Francis Ridley Havergal has had a profound influence over the hearts of Christians for well over a century. Born in England in 1836, her father was an Episcopal Minister, composer, and hymnwriter. After studying in England and Germany, Miss Havergal became a brilliant singer and pianist, and a glittering career in society was open before her. But she considered her talents to be loans from the Lord, to be used in His service.
Miss Havergal longed for a deeper knowledge of God and was brought to see that she could not have the full blessedness of the Christian life without a full surrender to Christ. In 1874, she wrote the beautiful consecration hymn, "Take My Life and Let it Be."
Years later, she wrote in a letter, "I had a great time early this morning renewing the never-regretted consecration." This gifted woman died in Wales at the age of forty-three. On her tombstone is engraved her favorite text: "The blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth us from all sin."
