The hymn “How Great Thou Art” is not only mighty; it is a magnificent composition that allows us to glimpse God’s splendor, a task that can often be daunting. His timeless lyrics convey the majesty and omnipotence of God in a way that few human creations can. When I sing these verses, it never ceases to move me deeply.
However, my appreciation for this hymn reached new heights when I heard Robert Earl, affectionately known as Bob, perform it with such depth and emotion. I never imagined the song could get any deeper and more moving, but Bob’s performance took it to another level.
It is one thing to sing of God’s majesty when life is going well, but it takes immense strength and unwavering faith to continue to sing those familiar lines of “How Great You Are” from a hospital bed as one’s life draws to a close.
When her husband, a 97-year-old grandfather, belted out an incredibly beautiful song Thursday night at Ohio Health Mansfield Hospital, Melissa Walter Moss recorded it and posted it online. He was surrounded by his friends and family and I’m not ashamed to admit that I cried more than once while watching the video.
Like the conviction he felt for every syllable that came out of his mouth as he sang the song, faith, and happiness are evident forces in Walters’ voice.
An update was provided by his daughter, who revealed that her much-loved grandfather tragically passed away on Friday, January 12, untimely after a beautiful song he performed that night, which appeared to suggest he was calling out to heaven.
As they sang the hymn together, Moss wrote, “I captured the sweetest moment, just listen to his sweet voice praising Jesus.”
With Uncle Rick by his side, “This morning my dear grandfather met Jesus face to face as he peacefully went home to be with Him.”
He performed “How Great Thou Art” as his final song, and I sincerely hope that before I die, I will be able to defend his convictions and beliefs. Walter was an excellent man throughout.
After Walter’s video of him singing the hymn in the hospital was posted on the “Love What Matters” Facebook page, many other people contributed stories of singing this great hymn with loved ones in various circumstances.
Another lady recounted how, just before her grandfather died, her family gathered by his hospital bed and sang a song.
She expressed it as follows:
Oh yes, this is what we sang when my grandpa was in the hospital. “This is why we should still sing hymns in church…they connect the generations,” my oldest daughter said when she was four (she’s eight now).
In these trying times, our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Bob Walters as they deal with the challenges of grief and loss. Bob left a significant impact on everyone fortunate enough to know him and I am sure he also left an indelible mark on the heart of God.
Bob Walters’ story reminds us of the enduring power of faith, the beauty of music as a source of comfort and connection, and the importance of cherishing every moment with our loved ones. It serves as a poignant reminder that even in life’s most challenging moments, faith and music have the power to lift our spirits and bring us closer to God.
We send our thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of Walters that they may be strong and keep their faith during these difficult times. Walters left a significant impact not only on his family and friends, but I believe on God before he met him in heaven.