The Story Behind Have Thine Own Way, Lord
In 1902, Adelaide A. Pollard was wishing to go to Africa as a missionary but found herself incapable to raise the needed money to fund the journey. Very disheartened, she visited a prayer ceremony and heard a woman say "It really doesn't matter what you do with us, Lord, just have your own way with our lives." These words encouraged Pollard and she pondered the story of the potter from Jeremiah 18:3. After returning home that evening, she wrote all four stanzas to what would become "Have Thine Own Way, Lord." Five years later George Stebbins composed a melody named "Adelaide" to accompany the text.
"Have Thine Own Way, Lord" continues to be popular and has been performed by such artists as Mahalia Jackson, Marty Robbins, Johnny Cash, Eric Copeland, Cristy Lane, Jim Reeves, John Fogerty, Ned Beatty and most, recently by, Ronnie Milsap on his 2009 gospel album, Then Sings My Soul.
Popular Hymn Lyrics with Story and Meaning
Day by Day and With Each Passing Moment
Jesus Loves Me
What a Friend We Have in Jesus
Blessed Assurance
Nearer My God to Thee
Abide with Me
His Eye is On the Sparrow
Be Thou My Vision
Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God Almighty
Amazing Grace