The Queen's Speech

The Bible instructs us about the wise use of our words - we are called to be purposeful and thoughtful and not engage in idle words.  We are called to be encouraging in our speech and deliberate in our
interaction. James 1 states:
19 So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath;
20 for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.

Words have meaning and words can penetrate the mind and the spirit.  James also wrote that the tongue is a fire. We have to wise in the use of our tongue, so that we are not wounding other people and so that we do not reflect an angry and bitter spirit.  The Holy Spirit will enable us to govern the words of our mouth and empower us to speak in a manner that builds up and accomplishes the purposes of God.

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We can be challenged to carefully choose our words and to make sure that what we say reflects Christ and His purposes. Proverbs 25:11 reminds us, "A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold In settings of silver."

If you watch the Netflix series, The Crown, you get a behind-the-scenes bird's-eye view of not only the personality of Queen Elizabeth, but the operation of the monarchy.  The series has tastefully explored matters of propriety.  I will also say that the series has dealt with faith matters in an appropriate way.

The series depicts the meticulous planning involved with regard to what the Queen says and does publicly and how she does it.  As I thought about her Sunday afternoon address, which was broadcast not only in Great Britain and the Commonwealth of nations connected to it, and carried live on some U.S. outlets, it would be fascinating to know how it is that moment was determined to be when the Queen would make her statement.  And, of course, what she would say.

While Britons debate the significance of the monarchy, nevertheless, the words of the Queen carry quite a bit of weight. This was a rare occasion; only the fifth time she has given such an address. On the BBC website, Royal Correspondent Jonny Dymond wrote this:

The Palace could have played it safe, stressed unity and given thanks. It would have served.

This was a different and much more ambitious broadcast, designed to reassure and to inspire.

But most of all to recast the coronavirus crisis as a defining moment for a nation which will forever remember its collective effort to save the lives of its vulnerable.

He wrote:

Today the Queen spoke of how history would judge the nation - that "those that come after us will say the Britons of this generation were as strong as any".

"The pride in who we are is not part of our past," she said, "it defines our present and our future".

Dymond added:

There was time for some great-grandmotherly wisdom; she, who occupies an often lonely position, offered her thoughts to those who are now alone though self-isolation.

"Hard times, she acknowledged, but also perhaps an opportunity "to slow down, pause and reflect, in prayer or meditation".

And, then some definitive and hopeful words at the close:

"Better days will return," said the Queen. "We will be with our friends again; we will be with our families again; we will meet again."

The speech clocked in at under 5 minutes, which is quite a contrast to what your typical political speech would be.  But, every word, I am sure, was carefully weighed and designed for a specific purpose - ultimately, I think, to give hope and focus to people who are needing such hope in this crisis.

The virus has certainly hit close to home, with Prince Charles, the heir to the throne, having tested positive, and Britain's Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, going to the hospital the same day as the speech as the result of the Coronavirus; Johnson is currently in ICU.

A few months ago, I had the opportunity to talk with Dudley Delffs, who authored The Faith of Queen Elizabeth: The Poise, Grace and Quiet Strength Behind the Crown.  In an interview with Bible Gateway, Delffs highlighted the faith foundation of the Queen's life and practice:

The sacred authority of the Bible not only figured at the center of Elizabeth’s coronation, where it was described as “the most valuable thing that this world affords,” but it has also been foundational in many of her speeches and messages.

From the beginning of her reign, the Queen has consistently cited references from the Scriptures, particularly in her annual Christmas broadcasts. “To what greater inspiration and counsel can we turn,” she asked rhetorically, “than to the imperishable truth to be found in this treasure house, the Bible?” In her 2016 address, Her Majesty explained, “Billions of people now follow Christ’s teaching and find in him the guiding light for their lives. I am one of them because Christ’s example helps me see the value in doing small things with great love, whoever does them and whatever they themselves believe.”

My exposure to the television program, The Crown, even though it has been charged with embellishing certain aspects of stories related to the royal family, does indicate that there is a deliberate aspect to the expression of royalty.  We can likewise seek to be deliberate in our words and actions.  We can certainly weigh our words and follow the principles we find in James 1 to be slow to speak and quick to listen.

One could wonder and analyze why this time in the middle of this worldwide crisis that the Queen decided to speak.  Again, we can consider the purpose of what we say and when we say it.

Perhaps the most publicized words from the speech came at the end, with the promise that "we will meet again."  This reflects hope for the future, akin to the age-old saying, "this too shall pass."  And, it has been pointed out that our reunion in person with friends, loved ones, and even co-workers, will be a joyous reunion.  Plus, we consider that we will be reunited with those who have died in the Lord and we will see them again when we go home to be with Him.

Finally, we can always be challenged by an emphasis on character.  Dymond wrote about Queen Elizabeth's speech:

There was no talk of fighting, of struggle, of conflict. Instead she spoke of more peaceful national traits - "self-discipline", "quiet, good-humoured resolve" and "fellow-feeling".

We can certainly get caught up in the stories of death and the mechanics of navigating through a pandemic.  But, it's important to know that God is developing character in each of us through this crisis, and perhaps as a nation, even though it doesn't seem like it at this time, we can turn aside from mean-spiritedness and unite for one common purpose.