"Royalty Compared"

Many years ago, the Lord allowed me to witness something that left a lasting impression on my heart—a stark contrast between two women, two wives, who experienced an identical tragic event. 

The first woman who had that “air of royalty” carried herself with grace and quiet strength—clothed in both dignity and discretion, exhibiting a gentle and quiet spirit. There was a peace about her, an unmistakable dignity. She had that “air of royalty” that is seen in royal families. "Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she smiles at the future."

The second woman, “commoner,” though just as loved by Him, had not yet learned this way of living with discretion. She was loud, impulsive, and often spoke without restraint. Over time, her lack of discretion caused deep pain, irreversible damage within her marriage and family—pain and a lack of restraint that eventually became visible to the entire world.

Both women were dear friends of mine. I was closest to the one who quietly reflected her royal identity as a daughter of the King. Yet, I knew the “commoner” even better, because she had been part of my very first Restoration Fellowship back in 1992.

Despite hearing the same truths about wisdom, peace, and self-control, the second wife struggled to take them to heart. She couldn’t seem to embrace what God said, like “Even a fool is thought wise if she keeps silent.” She didn’t yet see that strength doesn’t always roar—it's actually quiet, rests in Him, trusts in Him, and waits for Him.

Years later, the consequences of her choices became clear and made headlines around the world. What broke my heart most was the heavy cost her family bore—her husband serving a life sentence, her daughters deeply wounded. Yet, many years later, she came to me in tears, sharing that she had truly repented.

The first wife—the “royal”—soon after faced the same kind of heartbreak and betrayal, with an even heavier burden to bear. Yet she chose an entirely different response. She remained poised and quiet, her face calm, though I caught the slightest tremble when the judge read the verdict, not life, but death. Instead of creating a scene the media were hoping to capture, walking directly behind her, I witnessed her walking out of the courthouse like true royalty—a vision of grace under unimaginable pressure.

From that moment on, through so many more incredibly horrific events, she carried herself with quiet strength and unwavering dignity. What she displayed that day—and every day since—is something I’ve rarely seen, even among those born into royal families. Her grace wasn’t for show; it came from a heart fully surrendered to God. That’s the kind of royalty that can’t be taken away, the kind that shines brightest in darkness when the world is watching.

That image will stay with me forever—a woman walking through injustice yet carrying herself with dignity. She didn’t need to speak; her peace spoke for her.

This is what it means to live as royal—set apart, steadfast, anchored in the presence of the King.

Sadly, even among modern royal families, true nobility like this is rare. Many have traded their quiet strength for the noise of the world, destructive behaviors so typical of the world around us. But daughters of the King are called to something higher.

When we walk in humility and grace, our lives become living testimonies—crowns that shine, reflecting His goodness and drawing every heart back to the King.