Jesus Loves Me - two impactful women

You know this song, but do you know the story behind it? In 1859, Anna Bartlett Warner wrote this poem for a dying child, it appeared in a book written by her sister Susan. Anna and Susan Warner were remarkable women who famously supported themselves and families through their writing. They had a significant impact on the military community in New York, teaching Bible classes to cadets for over 40 years. One of the last cadets, was President Eisenhower. They made such an impact on the soldiers lives, they are the only two civilian women who are buried in the West Point cemetery at the West Point Military Academy. They were accorded with full military honors at their burials. The were honored by the academy for their lasting influence on generations of future military leaders.

I love to give the history behind songs I assign students, especially when it's as meaningful as this one. In our adult lessons, my students will be using my arrangement to practice the RH moving between two positions, and continue playing our first chords C,F and G. I hope you find practical use with this song in your lessons. and you reflect on the impact we can have on those around us if we do our best with what we have. Here are the lyrics Anna wrote, a reminder that music is a refuge for the soul across all stages of life.

Jesus loves me—this I know,

For the Bible tells me so;

Little ones to him belong—

They are weak, but he is strong.

Refrain

Yes, Jesus Loves me!

Yes, Jesus loves me.

Yes, Jesus loves me!

The Bible tells me so.

Jesus loves me,—he who died,

Heaven's gate to open wide;

He will wash away my sin,

Let His little child come in. 

Jesus loves me! He will stay

Close beside me all the way;

Thou hast bled and died for me,

I will henceforth live for Thee. 

Here is my beginner piano version of Jesus Loves Me, for teens or adults in the key of C.

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Easy-Christian-Hymn-Jesus-Loves-Me-16497028