Royalty, in all its glamour and fame, with precious gems, clear cut diamonds, and jewels, standing bold in marvelous light. We see a Queen or a King when they are already prepared and have received their position. We see the beauty of their title and the majesty of their position. We observe the admiration of the crowds and the knees that so freely bow.

Yet, what we cannot see, is the path they’ve taken to be there. A surrendered heart. We cannot see the cost or comprehend the pain of their sacrifice. They have had to let go of love, for the sake of the Crown. They have had to choose the narrow way, for the sake of the Crown. They have hurt, for the sake of the Crown. They have lost friends, family and loved ones, all for the sake of the Crown.

The royal path is also a sacred path. A King or Queen is chosen, but they must also choose. There is a laying down of their own agendas, desires and hopes. The Crown requires both hands to hold it. It means they must lay aside whatever else they were holding onto before.

The Crown must become the most important, it requires full and total obedience to the royal way. It will consume the life who wears it.

There is a deep work within the royal heart to be sure and stable, unmoving to bear the weight of the Crown.

A royal path is also a lonely path, for few are truly willing. Many desire the end with the glorious Crown, but few will pay the required price. The Crown demands your whole life to be lived for a Kingdom without end.

A Queen has been trained. She wears the scars of her sacrifice. Her labor has become her strength. She may wear the Crown, for she knows its weight, that it will not crush her.

Royalty is beautiful, but the Crown is always heavy.