The Hymn Writer Who Gave Everything Away

In 1874, Frances Ridley Havergal wrote the words that would become one of Christianity's most beloved hymns: Take My Life and Let It Be. But what makes this hymn extraordinary is what happened after she wrote it.

Havergal didn't just write about consecration — she lived it. Shortly after penning those lyrics, she gathered up her jewelry collection, pieces she had cherished for years, and sent them to the Church Missionary Society. In a letter to a friend, she wrote, "I don't need these now." She kept only a small brooch and a ring. Everything else she surrendered.

She meant every single word: "Take my silver and my gold, not a mite would I withhold."

This wasn't a wealthy woman making a comfortable donation. This was a woman who looked at the cross of Christ and decided that nothing she owned could compare to what had been given for her. She counted the cost and found her treasures suddenly weightless against the sacrifice of her Savior.

The Almighty doesn't demand that we empty our jewelry boxes. But He does invite us to hold everything with open hands. True sacrifice isn't about the dollar amount — it's about the grip we release. Frances Havergal understood that worship isn't complete until it costs us something.

What are you still clutching that God is gently asking you to surrender?