As a part of my sermon on the 10th of June I brought out one of my favorite accessories – my sparkling crown. Yes, I know not everyone can pull off a tiara every day of the week!
But in my house we have found that everyone needs to put on a crown from time to time. Everyone needs to feel at least a little like royalty on occasion. And of course, there is a story behind this particular crown.
Several years ago, when I was the pastor of the Silverton United Methodist Church, I was given the gift of a royal imagination. You see, at that church I would always do the welcome at the beginning of worship, arriving in the Chancel in my robe and my stole,. Then I would sit down behind the pulpit, and let the lay leader take over with announcements, the call to worship, and the opening hymn.
One Sunday we had first time visitors – a mother and her 3 year old daughter, who watched every part of worship intently. Church was a totally new experience for this child, and she was quite taken with the whole affair. When I sat down after the welcoming moments, this little girl leaned over and whispered (quite loudly, as only a child can do), “Mommy! Where did the Queen go?”
From that moment on, I took that as encouragement to imagine myself in a new way! “Queen Donna”…”Your Majesty”… I kind of like the way that sounds. But only if you like the way it sounds on you, too!
Because if there are moments when each of us needs to wear a crown, it is only because each of us needs to be reminded, from time to time, of the wonder, the beauty, and the potential we have within ourselves.
As 1 Peter puts it:
For you are a royal priesthood…God’s own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of God who called you out of darkness into God’s marvelous light.(1 Peter 2:9)
In order that we might proclaim God’s mighty acts of love… it seems to me that’s the best reason to be crowned!
Rev. Donna
