Adjust Your Crown

From now on there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing. … At my first defense no one came to my support, but all deserted me. May it not be counted against them! But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength. – 2 Timothy 4:8, 16-17 (NRSV)

I walked into the luncheon and saw a room full of fabulous, accomplished women. At elegant, round tables with 10 people at each, they were engaged in conversation and I did not recognize anyone.

I made my way to my appointed seat, sat, put my napkin in my lap, and listened to the prayer offered by Bishop Vashti McKenzie.

She preached in that prayer. And somewhere in her powerful, prophetic words she said:

“And she adjusted her crown.”

So many times I have felt alone, without “defense” or “strength” as Timothy puts it.

But something about what Bishop Vashti said helped me to find my defense and strength.

Because I truly believe that something about God’s anointing places a crown atop each of our heads—no matter what. And when we are not feeling our defense and strength, we do well to adjust our crowns. Knowing ourselves—all of us—to be residents of God’s households. Crowned in glory and power. Anointed for immense possibility.

The world will try to tell us otherwise, of course.

May we all know how to adjust our crowns and respond appropriately.

Prayer
In your name, O God, and in your power, we find our strength. We thank you for your lavish blessings as we adjust our crowns. Amen.

About the Author
Kaji Douša is the Senior Pastor of The Park Avenue Christian Church, a congregation of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the United Church of Christ, in New York City.