I find European nobility fascinating. It so foreign to our way of life here in the USA, but intriguing. There is so much pomp and circumstance. There is, also, a depth of loyalty to the expectations of the crown that is worn with fierceness, amongst even the youngest royals. They understand what it means to be duty bound. They are trained from the cradle on manners and respect.
The duties can become trialsome. They come with a price and the paparazzi. Mental health can suffer as young adults (and mature ones, too) try to balance the crown's responsibilities, with being simply human. There are real, authentic challenges as each one figures out their role and their place in the hierarchy. It looks dreamy and romantic from the balcony at Buckingham Palace, but we have no idea what sacrifices they make behind closed doors. Why do they do it? Because,they were born into royalty.
A "noble" cause is a worthy one. It is a cause we can get behind. One that is worth supporting.
In a world of mixed messages and gray zones... how do we figure out what is noble?
"Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies." -Philippians 4:8
"Filling your minds and meditating" What we pour in matters. We must choose our fuel wisely. How we steep it... like tea... matters, too. Pause, ponder and pursue" things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious". This is sage advice.
God is our Father and King. Do we behave in ways becoming children of the King? It is so easy to forget that we are chosen This is not an accidental encounter, but a relationship. We can know the Father.
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.-1 Peter 2:9
He calls us out of darkness into glorious light. From the darkness of carrying our burdens, our mistakes and our ugly moments into freedom and light of His love and grace. Focus on the best not the worst. Delight in the beautiful, not the ugly. Fuel ourselves with what is noble.
I've not used this image in about 2 years. It is a favorite. Thanks for reminding me of it Nola. It speaks to the heart of seeking and being noble.
Straighten your crown and press on.
Today, I am grateful noble things.
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