One wet afternoon, Rosa Connors opened up a neat, white address book filled with religious songs, picked up her guitar and began strumming and singing, keeping time with the rain rhythmically tapping on her home’s rusty tin roof.
The small 77-year-old woman learned many songs as a child and wrote some herself. Sitting beside her was her cousin Corb, who pitched in with the swat of a fly swatter. Connors laughed.
“Corb’ s 80 years-old now. He kinda’ keeps me company now since my husband is gone – (he’s) someone to look after.”
She began taking care of him after her parents took Corb and his brother in when they were orphaned as Iittle boys. Looking after Corb, feeding her six hogs and keeping faith in her religion keeps the Albany resident, who used to run a nearby grocery store, going day to day.
Connors’ strong belief in God’s power is typical of the generations of people in Albany who live their lives by the Bible, finding joy in their churches and with their families.
“Let not your heart be troubled if you believe in God and also in me,” Connors said, quoting St. John, Chapter 14. Bible verses are plentiful for anyone who sits and talks with her. She guides her life and touches others through God’s word.
In her high-pitched voice she said, “Children, if you accept God into your life, you can ask him for help at any time, and he will be there.”