This text by Ida L. (Reed) Smith was inspired by a story she read as a youth. Entitled A Princess in Calico, it told of a little girl who remained happy although her life was full of misfortune. When asked how she could smile through her troubles, she replied, Oh, it’s because I belong to the king! Ida Smith’s life was also one of trials. She was sick, lonely, impoverished, and bed-ridden for years. From a hospital bed she wrote the words of this hymn. Selected from http://www.hymntime.com/tch/htm/i/b/e/ibelongk.htm