The Story Behind the Hymns.
THE STORY BEHIND "SOFTLY AND TENDERLY JESUS IS CALLING "

“Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling” is one of the best-known Christian invitation hymns, written by American hymn writer and composer Will Lamartine Thompson in 1880.

Thompson was born in East Liverpool, Ohio, in 1847 and became a successful songwriter and publisher. Unlike many hymns that emerged from formal church traditions, “Softly and Tenderly” came from Thompson’s personal desire to create a simple song that would appeal directly to people who needed to make a spiritual decision.

The hymn’s central message is an invitation: Jesus is calling people to come to Him, return to Him, and receive His mercy. Its gentle words “Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling, calling for you and for me” gives the song its distinctive character. Rather than using threatening language, Thompson presented the call of Christ as loving, patient and compassionate.

One of the most memorable stories associated with the hymn involves evangelist Dwight L. Moody. Thompson reportedly visited Moody when the evangelist was seriously ill. During their meeting, Thompson told him that he had written the hymn and that he hoped it would be useful in Christian ministry. Moody was deeply moved by the song and encouraged its use in evangelistic meetings.

After Moody's death in 1899, the hymn became even more widely known through evangelistic campaigns and church services. Over the years, it has been sung at revival meetings, altar calls, funerals and moments of personal reflection. Its enduring appeal lies in its simplicity: a gentle reminder that the invitation to come to Christ is still open.

More than 140 years after it was written, “Softly and Tenderly” remains a powerful hymn because its message has not changed — Jesus calls, and the invitation is extended to everyone.

Let's talk about it.
“When looking at these four chapters in which Michael appears, we immediately notice that Michael is in conflict with Satan in each of these stories. Michael is the title used for Christ whenever He is at war with Satan. It is also the title connected to Him as the chief of the angels, or leader of the angels. Lucifer was next only to Christ, or Michael, among the angels. Christ’s title as Michael is a reminder that Lucifer rebelled against the chief of the angels and desired to be like God.

In each case described in Scripture when Christ takes the title of Michael, He is victorious. The final victory occurs in Daniel 12: 1. At the end of the world, Michael stands up to deliver a faithful generation who have proven Satan’s charges false.

Here in Revelation 12, Michael the archangel, or the chief angel, has a litany of angels on His side. The dragon, or Satan, has angels on his side. It is a polemical war that is fought over Satan’s lies against the government of God and Christ’s place in that government.

In verse 8, we see that Satan and his angels did not prevail. There was no place in heaven for his lies and for the dissension he had created.”

— Revelation: Practical Living in the Judgment Hour by Norman McNulty

Proverbs 10:9
He who walks with integrity walks securely,
But he who perverts his ways will become known. NKJV

Integrity is not a popular word in our culture anymore, but it is still a powerful one in the Kingdom of God. Solomon does not speak about talent, gifting, influence, or success here. He speaks about how a person walks. That tells us something important. God is not only watching where we arrive, He is watching how we live along the way.

To walk with integrity means to be whole. The same person in public and in private. The same convictions on Sunday that guide us on Monday. Integrity is not perfection, it is consistency of heart. It is choosing truth even when it costs us something. It is obeying God when no one is applauding.

The promise attached to integrity is security. That does not mean a life without storms. It means a life that is steady when storms come. A man or woman of integrity does not live in fear of exposure. They are not constantly explaining themselves, covering tracks, or adjusting stories. There is a quiet confidence that comes from knowing you are walking straight before God.

This kind of security produces peace. Peace of mind. Peace of conscience. Peace in prayer. When your heart is clean, you pray boldly. When your walk is upright, you sleep well. When your words and actions agree, your life has weight and credibility.

Then Solomon gives the warning. Those who pervert their ways will become known. To pervert means to twist what is straight. It is subtle compromise. Justifying what God has already spoken clearly about. Adjusting truth to fit convenience. It may look hidden for a season, but Scripture is clear. What is twisted will eventually be exposed.

This is not God being harsh. This is God being faithful. He exposes what destroys us so it does not destroy us forever. Hidden compromise always comes to light, either through correction or consequence.

The lesson is simple but sobering. Integrity protects you in ways money never can. Reputation can be managed, but character cannot. People may not see your integrity right away, but they will always see the fruit of it in time.

In a world full of noise, deception, and double standards, God is still calling His people to walk straight. Not loud. Not perfect. Just faithful. Just honest. Just whole.

Ask yourself today, not how far have I come, but how am I walking? Is my private life aligned with my confession? Am I obeying God where it matters most?

Choose integrity. Walk uprightly. Trust God with the outcome. Security does not come from hiding. It comes from walking in the light before the Lord.

These are the faces, the stories, and the moments that remind us why we serve.

Every child reached is a testimony of God's love in this ministry as real lives are truly touched.

Learn more at: www.pottersfield.org

#PottersFieldMinistries #FromTheField #RealLivesTouched #FaithInAction #KingdomImpact #HopeInMotion #MinistryMatters #LoveThatReaches #ServingTheNations #PFMMinistries

WHAT YOU SEE IS WHAT YOU GET: A LIFE STORY IN MY OWN WORDS CHRONICLES A
REMARKABLE JOURNEY OF FAITH AND RESILIENCE
Mr. Ben E. Brady shares an honest memoir that reflects on hardship, redemption, and a lifetime of unexpected experiences shaped by enduring faith.

New Braunfels, TX, — Mr. Ben E. Brady presents What You See Is What You Get: A Life Story in My Own Words, a compelling memoir that recounts a lifetime marked by extraordinary challenges, unexpected opportunities, and unwavering faith. From his premature birth in Lowell, Massachusetts, to careers and adventures that carried him across the United States, Brady's story offers readers a candid account of perseverance, personal growth, and spiritual transformation.

In What You See Is What You Get: A Life Story in My Own Words, Brady reflects on the many chapters of a life that defies convention. His journey includes experiences ranging from performing music in neighborhood venues while
sharing his Christian faith to serving as a Justice of the Peace in Texas, along with numerous other unexpected turns that reveal both personal struggle and remarkable determination.

The inspiration for the memoir comes from Brady's desire to share his life exactly as he lived it, without embellishment or pretense. Looking back across decades of hardship, personal loss, professional change, and spiritual renewal, he
recognized an opportunity to document the faith that sustained him through every season. His honest reflections encourage readers to see how perseverance, humility, and trust in God can shape even the most unpredictable life journey.

Beyond recounting memorable experiences, the memoir explores broader themes of redemption, purpose, and the enduring influence of faith. Brady demonstrates that a meaningful life is not defined by perfection but by the willingness to continue moving forward despite adversity. His story emphasizes that God's grace often becomes most visible through life's greatest trials, offering readers encouragement to embrace hope and remain faithful through
changing circumstances.

What You See Is What You Get: A Life Story in My Own Words is written for readers who appreciate inspirational memoirs, Christian testimony, and true stories of resilience. It will resonate with individuals seeking encouragement through life's challenges as well as those interested in authentic accounts of personal transformation. Through thoughtful storytelling and heartfelt reflection, the memoir reminds readers that every experience, no matter how difficult, can contribute to a greater purpose.

Mr. Ben E. Brady draws upon a lifetime of diverse experiences, public service, music, and Christian faith to offer readers a memoir rooted in authenticity and gratitude. His commitment to honesty and his willingness to share both
victories and failures provide a compelling portrait of a life shaped by perseverance and grace. Through What You See Is What You Get: A Life Story in My Own Words, Brady leaves readers with a timeless reminder that faith can
sustain hope through every chapter of life's journey.

The book is now available — secure your copy here: https:/a.co/d/07qZMUfz
For interview requests, or additional information, please contact:
Mr. Ben E. Brady via DM

Christian Steampunk romance. Love stories, more than the usual "romance."

When someone loses the "love of their life," using that common expression to describe the deep love and connection, for that person, life as they knew it comes to an end. It seems, the world ends. I know from personal experience. After I lost my wife of fifty years, I felt that my life had ended as well. There was no more reason for being.

But God had different plans. And He sent to me, a wonderful widow to join together with me, as the two of us picked up the pieces of our broken lives, and then joined as one, we are now carrying on the life God intended for us for the remainder of this earthly walk.

Our story was the inspiration for the first novel in the 'Legacy of Abigail' series. The story is a fictional account. It is not about us. But within that story, the story of Harris and Anna, our story lives.

For those who have suffered such loss, there is hope. Love found again is possible. It was for us, and we've both witnessed other widows and widowers finding joy again.

The books are available on Amazon in paperback, eBook, and Kindle Unlimited format. Also in paperback format from Barnes&Noble.

TURNING TRASH INTO TREASURE

By Pastor Jonathan Ubah

Text: Romans 8:28
“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”

INTRODUCTION

Beloved, there are seasons when life can make you feel like trash—rejected, forgotten, broken, disappointed, or useless. Sometimes people look at your past and conclude that nothing good can come from you.

But I came to announce to somebody today: God is a specialist in turning trash into treasure!

What people reject, God can select. What people discard, God can develop. What looks like a wasted season can become a powerful testimony.

The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 1:27, “God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise.”

God does not always choose what looks valuable to men. He sees what others cannot see.

1. GOD CAN USE YOUR BROKENNESS

Psalm 34:18: “The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart.”

Sometimes we think our brokenness disqualifies us, but God can work through broken things.

Joseph was betrayed by his brothers, thrown into a pit, and sold into slavery. His circumstances looked like trash, but God was preparing him for the palace.

Genesis 50:20 says, “You meant evil against me; but God meant it for good.”

Your pain is not necessarily your punishment. Sometimes God uses painful seasons to prepare us for greater purposes.

Don't despise your broken pieces. Put them in the hands of God.

2. GOD CAN TURN YOUR FAILURE INTO A TESTIMONY

Micah 7:8: “When I fall, I will arise.”

Failure is not final unless you choose to remain down.

Peter denied Jesus three times, yet Jesus restored him and later used him mightily in the early Church (John 21:15–17; Acts 2:14–41).

You may have made mistakes. You may have taken the wrong turn. You may have experienced things you are not proud of.

But hear this: Your failure is an event, not your identity.

The enemy wants you to look at what you did and conclude that you are finished. But God looks at you and sees what you can become by His grace.

Proverbs 24:16 says, “For a righteous man may fall seven times and rise again.”

Get up! Wash your tears. Learn from the experience. Return to God and keep moving.

God can turn your mess into a message and your test into a testimony.

3. GOD CAN TURN REJECTION INTO DIVINE ELEVATION

Psalm 118:22: “The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone.”

Jesus Himself was rejected by men, yet He became the cornerstone of God's redemptive plan.

David was overlooked by his own family when Samuel came looking for the future king. His brothers were presented, but David was left in the field.

Yet God said in 1 Samuel 16:12: “Arise, anoint him; for this is the one!”

Never allow people's rejection to make you reject yourself.

Sometimes rejection is God's way of redirecting you.

Some doors closed because God was preparing another door. Some people walked away because they were never assigned to your destiny.

What they rejected may be exactly what God will use to announce you.

CONCLUSION

Beloved, the trash is not the final destination of what God has chosen.

Joseph went from the pit to the palace.
David went from the field to the throne.
Peter went from denial to becoming a powerful witness for Christ.

And if God could transform their stories, He can transform yours.

Your past is not too dirty for His grace.
Your failure is not too great for His mercy.
Your rejection is not too strong for His purpose.

Give God your broken pieces.

The same God who turned water into wine can turn your sorrow into joy, your weakness into strength, your failure into wisdom, and your trash into treasure.

PROPHETIC DECLARATION

I declare over your life:

Every rejected area of your life shall become a testimony. Every painful experience shall produce purpose. Every closed door shall lead you to God's appointed door. Your wasted seasons shall be redeemed, and God shall turn your trash into treasure!

You will not die in the place of rejection.
You will not remain in the place of brokenness.
You will arise, shine, and fulfill God's purpose for your life.

Your story is changing! Your testimony is coming! Your treasure is emerging!

In Jesus' mighty name, Amen!

If you guys want to watch Bible stories as animated movies and understand them easily, while also learning how to apply the Bible’s teachings to your daily life, you can watch the videos on this YouTube channel called Superbook. Their videos are also available in different languages.

https://youtube.com/[superbooktv]?feature=shared

Well… I did a thing.

Walking It Out with Kathrin is officially live!

Here’s a little introduction to what this new podcast is all about.

Different Stories. One Faithful God.

New conversations and testimonies coming soon—stay tuned!

Have a faith story you’d like to share? Guest bookings will be opening soon through PodMatch. Follow along for availability!

Official Trailer
https://youtu.be/9aTE1ZD9cUg

These aren’t just old clips, they’re powerful stories of lives transformed by Potter’s Field Ministries.

Watch and be reminded that God is always at work.

Learn more at: www.pottersfield.org

#PottersFieldMinistries #TransformedLives #FaithInAction #ArchivesWorthWatching #MissionStories #HopeInMotion #KingdomImpact #RealStoriesRealChange #ServingTheNations #PFMMinistries