I deeply love this truly beautiful soul and the way stories have grabbed Katy Rose‘s heart since childhood, and continue to compel her today. Joy despite pain, beauty from ashes–these kinds of stories have been lanterns on dark roads in her own journey and she loves the chance to pass them on to her children. Her new gorgeous book, Lilibet the Brave, The unusual childhood of an unlikely Queen, weaves together beauty and history, struggle and hope, to share an intriguing true story, while conveying what she believes to be deeply true about Christ. It’s a grace to welcome Katy to the farm’s table today…
Five years ago, I was near a breaking point.
As the mother to four young children, some birthed, some adopted, we were wrestling through heavy issues that can cling to little ones who have come from hard places. Heartbreak and fear came crashing through daily, hourly, nonstop.
Emotionally frail, my lack of strength and tenacity surprised me. I prayed for relief, and in my good moments, prayed for the wisdom to see what the Lord wanted to reveal in the suffocating haze of it all.
Early every dark morning His words through scripture anchored me.
And through the hard days, stories of His faithful followers emboldened me– women who had walked before, those who traversed trial and still declared God’s goodness. The most helpful self-help books were historical, stories of Corrie ten Boom, Darlene Diebler Rose, Gladys Alyward, and my own family members – not perfect people, but people who, in their faithfulness and service to others, pointed me to a perfect God.
One day on a road trip, I put in my earbuds and turned on a biography of Queen Elizabeth II, unfamiliar with the history of Britain’s longest-reigning monarch.
I was surprised when, a few chapters in, my eyes filled with tears. It was 1981 and the Queen was riding through the crowd-lined London streets leading a procession on horseback.
Suddenly, gunshots popped right in her direction, turning thousands of cheers into screams.
The Queen’s horse began to bolt, but she herself remained steady. Holding tightly to the reins, she slowed and calmed him. Police rushed in on the attacker behind her.
And astonishingly… she kept going.
She glanced back at the attacker, then turned forward, poised and collected. She completed the parade, completed the day, and completed 40 more years of unexpected attack, tragedy, and heartache, interwoven with devotion, service, and joy.
As the story played and my eyes welled up, I immediately thought–
“In the heart-wrenching war that left me weak, God was my ever-present strength.”
Flying shots don’t mean I fall.
I can keep moving forward.
He’s prepared me for these battles already, and He’s not leaving my side.
And it was absolutely true.
In the heart-wrenching war that left me weak, God was my ever-present strength.
Out of that season came a little story about young princess Elizabeth (called “Lilibet” by her family). Her imperfect life pointed me back to my perfect God.
Newsreels and articles of her persevering under fire, both literal and metaphorical, reminded me that in my own struggles, deep fears, and legitimate danger, the Lord is stronger, bigger.
Lilibet leaves a legacy of graceful commitment, unwavering dedication, and remarkable perseverance, all of which have traceable roots to her early years.
And when we find ourselves wracked with fear, wondering how to move forward, wanting to leave a legacy that points to the goodness of God–here are a few thoughts to carry with us…
Perhaps God actually has something better, the real plan, even though it might look hard.
Pivot Well
There was a common theme throughout Lilibet’s childhood: things rarely went as planned. From seismic family shifts to a six-year world war, her trajectory was irreparably altered. The ability to pivot well, release bitterness, and take the next step forward became vital in order to carry on.
And here in my little home, far from London palaces, I’ve felt the deep pain of vanished plans and altered life. I’ve asked God for hope when I felt mine dangerously waning.
And I tell you this wholeheartedly:
Fewer things have been more freeing than finally coming to the place where I could say, perhaps those plans of mine weren’t best after all. Perhaps God actually has something better, the real plan, even though it might look hard. Ultimately, I can rest in His strong arms which carry me through each jarring turn. This is no bland band-aid remedy, but one of the most healing things I know.
Pursue the Beauty of a Steadfast Spirit
In scripture, God’s love for his people is called steadfast. (Psalm 118) The Bible says “steadfast love” preserves a king and upholds his throne. (Proverbs 20:28) God’s word extols steadfastness, a trait we perhaps see and live less and less these days. Sometimes the search for better produces a state of flighty discontent that neglects to go deeper.
We need not fearfully flee every trial or reject any taste of suffering. These are the things that can make our hearts beautiful and strong.
So…what does scripture say produces a steadfast heart? Trials and testing. (James 1)
If we could just believe it– we need not fearfully flee every trial or reject any taste of suffering. These are the things that can make our hearts beautiful and strong.
And for Lilibet? She lived a life marked by trials and testing, year after year. Rather than succumbing to self-pity, she kept her ultimate commitment and vision in mind. And she is known for her steadfast spirit.
…in me, you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)
The true King says trouble is a given. Where will I fix my gaze? Where will I rest my heart?
Pave the Way to Bravery by Serving Others
Queen Elizabeth II was wholeheartedly committed to a life of service. Studies show that her influence and advocacy work raised over two billion dollars per year for charities, inspiring others to reach out to help as well.
When moving forward feels impossible, choose to help.
During World War II, right in the middle of all her fear and angst, she searched again and again for ways to help, from sewing socks for soldiers to actually joining the army in the end. She felt it was her duty to serve, but I believe she experienced it as her joy and comfort as well.
I’ve tested this very theory in my own life.
When anxiety mounts, fight back fear by shifting the focus. When caving inward, instead look outward.
When moving forward feels impossible, choose to help.
After all, the gospel message is one of open hearts and extended arms.
And I’m struck by the beauty in it all…that the true King who calls us to serve, who set the example with His own astonishing love, knows that, in the end, our own hearts will be changed by the gift of reaching out too.
Lilibet the Brave is a gorgeous true, historical story of a young girl, who unexpectedly became a princess, who tried to serve and love large.
As a writer and Fine Artist trained in psychology and art, Katy Rose seeks to bring depth and meaning to each project.
A lifelong love of history and stories, combined with a passion for parenting and discipleship fuels her love of creating books that touch both the minds and hearts of children.
Having worked in domestic violence prevention in NYC, as a foster parent, and now as an art teacher for trafficking survivors, Katy knows how real the darkness can be, compelling her all the more to share the light of Christ. She’s lived on remote islands, in far-off cities, and currently, on a cul-de-sac with her wonderful husband and four fantastic children.
Lilibet the Brave (End Game Press) brings history to life as readers follow the young princess faced with war. She resolves to make it through bravely, discovering that it’s often by serving others that we feel bravery grow within ourselves. And this is the way of the Christ-follower, following after the true King: reaching out to help, even when it’s hard. This is a book for every brave young girl’s library.
