Queen Elizabeth II left many legacies
Over the decades I have listened to people say that the royals put on a show of pomp and circumstance, duty, and religious activities and no one knew how they really felt. One member of the royal family, Queen Elizabeth II let the world know that her faith was real. She was outspoken in her beliefs and lived what she preached and I don't recall anyone ever questioning her sincerity about Jesus Christ. Christian faith is strong in Virginia which is an unofficial part of the Bible belt States so her words may give comfort to like-minded people in the state where she spent the most time when in the US.
Queen Elizabeth II passed away on September 19 2022 but her legacy lives on through her service and duty to the UK citizens as well as her love of family. One thing she did during her life was to make some confessions of her personal faith and fortitude that may be inspiring to everyone, especially other Christians. Haven Today has compiled a list of 11 things the late monarch said related to ruling England and also her personal beliefs that are worth noting. These public confessions spanned a time frame of close to 70 years from 1947-2014. Here they are compiled in chronological order.
1947-1981
I declare before you all that my whole life whether it be long or short shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong. But I shall not have strength to carry out this resolution alone unless you join it with me, as I now invite you to do: I know that your support will be unfailingly given. God help me to make good my vow, and God bless all of you who are willing to share it.” (21st birthday radio address, (1947).
“The gift I would most value next year is that reconciliation should be found wherever it is needed. A reconciliation which would bring peace and security to families and neighbours at present suffering and torn apart. Remember that good spreads outwards and every little does help. Mighty things from small beginnings grow as indeed they grew from the small child of Bethlehem.” (1976)
“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)
““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)
2000-2011
“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)
“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)
“ 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)
“Forgiveness lies at the heart of the Christian faith. It can heal broken families, it can restore friendships and it can reconcile divided communities. It is in forgiveness that we feel the power of God’s love.” (2011)
2012-2014
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 center of our lives in the person of Jesus Christ.” (2012)
“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)
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)
The Guardian gives an additional quote from the late monarch from 2016 which makes a total of 12 Faith sayings from Queen Elizabeth II.
2016
‘Billions of people now follow Christ’s teaching and find in him the guiding light for their lives. I am one of them because Christ’s example helps me see the value of doing small things with great love, whoever does them and whatever they themselves believe.’
Queen Elizabeth II may be gone but her life and legacy and her inspiring words live on for future generations. During her life, she made 4 trips to Virginia.
Comments / 1