the role of royalty

"she opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy" 
                            ~Proverbs 31:20

The Proverbs 31 Woman is described as a fearless lady who lives with open hands and an open heart.
She doesn't freak out when trouble comes her way, and she laughs in confidence at the days ahead.
She is a selfless dreamer, who spends all of her energy on blessing someone else.

She is like the ocean, forever giving, giving, giving of herself, and never asking for anything in return.

The Proverbs 31 woman is a beautiful picture of the Princess Bride whom Jesus desires to see blossom in each of us. She displays the stunning beauty of Jesus' selfless heart.

mia's big moment...

One of my favorite scenes in the Princess Diaries 2 (watch it below!), is where Princess Mia reaches out to the orphans, during the Independence Day Parade.
When she notices these kids, she stops the whole parade and extends her hands to the poor, forgetting what the critics might say. Right in the middle of a parade that was supposed to be all about her, Mia stopped to show love for the forgotten. This is the moment when Mia's true princess character shines. The world no longer revolves around her. Mia's focus is on these sweet little ones who need her help and encouragement.

And shouldn't the story be the same for us?
Shouldn't we, as God's daughters, spend all our energy on making someone else feel beautiful and loved? Sisters, this is the noble calling which we have received: to live with our hands extended and our hearts wide open.
To say "yes" to the hurting, hug the broken, and spend all our energy and resources on the orphan, the widow, and the outcasts. 

daughters of the king...
or daughters of a leach?

Proverbs 30:15 says, "The leach has two daughters, 'Give, give!' they cry..."
If you've ever had an encounter with a leach, it is a nasty thing. The blood sucking creatures cling to your skin, and aren't shy about consuming! 

In a generation that screams, "life is all about me!" we must be so careful that we do not carelessly consume what we've been entrusted with. When our world starts to revolve around our mirrors, our closets, our emotions, and our cravings, something is seriously wrong. We're living like daughters of a leach, instead of daughters of the King! 

When the Lord fills me with His waterfalls of endless blessings, I don't want to be a stagnant pond, or a lake without an outlet. I want Him to flow through me like a river, pouring into the lives of those around me. I don't want to be a dead sea, but instead an ocean that gives without regret. 

Sisters, let us graciously remove the spotlight from ourselves, stop in the middle of our foolish parades of selfishness, and go lay our lives down for someone on the sidelines. Let us esteem them greater than ourselves, bestow a crown of beauty upon them, and feel our hearts explode with fireworks of God's love!

It is more blessed to give than to receive. May we give everything we have, in total abandonment and utter joy, to the One who first loved us, and has called us according to this purpose. 

giving these girls a home...

In the film, members of parliament are arguing about where they should build Mia's spectacular new summer home. But Mia speak up, remembering the orphaned children from the parade. She desires to donate her brand new castle to the kiddos, "I don't know why I should live in two homes, when they have none."
When they finally cut the ribbon, and celebrate the grand opening of this children's home, Mia's heart soars! She finally understands what it means to be a Princess! She has embraced her role of royalty.