By Michele Eich
When we were little, my sisters and I would dress up in my mom’s frilly gowns. She kept them all in a special trunk at the foot of her bed. As little girls, we loved wearing her shoes, jewelry, and crowns as well. Playing dress up is a rite of passage for children. What made this time extra special was that these garments were worn by our mom who was a queen.
My mom was selected as the Queen of Friendship in her hometown at the age of 17. Now, my mother was pin-up girl gorgeous, but she did not win this pageant because of her outer beauty. At that time, the queen of the festival was chosen by popular vote. My mom was a friend to all and never knew a stranger. My grandmother had instilled the value of kindness and friendship in my mother who then instilled that in me and my sisters.
A humble person, our mom did not think she would win. When her name was announced, she plopped down right there on the stage in shock and disbelief. Part of her duty as newly crowned queen was to make an important announcement about the opening of the festivities. She was supposed to memorize this speech but didn’t, thinking she would not win. Her ability to improvise and pull rabbits out of hats began then.
Little girls love to dress up and pretend to be princesses. The tulle, sequins, colorful satiny fabric, and lace were incredibly beautiful. We would put on the gowns and spin around dancing and giggling as little girls do. My mom’s shoes were too big for our little feet, but we would put them on anyway and walk around trying to balance ourselves as we pretended to be chosen as queen like she had been.
The best part of this time of dress up was putting on her crowns. They sparkled in the light with rhinestones that we believed to be diamonds. While wearing them, we truly felt like royalty! Because our mom had been a queen, we looked at her like she was a movie star, and we definitely wanted to follow in her footsteps and attempt to fill her shoes in more ways than one.
As I grew up, the days of dress up ended, and I didn’t feel like a princess anymore. The reality of life and rejection stripped my crown, and I felt like a pauper instead of royalty. The world didn’t make me feel special, and the childhood fantasy of the prince riding in to rescue me faded into the distance.
Praise God that I eventually found my way to Jesus. He healed and restored my broken and jaded heart and helped put the pieces of my devastated life back together one by one. It has been a difficult, joyful, challenging, restorative, beautiful process with my Heavenly Father. I am forever grateful!
What I discovered on this journey was that, as the daughter of a King, I am a princess! This revelation has been totally life changing. To have the rejection of my earthly father be replaced with the unconditional love and acceptance of Father God makes me rejoice daily!
As God’s daughter, I recognize that I am part of a royal priesthood and chosen generation. However, this is not the kind of pampered princess who is served but one who rolls up her sleeves next to King Jesus and serves others. What an amazing privilege to serve next to my Father, the King of kings and Lord of lords!
As God’s princess, He has crowned me as His child. Unlike my mom’s crown that tilted awkwardly on my head, this crown fits perfectly and was tailor made for me. Even though this crown is beautiful, I won’t keep it. Instead, I will give it back to Him. This was the vision that John had regarding this beautiful truth.
“Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to him who sits on the throne and who lives for ever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say: “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being” (Revelation 4:9-11 NIV).
My mom just participated in an anniversary pageant where she was recognized as the 1957 Queen of Friendship many moons ago. I am proud of my mom for getting chosen for such an honor, and I am proud of my Heavenly Father for the opportunities He provides to shine brightly for Him in this dark world. I look forward to the glorious day when I can throw this crown at His feet, for He is the only One worthy to have it.
Looking for a way to connect with God daily? CLICK HERE to check out our new daily devotional: Living in Truth Mind, Body, Spirit.
