Created from Photographing British and Canadian Paper Currency

Queen Elizabeth II (1926-2022) who had the longest reign in British history will go down in history as universally loved and one of the greatest monarchs because of her enduring faith, courage, and a life that had dedicated to service, generosity and benevolence.

Because of her refusal to inject politics into her rule, she served as a bridge to bring peace, tolerance and understanding. May God continue to save the Queen as she lives in eternity attested to by the double rainbow above Buckingham Palace upon her passing.

And despite the rupture of relations under her great grandfather King George III (1738-1820) and the consequent American Revolution (1775-1784), there is no greater friendship and fraternity than that between the USA and Great Britain an indelible testament that no rift is too great to forgive and no wound too great that it cannot be healed. May God save and guide King Charles III as he begins his reign during this period of mourning and these uncertain times where the hearts of so many have grown hard and cold. Only a thaw and willingness to listen, understand and respect can bridge the great chasms between peoples and nations and bring much needed healing and peace.

And today as we here in the USA also somberly remember 9/11 as we mourn the Queen's passing, we are reminded her 9/11 message that "Grief is the price we pay for love."

Finally, it is reassuring to remember the message in Isaiah 61:2 that God "comfort[s] all who mourn" and that our "grief will be turned into joy." [John 16:20]