HYMN OF PROMISE (IN THE BULB THERE IS A FLOWER)

Many of the stories of hymns talk about a text that was written centuries or generations before.  And yet, there are hymns and songs being written and published still today.  The HYMN OF PROMISE, or as some know it, ’IN THE BULB THERE IS A FLOWER’, was written in 1985! 

Natalie Sleeth was born in 1930.  She started her piano training at age 4, and gained much of her musical experience by singing in choral ensembles during her earlier years.  Natalie studied music theory, piano and organ at Wellesley College in Massachusetts. 

Married to Dr. Ronald Sleeth, a United Methodist clergyman and professor of homiletics at Perkins School of Theology, she served as music secretary at Highland Park United Methodist Church from 1969 to 1976.  Her choral works were suitable for all ages and numbered more than 200.  She had the ability to compose both texts and music for her arrangements.

HYMN OF PROMISE was written at a time when Natalie, as she puts it, ” was pondering the ideas of life and death, spring and winter, Good Friday and Easter, and the whole reawakening of the world that happens every spring.”  The theme of the hymn was inspired by T.S. Eliot who once stated, “in our end is our beginning.”  Shortly after the hymn’s premiere presentation in 1985, Ronald Sleeth was diagnosed with terminal cancer.  Before he died, Dr. Sleeth requested that his wife Natalie’s new hymn be sung at his funeral.

God is the best promise maker because He is the most powerful promise keeper.  When we may think that all is ended, God promises a new beginning.  He is and always will be faithful!!