I recently had a Disney Princess discussion with a father of a nine-year-old girl.
“She is not interested in them at all,” said her dad. “She is really into Joan of Ark, she’s a hero.”
Joan of Ark. What a hero and martyr. Joan is a classic symbol of strength, fearlessness, and following God’s call on your life. She heard God's voice. Obeyed. She begged to lead an army and defeated her enemy so that the prince could become King. She did. He became King of France. What an amazing life, cut short by her enemies.
Created Unique
Thankfully, God created us unique. He created some to dream and dress fancy, and some to dream and it's about the fight, the dress doesn’t matter. We are all warriors in the trenches. So, let’s not think Cinderella was weak or not worthy of the title “hero.” (I do understand she is a fairytale princess and not real). Her story is rich.
Humble and Gentle at Heart
Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden is light,” Matthew 11:28-30.
“Let me teach you,” Jesus said, “because I am humble and gentle at heart.” Jesus, the savior of our souls said this.
Look no further than Cinderella! Cinderella was orphaned. Cinderella’s mother passed away when she was young. Her father remarried “the evil step-mother.” Along with her step-mother came step-sisters who were equally as cruel. Cinderella’s father then passes away. Which truly leaves Cinderella orphaned and at the mercy of these women in her life.
The Strength of Cinderella
What does she do? Does she whine about her miserable life? Does she get on Facebook or Instagram and lament? Does she get angry and hit, kick, or kill someone? No. She serves. She is gentle and honoring. She finds peace in the creatures and creation around her. She knows deep inside, there is more to her story.
This strength Cinderella displayed looks like the power of the Holy Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23)
“Honor your father and mother.” This is the first commandment with a promise: If you honor your father and mother, “things will go well for you, and you will have a long life on the earth,” Ephesians 6:2. Cinderella honored her step-mother. She served with a kind heart. I’m sure she grew weary. We've all been in these circumstances, we choose to serve and show kindness to someone who doesn’t give back or deserve it. Cinderella’s promise was, “Things will go well for you.”
The Kingdom
Enter the prince. He didn’t save Cinderella. He was there to love her, cherish her, and serve with her.
Cinderella’s humility and gentleness saved Cinderella.
God trusted her with a Kingdom, because of her strength, . She rules along with her husband. She is the Queen.
Humbled by Cinderella,
Susie