I’ve always been a “Princess”. I’ve never been one to go around claiming that I’m a princess or treating others as though I’m better or anything like that, but I’m the baby of the family. I’m a girlie girl. I adore Disney Princesses and diamonds (among other sparkly things). It wasn’t until I met my husband and he treated me like a Princess that I really started embracing the wonder of Princessdom (not a word, but we’ll go with it). But I still didn’t want to call myself a princess…that’s awfully conceited, in my humble opinion. So I was a closet princess.
Until I realized that I really am a princess because my Father is the King of Kings. Romans 8:15 says, “For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.” I started seeing t-shirts in Christian Bookstores and such that read “I am a Princess because my Father is the King of Kings” claiming this verse among others. I did not get one, but I did not let that hold me back from claiming my royal title. I even contemplated getting a tattoo of a cross with the word “Princess” below it.
But then I realized that being a Princess isn’t all about royal treasure and pretty dresses. And neither is being a daughter of The King.
Princesses are constantly befallen with the responsibility to uphold the royal reputation.
When was the last time I took my Heavenly Father’s reputation into consideration?
As Christians, we’re constantly under ridicule. For the way we act, the way we talk, the way we dress, the music we listen to, how we drive… The list goes on and on. But how often do we think about how what we do affects the way an unsaved person views Christianity? I know for me this revelation hit me like a slap in the face. I was at a retirement party for a coworker of mine and the beer was a-flowin’. I’d had a couple too many when another coworker – my friend – introduced me to her sister. Then she said to her sister, “This is the Christian lady I told you about. Doesn’t she look like a real good Christian Lady?”
Wow. She may as well have introduced me to Jesus himself for as much shame as I felt. And I wish I could say that I stopped drinking right away and went home that night a changed person. I’d even settle for I stopped drinking after that night. But it took another night of acting like an idiot to make me realize that it really wasn’t worth the “fun” to put my Heavenly Father’s name to shame. It’s been over a year since I’ve had any type of alcoholic beverage. I was not an alcoholic by any means, but it was (and still is, sometimes) tough for me to not drink anymore. It’s such a big part of social functions that I have had to find a whole new realm of social functions. I now enjoy Bunco games at the church, coffee dates with friends, and play dates with mommy friends. And yeah, sometimes I feel like an old lady, and sometimes I offend people by rejecting their invitation. But that’s one less thing driving a wedge between my Father and I.
I’m Heather, a perfectly flawed child of the King from Kansas City, MO, mother to an energetic 4-year old boy and loving wife to a much older boy. I spend my days looking for the “frill” in life and trying to make my Heavenly Father proud. Heather blogs at The Frill of Life. You can connect with her via her blog, Twitter, or Google+.
Thank you so much for sharing openly with us Heather and I must I love the comment your mom left.
What a great post. I do think living our values and convictions is a more powerful testimony than words could ever be. –Lisa
So glad I found this blog. I love the realness of the post and this is usually missing from many christian blogs or posts. Thanks for sharing
So proud to call this girl my daughter. You have come a long way and I know God is happy with who you are becoming. You are a great example for your son and your husband, the virtuous woman. I love you sweetheart! Mom
No shame in enjoying Bunco! But yes, we represent Him and His reputation at all times!
An interesting post. I feel we all have those things that we struggle to let go off. And this post reminds me of somewhere in the bible where I believe it was Paul that talked about us doing somethings for the sake of others. Now this is not to live our whole lives asking “what will people say” but I think god gives wisdom to us to know when to take the “punch” of our princessdom for the sake of others.
But we should always remember that these “punches” of princessdom does not save us (self righteousness- out the window!) but we take them because we are already saved and that is one of the way we boldly appreciate what Christ has done for us.
Gee, you hit it right on the head. I certainly don’t judge other Christians that do partake in alcoholic beverages; that was MY conviction that God laid on MY heart to be a witness to those around ME. Thanks for the comment!