The lives that shaped the songs that shape our faith Their stories and lives are seldom considered or known, yet their works and influence are felt almost every day somewhere in the world and have been for centuries. They are the hymnists and their gift to the world for centuries and for the future are found in the beautiful words of their hymns. Hymnists are the poets of the spirit, the leaders of light who pull us from the dark and who help show the way back to clarity and purpose in our lives based on faith and redemption. Their hymns have survived wars, famines, plagues, the Dark Ages, revolutions, the rise and decline of church attendance, contemporary debasement of religion and anything related to worship, and many other follies and frailties of mankind. The hymns survived because of dedicated hymnists and the meaningfulness of their words to a world that always faces turmoil and challenges to faith and family. This book explores the lives of many of our favorite hymnists. The reader will find almost 400 biographies of hymnists, including their compelling stories. The reader will rejoice in the hymnist's inspirational stories, find redemption in their despair and heartbreak, and experience reassurance in their faith. The words of the hymnists help us cope with fear, search for hope, and find inspiration. When a reader explores hymns more closely and overlays the themes of the hymns with the lives of the hymnists a pattern emerges. There are numerous references to fear, hope, and inspiration, just like in the Bible. These themes are so pervasive that they need to be studied and in studying them consideration should be given to how they interconnect. Consequently, this book explores the impact that fear, hope and inspiration have on our lives and how they are linked.

Autorentext

Dr. Garry W. McGiboney is a nationally recognized for his work in education and psychology. He has a Ph.D. in psychology and administration. Dr. McGiboney is an adjunct professor at Georgia State University and deputy state superintendent of schools. He has made hundreds of presentations across the United States and is often a keynote speaker at state and national conferences. He has published over 30 professional articles and is the author of four books: The Private Side of Public Education; Student Relations and Discipline; Lessons for Leaders and Governing Boards, and Crisis Management Planning. Based on his work and research, he has been quoted in Time Magazine, USA Today, Los Angeles Times, Wall Street Journal and many other publications, including the international press such as Le Devoir, Listin Diario, El Diaro, Japan Press, and Mato Grosso. Dr. McGiboney has appeared on CNN, A&E, Discovery Channel, National Public Radio, Nickelodeon Network and many local and regional television and radio programs. He is the recipient of numerous awards, such as the NAACP Educator of the Year and National Association of School Psychologists Friend of Children Award, and others. Also, he was inducted into the University System of Georgia Board of Regents Hall of Fame for his career-long efforts on behalf of children.