LOVE LIFTED ME

James Rowe was a New Year’s baby, 1865 in Devonshire, England.  As a young Man, James went to work for the Irish government, but when he was in his mid-twenties, he decided to immigrate to the United States.  Settling in Albany, New York, he soon married and found work with the railroad. 

Later, he became superintendent of the Hudson River Humane Society before eventually choosing a career as a full-time writer.  He composed hymns and edited music journals for several publishers.  Although he wrote many hymns…there are a few that stand out…including “I Choose Jesus,” “I Would Be Like Jesus,” “Sweeter As The Days Go By” and our hymn today… LOVE LIFTED ME.

James Rowe, with his friend Howard E. Smith, huddled together in the same room, working line by line, bar by bar, composing this hymn in tandem.  The words were jotted down by James and the music was hammered out at the piano by Howard.  Howard’s hands were so twisted from arthritis that all who knew him wondered how he could play the piano at all.  But there they were…James pacing back and forth while Howard banged away the melody.

When they finished, the world had the hymn LOVE LIFTED ME.  Sometimes in the rough waters of life, there seems to be no hope left.  Yet in one last ditch effort before we sink, we cry out in despair for someone to help.  The Master of the seas, not only hears our cry but…as the hymn says …”from the waters lifted me…now safe am I.”

LOVE LIFTED ME presents the whole story of God’s love and salvation.