Queen Elizabeth II

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II wasn’t just the Queen of Great Britain and the Commonwealth, she was also a daughter, granddaughter, wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Arguably the most famous person in the world, she had the support from her people and people from other nations. But what little people know is her astounding faith guided her until her last day.

Queen Elizabeth II is a role-model of mine — almost like the grandmother I always wanted. From the moment I first learned about her in history class I admired her for her strength, her stiff upper-lip, her style, her faith, and her sense of humor. Her inspiration is part of the reason I even have this blog, Royally Simple.

When I heard of her death, I was at work in my office. I was on a lunch break and when I opened up Facebook, the news was everywhere. My heart sunk and my face felt cold. It felt like I had lost a family member. I never personally knew her, but I know all about her.

As the period for mourning her death is still going, I hope people will lean on the Lord or even find Him in their greif just like the monarch we miss did so.

She relied on her faith in God, not just to run a country, but in her daily life.

“I know just how much I rely on my faith to guide me through the good times and the bad. Each day is a new beginning. I know that the only way to live my life is to try to do what is right, to take the long view, to give of my best in all that the day brings, and to put my trust in God!” (2002)

She knew the world needs a Savior.

“Although we are capable of great acts of kindness, history teaches us that we sometimes need saving from ourselves – from our recklessness or our greed. God sent into the world a unique person – neither a philosopher nor a general (important though they are) – but a Saviour, with the power to forgive.” (2011)

She cherished Scripture.

“To many of us our beliefs are of fundamental importance. For me the teachings of Christ and my own personal accountability before God provide a framework in which I try to lead my life. I, like so many of you, have drawn great comfort in difficult times from Christ’s words and example.” (2000)

She lived by Christ’s example.

“For me, the life of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, whose birth we celebrate today, is an inspiration and an anchor in my life. A role-model of reconciliation and forgiveness, he stretched out his hands in love, acceptance and healing. Christ’s example has taught me to seek to respect and value all people of whatever faith or none.” (2014)

She wasn’t ashamed of the Cross.

“Christ not only revealed to us the truth in his teachings. He lived by what he believed and gave us the strength to try to do the same – and, finally, on the cross, he showed the supreme example of physical and moral courage.” (1981)

She had a servant’s heart.

“In difficult times we may be tempted to find excuses for self-indulgence and to wash our hands of responsibility. Christmas stands for the opposite… we need to go out and look for opportunities to help those less fortunate than ourselves, even if that service demands sacrifice.” (1980)

She practiced spiritual disciplines.

“For Christians, as for all people of faith, reflection, meditation and prayer help us to renew ourselves in God’s love, as we strive daily to become better people. The Christmas message shows us that this love is for everyone. There is no one beyond its reach.” (2013)

She gave God her heart.

“This is the time of year when we remember that God sent his only son ‘to serve, not to be served’. He restored love and service to the centre of our lives in the person of Jesus Christ. It is my prayer this Christmas Day that his example and teaching will continue to bring people together to give the best of themselves in the service of others. The carol, In The Bleak Midwinter, ends by asking a question of all of us who know the Christmas story, of how God gave himself to us in humble service: ‘What can I give him, poor as I am? If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb; if I were a wise man, I would do my part’. The carol gives the answer: ‘Yet what I can I give him – give my heart’.” (2012)

Will you join me in praying for the salvation of the people of the United Kingdom and for the new king, His Majesty King Charles III? May the Queen’s death bring about a longing for the Lord and hearts surrendered to Him. May the royal family find comfort in the Savior the Queen served. Pray for God to send missionaries to the people of th United Kingdom and for the Gospel to be preached.

God bless,

M.A.