August 13, 2016 (Saturday)
Ira Forest Stanphill (1914-1993) wrote more than 500 gospel songs, many of which are among our favorites. His “Mansion Over the Hilltop” sold more than 2 million records, but it was only one of many songs that have blessed us all. The video at the end of this blog features a very short conversation between Bill Gaither and Ira Stanphill, in which he tells of his own personal experiences that inspired his songs, especially “He Washed My Eyes with Tears.” The other song on the video is “We’ll Talk It Over,” which I have sung at church many times through the years. “Room At the Cross” and “I Know Who Holds Tomorrow, along with “Suppertime” are a few of his very popular songs.
Ira Stanphill The broken heart I had was good for me; He tore it all apart and looked inside, He found it full of fear and foolish pride. He swept away the things that made me blind And then I saw the clouds were silver lined; And now I understand ’twas best for me He washed my eyes with tears that I might see. He washed my eyes with tears that I might see The glory of Himself revealed to me; I did not know that He had wounded hands I saw the blood He spilt upon the sands. I saw the marks of shame and wept and cried; He was my substitute for me He died; And now I’m glad He came so tenderly; And washed my eyes with tears that I might see. |
Ira Stanphill Chorus: We’ll talk it over in the bye and bye. We’ll talk it over, my Lord and I. I’ll ask the reasons – He’ll tell me why, When we talk it over in the bye and bye. Verses: Tho’ shadows deepen, and my heart bleeds, I will not question the way He leads; This side of Heaven we know in part, I will not question a broken heart. I’ll trust His leading, He’ll never fail, Thru darkest tunnels or misty vales. Obey his bidding and faithful be, Tho’ only one step ahead I see. I’ll hide my heartache behind a smile And wait for reasons ’til after while. And tho’ He try me, I know I’ll find That all my burdens are silver lined. |
LISTEN TO BOTH SONGS HERE (BILL GAITHER WITH IRA AND GLORIA STANPHILL)
Read Wikipedia’s article about Ira Stanphill.