THE Queen

 

Queen Elizabeth II made history in summer 2022 when she became the first British monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee; 70 years as Queen.
She died peacefully on Sept. 8, 2022, at the age of 96.

She is the only Queen I’ve known. If there are currently other Queens reigning somewhere in the world, I know nothing about them!

It’s a bit odd. She does not reign in my home country, but she seems familiar, notable and noticeable. I’ve never seen her in person, never visited one of her palaces, yet there is a connection.

I’ve experienced movies, documentaries, The Crown, Wedding simulcasts, speeches and other TV productions regarding the royal family.

Newly crowned “King” Charles and Princess Diana were married the same summer as I. Diana and I had our firstborns, both sons, the same year. My life paralleled in a few ways, making me pay attention. I loved Princess Diana’s spunk and youthfulness. Her perceived innocence and relatable personality. I loathed watching her marriage and death play out. I felt she was played, disrespected and uncared for. She seemed dispensable to Charles’ fake love and devotion. Her motherhood seemed a sinister plot to provide heirs and then she was cast off. Diana’s story and subsequent ones drew my attention to the lives of the royals.

In much more recent years my attention drifted to the Queen. I have to admit, whatever took place behind closed doors, she gained my admiration the more I payed attention. Her words, kindness and encouragements to her people exuded wisdom, care, concern and dare I say, love.

I really think she spoke to the whole world just as much as her kingdom. Her Christmas broadcasts were notable to all. Perhaps, this is why some referred to her as “Queen of the World.” I certainly understand that distinction from my personal experience.

I know, we’ve likely all read or seen many things about her. I am sad to admit that her spiritual walk with God has only in the past few years become known to me. Her faith really inspires and touches me. She was certainly not afraid to mention her faith; so very admirable! Her love of family and humility impress me, as well.

In honor of her amazing reign and life, here are a few of her quotes that touch me:

The importance of family has, of course, come home to Prince Philip and me personally this year with the marriages of two of our grandchildren, each in their own way a celebration of the God-given love that binds a family together.”

H

“I know just how much I rely on my own faith to guide me through the good times and the bad.”

At the heart of our faith stand not a preoccupation with our own welfare and comfort but the concepts of service and of sacrifice as shown in the life and teachings of the one who made himself nothing, taking the very form of a servant.”

I declare before you all that my whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong.‘

My husband has quite simply been my strength and stay all these years, and I owe him a debt greater than he would ever claim.

None of us can slow the passage of time; and while we often focus on all that has changed in the intervening years, much remains unchanged, including the Gospel of Christ and his teachings.”

Some cultures believe a long life brings wisdom. I’d like to think so. Perhaps, part of that wisdom is to recognize some of life’s baffling paradoxes such as the way human beings have a huge propensity for good, and yet a capacity for evil.

She acknowledged her crown was nothing compared to His Majesty, her Savior and God! What a beautiful expression of her faith! It catches me in the gut, swells my heart and waters my eyes! I can’t get over it… her love for God summed up in the image of her earthly longing to put her earthly crown at Jesus’ feet is compelling, convicting and pure inspiration.

I can’t help but think, she knew if she passed from life to death before Jesus’ return, she would no longer have her earthly crown to lay in the heavenly realm. But, if Jesus returned while she lived, she would have the opportunity to gift her earthly crown to His supreme presence/personhood. She so humbly and eagerly wished to declare herself nothing in His presence. Her words intrigue me and grip me! Her faith in action at Jesus’ feet. The first time I heard it, it took my breath away. What a divine beautiful expression of her love for God!

Her presence in this world will be missed, more than we realize. She was more than a Queen. She was a person who devoted her life to others; humbly lived out her role with dignity, kindness, humility, impressive faith, even humor.

We will never understand the great burdens and responsibilities she shouldered. She accepted the whole of it with devotion, commitment, loyalty and love.

Queen Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor II … your place in history is amazing and secure.
You leave an unparalleled legacy!

Thank you!

May you delight in the presence of your Savior!!

Reflecting,