Amazing Grace

First appearing in print in the 1779 edition of Olney Hymns, the song "Amazing Grace" has brought words of hope to enslaved people and comfort to mourners for nearly three centuries. The song has been part of the burial of presidents and services for paupers. It has been the cadence for civil rights marches and the theme of human rights campaigns. Penned by John Newton, the words "I once was lost, but now am found" played out in the author's life. 

By Bethney Foster, eHow Contributor

Today Awakenings sister site catnipoflife features Amazing Grace by way of a reblog. There are probably very few people that are not familiar with the song Amazing Grace. It has been sung by countless choirs, recorded by numerous artists in multiple languages, enjoyed by young and old, and dubbed the most popular song on earth.

Behind this song is a lot of history. With the recordings of history comes different accounts, some true and some false. One thing for sure, it was penned by John Newton. A number of legends circulate worldwide why John Newton, a slave-trader-turned-minister, penned the hymn. Regardless of the exact reason, its message embodies hope, faith and courage, even in times of the bitterest despair.