Publisher’s Note
I recently had the honor of speaking at the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce Annual Prayer Breakfast. In preparing, I took some time to think about how prayer has been and is a part of my life. This photograph came to my mind. It hung in my home growing up and in my grandmother’s home in Minnesota as well. I had to ask my parents exactly where I’d seen it over and over in my early years- I didn’t remember that part but I remembered the image of the man, head bowed and hands folded over what looked like a very simple meal. In my mind, this illustrated visually a giving thanks to God for his provision- big and small.
I did a little research on the photograph and learned it is entitled “Grace.” How many of us haven’t heard or used the word “grace” for the prayers we say at mealtime? Of course- me too- but I had to go back and look to see why we call it that.
When I hear the word Grace, my first thought is the free gift God has given us of eternal life thanks to Jesus’ death and resurrection. Here, in the context of this photograph, the word Grace comes from the ecclesiastical Latin phrase, “Act of Thanks.” The photograph was taken in 1918 in the sod house of peddler Charles Wilden who lived in the small northern town of Bovey, Minn. It wasn’t until the 1940s, when the daughter of the photographer, Eric Enstrom, had a version of prints made of it that it became more widely known and hung in homes of families like mine. In 2002, the Minnesota State Legislature established it as the official photograph of Minnesota.
When I look at this image, it suggests to me a pious man, devoutly religious. However, in real life local stories about Charles Wilden centered more around drinking and not accomplishing much. He disappeared in 1926 not long after he was paid $5 for waving his rights to the photograph. The photographer and numerous family members tried to track him down but found no definitive evidence- yet- his image lives on in so many homes- and as a state symbol- as a reminder to actively “Give Thanks.”
As we start a New Year, may we be encouraged to actively give thanks for the love God has lavished on us and share it with others.
-Laurie Franklin
Founder, The Christian Family Publication, Inc.
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Celebrating 25 Years of Good News!
