Exposition
Brighten the Corner Where You Are is a hymn we do not hear in church as often as we used to. Yet, it has a catchy tune and a deep message for young people. The hymn was written by Ina Mae Duley Ogdon. The song is believed to be based on an experience she had as a child. History has it that Ogdon hoped to preach on the Chautauqua circuit. Her father became ill and she was forced to abandon her plans of ministry, to care for him. She is said to write the lyrics to encourage others to “serve the Lord in many different ways and circumstances”. In other words, make the best of where you find yourself.
The first stanza of the hymn reads,
Do not wait until some deed of greatness you may do
Do not wait to shed your light afar
To the many duties ever near you now be true
Brighten the corner where you are
The song entwines the self-sacrifice the composer embraced. It showcases the words of Matthew 5:14-16, “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden… This week, we shall be looking at brightening the corner the Lord Jesus has given you as a young person. We shall also be drawing lessons from the power of the new creation and how much of an asset (a shining example) you are to the world.