story of a chaotic childhood, brilliant eccentricity, and a song that took on a life of its own.
#OnwardChristianSoldiers #StoryBehindTheSong #SabineBaringGould #PetBat #ChristianHistory #Hymns #ChurchHumor
by Church @ 434 | Jul 3, 2025 | Hit in the Head with a Hymn Book
Ever had a hymn book thrown at your head? Jeff Dixon has (well, almost). That wild story kicks off a new series where we unpack the shocking, tragic, and inspiring origins of the hymns you thought you knew.
In this episode, we explore the profound story behind the simple words of “Jesus Loves Me.” It’s a journey from a Gilded Age mansion to a ramshackle house, from literary stardom to financial struggle, and finally to a place of honor at the West Point Military Cemetery. Join me as we discover how two sisters’ unwavering faith in the face of hardship gave the world its most beloved children’s hymn.
#JesusLovesMe #TrueStory #BehindTheMusic #WestPoint #WarnerSisters #Faith #Inspiration
