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)
