I heard these comments:
"I am struck with how easy her smile is--how comfortable she seems." "She is very much at ease. She puts everyone at ease around her." "She is composed and together as a young woman." "This new role fits her like a glove." "She has a princess posture." "She never seemed uptight and tensed." "Regal nature."
And then there were these reports from her past:
"As a younger girl she was lacking in confidence, having trouble finding her way. She found her way and carried this off beautifully." "She was bullied in school."
If any of you watched the Fox News account of the Royal Wedding then you know where I heard the above statements. I did not awaken early to watch it but I DVR'd it and watched it later Friday morning. I really enjoyed all of the sights and sounds and the Spirituality of the event.
Now, I would like for you to be honest and unafraid about your presentation to the world. Your presentation is very public, just not broadcasted on the TV in front of millions of people like Catherine Middleton's life is. You represent Jesus and she in her earthly role represents the Royal British Monarchy. The reporters claimed that William and Kate have rejuvenated the Monarchy and that Queen Elizabeth is very happy because, now, through this couple, the monarchy will live. You, my friend, also have a Kingdom to build and thrive. It is the Kingdom of our Lord God Almighty. You are a member of the royal family (if you are a believer and follower of Jesus Christ). 1 Peter 2:9 (NCV) tells it like it is: "But you are a chosen people, royal priests, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession. You were chosen to tell about the wonderful acts of God, who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light." You are not a commoner. You are royalty. I like the wording of the same scripture (as well as verse 10) from The Message: "But you are the ones chosen by God, chosen for the high calling of priestly work, chosen to be a holy people, God's instruments to do His work and speak out for Him, to tell others of the night-and-day difference He made for you--from nothing to something, from rejected to accepted." If you know anything about the Middletons it is that they are considered commoners but Catherine is now a member of the royal family. So are you!!!!
My friend, are you still living in your past? You have a new life to live, a new beginning to start, a new role to perform. Are you up to it? Yes you are because you have Jesus living inside of you.
Now it is time to preview your wedding. God has it all planned out--in Royalty style!!(He is the best planner, you know). Come and let's take a look: "Then I heard the sound of massed choirs, the sound of a mighty cataract, the sound of strong thunder: Hallelujah! The Master reigns, our God, the Sovereign-strong! Let us celebrate, let us rejoice, let us give Him the glory! The marriage of the Lamb has come; His wife has made herself ready. She was given a bridal gown of bright and shining linen. The linen is the righteousness of the saints. The Angel said to me, "write this: 'Blessed are those invited to the Wedding Supper of the Lamb."' He added, "These are the true Words of God!"" These true words are found in Revelation 19:6-9 (MSG). You are the bride. The Church is the bride. Jesus is our bridegroom. And you have been given a royal bridal gown that will show off your beauty even more strikingly than you appear now.
As the priest began William and Kate's ceremony he pointed out that we, as the Church, are all the bride of Christ and that Jesus Christ is our bridegroom. I loved the fact that their earthly marriage was prefaced by our marriage to Christ--as a guide. The priest made this declaration to them: ...but as we move toward our partner in love following the example of Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit is quickened within us and can increasingly fill our lives with light and this leads on to a family life which offers the best conditions in which the next generation can receive and exchange those gifts which can overcome fear and division and incubate the coming world of the Spirit whose fruits are love and joy and peace." You heard the confidence elements--didn't you?
Go ahead and sit up straight with your shoulders back and head held high. Do you feel better, allready?
Kate had an appearance and a spirit about her that made her approachable and others felt at ease. Look in the mirror. Or better yet, have someone video you on a cell phone at an event or even at church. How do you present yourself? Are you approachable? At ease?
Kate Middleton obviously had to change something about her young lifestyle in order to arrive at the now-princessly quality that she puts off. How did she do it? I do not have the direct answer but I do know that there are etiquette schools over in England that teach you how to sit, stand, eat, drink, talk, laugh, etc.
Are you telling me that you cannot afford to fly over to the UK to attend one of those schools? Well, the good news is that we have something better. We have the Holy Spirit in us teaching us Jesus' way. I know--He doesn't exactly touch on the fine arts of posture but He wants us to work on it. Romans 12:1 (HCB) says: "Therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your spiritual worship." Oh! I guess I am suppose to work on my bodily presentation. Yes, we are! But work on one thing at a time and don't overwhelm yourself. That would set you up for failure. But do make a plan.
What about Kate's ease? How do I accomplish that? The next verse Romans 12:2 (NLT) says this: "Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect His will really is." Lot's of high-society Londoners gave their guesses as to what the Queen would wear and what the next move would be, etc. They read her mind, so to speak. And what the Queen says--people do. Well, my Christ-follower bride friend, we can read God's mind. We can know how to act, what to say. how to look. And we have a bonus. The Holy Spirit is our counselor at all times. And further more, we have each other to consult. But it is up to you to change the way you think. That is what God's word says about making you into the new person you are meant to be. You are to think God's way. And how do you do such a monumental thing? You memorize and live His word. Everyday you do this. It works, my bride friend, I am living proof. It heals, it changes, it presents you with ease and confidence.
I told the ladies at our "breaking free" Bible study last Thursday night that once you have experienced and felt healing from an injury that you have an overwhelming sense of gratitude and adoration to Jesus that cannot be measured against anything else. It is awesome. God's word starts making even more sense to you. Please try it. Let your first memory truth be Mark 12:30-31 (MSG) "Jesus said, ...so love the Lord God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence and energy. And here is the second: Love others as well as you love yourself. There is no other commandment that ranks with these." OK, my bride, you have your first command from the Royal King!! Love Him totally. Love you. Love others.
I really want to hear from some of you. Please know that it is ok to look at yourself truthfully. You may not like what you see and feel but it is important to recognize what you are----after that---the journey of change can begin. Some folks hold onto their injuries and past pain as an identity. You may not be able to imagine who you would be like without it. I hear you. I know you. I have been there before. Right now, that is all you know--but knowing the real you without the mess of past stuff is a beautiful life. Your life and identity will be different but it will be full and engaging and enjoyable and at ease. Your new life will fit you like a glove. Take a wonderful chance, my bride friend. It is yours to claim.
Love to my wonderful Jesus and all my bride-friends, Wynndy
