The Orphan Queen
Hey everyone!
Welcome back to Character in Crisis! This week I am delighted to introduce Miss Amelia, also known as “Scout,” or “Meals.” Amelia first came to us for an Open House, then the next year became a student at The Masters Guild, and finally (to our great and joy) committed to being a full-time staff member serving in the bindery and kitchen.
An avid reader, committed learner, hard worker, and dedicated follower of Jesus, Amelia could have penned the following review about herself. It truly reflects her own quiet perseverance, incredible work ethic, and faithful heart. I invite you to read below to experience the story of a young girl who is enthroned not by royalty, but by selfless dedication.
“Well, now, and what do you want to be?” said the quick-witted tailor, turning to Margelte, with whom he often passed a merry jest. “What now? A ballet dancer, perhaps?”
“A queen,” was the quiet answer.
A shout of laughter burst from every mouth. Margelte—the little charity girl—a queen!
Beloved by all, little Margelte is an orphan. As gracious and well-mannered as she is, she is no queen! However, her unknown heritage leaves plenty of room for her imagination to run wild.
As time passes, little Margelte grows to be a humble and industrious young woman. She moves away from the farm to be a housemaid in the big city. However, she still wonders if she was born for something more. Her queenly manner could also come from some other place than her heritage—there might also be a fountain that flows rivers of grace and love out of her.
“He knew that the love of God purifies the heart and drives out all that is sinful; but he did not know that the light of religion in the soul glows through the face and gives it an expression of gentle sweetness and refinement, while the daily practice of its precepts produces a refinement and polish of manners such as no court can give.” ~Lew Wallace
There is a hunger in my heart to be like this; to be so in love with God that all who see me might have their appetites whetted for more of Christ—that love being seen through my conduct and servant’s heart. The Lord, through His sovereignty, has placed people in my life who have done this for me. I want to live like that. Margelte certainly does.
In a particular scene, Margelte achieves a position in high society, yet trades it all to become the queen of her own farm. We read,
“Margelte was delighted to find that, though she had indeed a great deal to do, health and strength were given her for the purpose; so she set about it right earnestly, and went on with cheerful and undaunted courage… She rose early and went to bed late; toiled unceasingly about the house all day…”
This line is particularly inspiring to me. Margelte throws her whole being into the work with no thought for herself. Selfless dedication is what enthrones her. She becomes a queen by having the heart of a servant. This is consistent with the way that Jesus displays his royalty and superiority. He is King of kings. And yet the heart of a king is the heart of a servant. He is so secure in His position over all creation that He does not need to exert His authority by forcing everything and everyone into submission. He instead proves His kingship by laying down everything. If we are to follow His example, then we too must have the heart of a servant king.
My name, Amelia, means ‘industrious.’ And yet, I so often struggle to apply myself. There are many times that I see something that needs to be done and want to just walk away and pretend like I didn’t see it. There could be someone who needs help, and I think, “I’m too busy right now.” Or there could be dishes in the sink, but I’m on my way to bed. And then this theme of “having the heart of a king” resurfaces in my mind.
What does it mean to serve like a king or queen? Is it to serve selflessly, with such courage, joy, and humility that it inspires, encourages, and refreshes those around me? The harder I try, the more I see how I can’t do this on my own. It must be Jesus’ heart poured out in and through me. If, like Margelte, my dreams are to be realized, I must pour myself out to serve as He would have me serve—even on my “days off” (is there such a thing?). May I be like Margelte as I grow into a servant queen, empowered and dignified by the grace of God!
Amelia “Scout”
Upon reading Amelia’s review I promptly pulled the book from the shelf and read it while on a long drive. I was delighted to discover that The Orphan Queen is not only well-written, but also filled with all the wonder of the original Cinderella story. For more of Scout’s favorites, feel free to browse the titles below. Thanks for reading, and have a lovely week!
Molly Mayo
Writer/Editor
Read the book for yourself!
Who is this child? And who are her parents? Her demeanor suggests a royal heritage, but perhaps she is simply exercising pride and control of others. Meet Margelte, a most unusual child who mysteriously wins the hearts of those who disdain her. The secret is her relationship with a powerful God who watches over the fatherless. Filled with spiritual truths, this story will keep you enamored as you vicariously experience Margelte’s suffering and her surprising reward in the end.
Other recommended reading from Amelia:
Stick to the Raft book/audiobook (Ages 9+)
The Wanderer audio drama (Ages 9+)
Standing with Grace (Ages 12+)
Secret Bridge (Ages 12+)
The White Gypsy book/audio (Ages 12+)
