WE THANK THE LORD
Anna Anderson’s husband died early in their marriage, leaving her with
three young daughters and a difficult future. Although trained in Virginia as a
teacher, she lacked full credentials to work in the Philadelphia schools, so
she took in laundry, did ironing, and later scrubbed floors at a large
department store. As African-Americans, they often experienced racial prejudice
and discrimination. When doors of opportunity closed, Anna believed that if
they would trust the Lord with all their heart and acknowledge Him in all their
ways, He would direct their paths (Prov. 3:5-6). She taught her daughters to depend on God, follow Him, and always be
thankful.
When her firstborn, Marian, rose to become an internationally acclaimed
classical singer, Anna continued to pray for her, and always gave God credit
for her success. Reporters, who asked Anna how she felt after attending
Marian’s concerts at Carnegie Hall and her 1955 debut with the Metropolitan
Opera, heard her say, “We thank the Lord.” Her reply was not a cliché, but
sincere gratefulness to God.
Rather than lament what she lacked, Anna Anderson expressed gratitude
for what she had and used it for God’s glory. Today, we can follow her example
with faith, confidence, and a heartfelt, “We thank the Lord.”
Gratitude is a mark of godliness. (RBC)
