It Costs to Reign

As I was pondering this afternoon on what I should post, God quickly laid it on my heart to share with my audience the introduction to my forthcoming book. This will be my 4th published book, and it is entitled Intangible Crowns: Essential Qualities for the Effective Reign.

In this book, I explore some of the qualities women and girls need to have in order to properly reign and live a life that is pleasing to God. I pray this excerpt blesses you.

It Costs to Reign

“I will not sacrifice to the Lord my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.”

2 Samuel 24: 24 (NIV)

A crown is not a piece of headgear with precious stones. Those who think that have a surface level view of the meaning of the word. A crown is a sign of achievement and honor. A crown is a mission. A crown is a purpose. A crown is a ministry. Those who wear and understand the true meaning of a crown know they carry a huge responsibility. Crowns are not given; they are earned. Yes, I know that is not an easy concept to accept, but it is the honest truth. It will cost you something. Anything you want in life, you have to work for it, and you have to earn it.

When I was competing in pageants, I had to work hard to attain the crown and the accolades that went along with the prestigious title. I had to practice my walk several times a week; go over tons of interview questions; and prepare my mind so I could have winning thoughts.  Did it cost me something? Absolutely!  It cost me time, money, energy, and leisure activities. The truth of the matter is it costs to reign.

What exactly does it mean to reign? The definition of reign is to hold a royal office. Now reigning is not exclusive to royalty or pageantry. You can reign in academia, in the workplace, in the marketplace, and even in the community.  If you are going to attain the level of success you desire, you will have to sacrifice something. Sacrifice is not easy, but it is necessary in order to reach the next level. Sacrifice teaches us to examine our own lives and purge ourselves of habits or beliefs that prevent us from moving forward.

In order to reign with excellence and authority, you must be qualified. You must embody certain qualities or “intangible crowns” as I like to call them. I refer to them as intangible crowns because they are not physical crowns. You cannot see, hear, touch, smell, or taste any of them using your five senses. These crowns are qualities that I believe are necessary in order to have an effective reign. In the next few chapters, you will learn about the intangible crowns of purpose, service, modesty, beauty, self-esteem, integrity, and wisdom. After each chapter, there will be reflection questions for you to provide honest answers so you can begin to examine yourself and address areas in your life that need improving.

Throughout the book, I incorporate biblical references that align with the message of each chapter. As a woman of faith, I believe that it is important to have a God conscious so you can experience a sound reign. Reigning is not easy, but it is worth it. Only the strong and mature can bear the physical, mental, and spiritual weight of the crown. Ask yourself this question: Are you willing to go through this developmental process? If the answer is yes, let the pages of this book be your guide so you can experience an effective reign.

Intangible Crowns: Essential Qualities for the Effective Reign will be available for purchase in September 2018. Please be on the look out for upcoming announcements regarding the book’s official release date.