Mahalia Jackson: Independence
on Tuesday, July 13, 2021Mahalia Jackson Money Quote saying that it’s simple to be carefree and self-directed when there’s money, and considerably harder without. Mahalia Jackson said:
“It’s easy to be independent when you’ve got money. But to be independent when you haven’t got a thing that’s the Lord’s test” — Mahalia Jackson
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In this quote, Mahalia Jackson seems to be contrasting different types of independence and the challenges of maintaining it without financial resources. Specifically:
- Jackson notes that being independent is relatively straightforward “when you’ve got money” since wealth provides options and flexibility.
- However, she argues that experiencing independence when one “hasn’t got a thing” is a far greater test of character and perseverance according to her faith.
- Jackson implies that maintaining autonomy, dignity and determination in the face of poverty is when God truly evaluates a person’s strength of spirit and perseverance.
The best interpretation is that Jackson believed experiencing self-sufficiency without any economic safety net requires immense resilience and strength of will, and proves one’s mettle in a way that wealth can never replicate according to her perspective that experiencing independence in the face of scarcity is the truest test of one’s faith and fortitude. Her quote conveys the view that independence takes its deepest meaning in contexts of scarcity rather than abundance alone.
Birthday: October 26, 1911 – Death: January 27, 1972