Stories Behind Popular Hymns: Gaither HomecomingSample

His Eye Is on the Sparrow

Walter and Civilla Martin spent years ministering to others through their songwriting and his pastoral ministry, but it was another married couple who touched their hearts and inspired one of today’s most well-loved gospel songs. Of “His Eye Is on the Sparrow,” Mrs. Martin once wrote:

“Early in the spring of 1905, my husband and I were sojourning in Elmira, New York. We contracted a deep friendship for a couple by the name of Mr. and Mrs. Doolittle—true saints of God. Mrs. Doolittle had been bedridden for nigh twenty years. Her husband was an incurable cripple who had to propel himself to and from his business in a wheel chair. Despite their afflictions, they lived happy Christian lives, bringing inspiration and comfort to all who knew them. One day while we were visiting with the Doolittles, my husband commented on their bright hopefulness and asked them for the secret of it. Mrs. Doolittle’s reply was simple: His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me. The beauty of this simple expression of boundless faith gripped the hearts and fired the imagination of Dr. Martin and me. The hymn ‘His Eye Is on the Sparrow’ was the outcome of that experience.”

“His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.” Such a simple truth. Mrs. Martin mailed her newly-penned lyrics to renowned composer Charles Gabriel, and the gospel favorite was created.