Pollyanna, FDR, and the Psalmist

When I was young, I read and re-read the Pollyanna books. Written in 1913 by Eleanor H. Porter, the first book introduced Pollyanna's "Glad Game," which consisted of finding something to be glad about in every situation. When, instead of the doll Pollyanna had hoped for, a pair of crutches arrived in the Christmas gift barrel, her minister father made up the game—in this case, be glad for the crutches "because we don't need them!" Her name has been used so often to describe untiringly cheerful people that it has entered into our common language as a term for being excessively optimistic! Scholars and writers and politicians use "the Pollyanna principle" to describe people who unfailingly look on the bright side and hope for the best, regardless of how things look.

The perpetually happy little girl in the series has been given—unfairly, I think—a reputation of foolishness by those who might prefer to predict doom! She is actually in very good company. President Franklin D. Roosevelt had a motto in the Oval Office of the White House: "Let unconquerable gladness dwell." Is that an admonition? A goal? A prayer? Whatever the intended message, it was not mere foolishness. It reflected the hope and determination of our national leader during a bleak time in American history. FDR faced crises on both the home front and an international level, and he did so with bold optimism.

David expressed gladness in many of his songs. "I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me. No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice. My body rests in safety. (Psalm 6:8, 9 NLT) "For you make me glad by your deeds, O LORD; I sing for joy at the works of your hands." (92:4 NIV) "May all who search for you be filled with joy and gladness in you. May those who love your salvation repeatedly shout, “The Lord is great!” (40:16 NLT) "Let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. (Psalm 5:11 NIV)

Gladness is not just a game, although Pollyanna had a great idea. Gladness is not just a motto to live by, although that's worthwhile too. Gladness is a God-thing.

MaryMartha

Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from The Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. United States of America. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®. NIV®. Copyright©1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.