His eye is on the sparrow.....

Ok, so I got the title of my blog, literally from God speaking to my heart one afternoon....I knew there was a scripture for it, but I was sitting....desiring to start this blog, & all of a sudden, it stuck: 'His eye is on you Jodi'....then of course, 'His eye is on the sparrow', followed my brain waves shortly thereafter. It was fitting. Perfect. It meant many things to me....so I went with it.

Well, yesterday, a man I don't know, came across the title of my blog....and sent me something very interesting. He sent me the link to the 143rd anniversary of the song/hymn that was written by Civilla Martin, of this title 'His eye is on the sparrow'......

It's beautifully written, which I have copied and if it isn't exactly perfect, down to every word, that truly explains my life & my heart. It's neat how God has brought this all together....how it means so much to me, in so many ways. So enjoy reading this little portion I have taken from the history of this hymn.

"Another song of Civilla Martin’s came in 1905 from the comment of a friend. She and her husband were visiting a Mr. And Mrs. Doolittle in Elmira, New York. She had been bedridden for nearly 20 years, and her husband was wheelchair-bound. But the godly couple continued to have a joyful, positive outlook. When Walter Martin asked their secret, Mrs. Doolittle replied, simply, “His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.”

It is a reference to the words of Jesus. “Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will….[“not one of them is forgotten by God,” Lk. 12:6] Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows” (Matt. 10:29, 31). The song that resulted from this encounter was later made famous by converted actress and blues singer, Ethel Waters. She even entitled her autobiography, His Eye Is on the Sparrow.

Why should I feel discouraged,
Why should the shadows come,
Why should my heart be lonely
And long for heav’n and home,
When Jesus is my portion?
My constant Friend is He;
His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me.