October 22, 2024 - Good Morning! It's Tuesday, October 22.
Ina Ogden was born in 1872 and lived to be 92 years old. Name ring a bell? Probably not. She wrote over 3000 hymns, but not one is included in the Baptist Hymnal. Not even her most famous song, "Brighten the Corner Where You Are".
Chautauqua was a community-based education movement that was hugely popular in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Speakers, teachers, musicians, artists, preachers, etc. would tour to rural towns and do presentations that drew large and appreciative crowds. Ina Ogden, a talented writer, was asked to join the Chautauqua Circuit and she was excited to have the opportunity to touch the hearts of thousands of Americans.
Just as she was due to leave, her father was severely injured in an accident. She had to cancel her plans in order to care for him. At first, she felt frustration and harbored resentment toward God for allowing this to happen. She thought of all the good she could have done on the tour. But gradually she decided to try to make a difference where she was. During this time, she wrote a poem and titled it, "Brighten the Corner Where You Are". It was turned into a song that was a huge hit, and she ended up blessing many more hearts than she ever would have on the Chautauqua tour.
Have you ever had your plans changed? Have you ever been disappointed by a turn of events? Have you ever questioned God? I'm guessing you have. Perhaps you're dealing with a situation like that right now. Take a moment, right now, to recall God's promise in Isaiah 43:19 - "Behold, I will make a highway in the wilderness and rivers in the desert". Take a moment to hear this wisdom from Ina Ogden.
Do not wait until some deed of greatness you may do
Do not wait to shed your light afar
To the many duties ever near you, be true
Brighten the corner where you are
Meet you back here tomorrow,
David
cindertex50@yahoo.com
