"It is Well With My Soul" echoes in the hearts of Christians around the world since the late eighteen hundreds. This song has a specific and special place in my heart because of the backstory. This story has challenged me to the core to try and find the goodness of God in every hardship remembering that, when you feel the world cracking beneath your feet, Jesus is the only soft place to land.
Heratio Spafford is responsible for this timeless anthem. It was 1873 and he had made plans to travel to Europe with his family on the SS Ville du Havre. In a late change of plan, he sent the family ahead while he was delayed on business. While crossing the Atlantic, the ship sank rapidly after a collision with a sea vessel, the Loch Earn, and all four of Spafford's daughters died. His wife Anna survived and sent him the now famous telegram, "Saved alone …". Shortly afterwards, as Spafford traveled to meet his grieving wife, his ship crossed the wreckage where he lost his family, he then penned these words...
"When peace like a river attendeth my way.
When sorrows like seas billows roll.
Whatever my lot Thou hast taught me to say
It is well, it is well with my soul!"
(Original Lyrics)