I have a question for you:

* How many different versions or renderings of the Cinderella story do you think there are in our world? -DON’T Google it. Just give it a guess. 

If you were in the audience for the One Marriage Conference, you know I asked this same question and the answers ranged from ten to hundreds. Well here is what I found at Wikipedia: 

"Cinderella; or, The Little Glass Slipper" (French: Cendrillon, ou La petite Pantoufle de Verre) is a classic folk tale embodying a myth-element of unjust oppression/triumphant reward. Thousands of variants are known throughout the world. The title character is a young woman living in unfortunate circumstances which suddenly change to remarkable fortune. The word "Cinderella" has, by analogy, come to mean one whose attributes are unrecognized, or one who unexpectedly achieves recognition or success after a period of obscurity and neglect. The still-popular story of Cinderella continues to influence popular culture internationally, lending plot elements, allusions, and tropes to a wide variety of media. 

My teen daughter studied the phenomenon of the Cinderella story in middle school. Her textbook credits more than 900 different versions of this classic which are told in every culture. Some renderings are ancient. Of course, we know this story well. It's the account of a poor little girl who falls victim of evil, (stepmother and stepsisters in Cinderella’s case). She is then rescued by prince charming, they marry and she inherits riches, the life of royalty, and lives happily ever after. 

My daughter's dreams of Happily Ever After began years ago as a toddler with The Little Mermaid, Cinderella and Snow White. Years passed and our stories morphed into new tellings such as The Princes Diaries and one of my personal favorites, The Princess Bride. Then there are the more grown up versions; Jerry McGuire and Sweet home Alabama and My Big Fat Greek Wedding. 

Awwww. Warm and Fuzzy  

We grow up believing in Happily Ever After. 

It’s no wonder, as children we read all of these stories and we watch every romantic comedy which exists. We dream of our Prince Charming and Happily Ever After and living the life of royalty. 

Each of us want happily ever after. Deep down inside we crave adoration, to feel beautiful and respected, loved to distraction, intimacy, and ~perhaps a few servants that come with royalty might not be bad either. 

We search for our prince and marry to live HAPPILY EVER AFTER. 

These stories are fantasy. They are a Fairytale. 

Or are they? 

I’m about to tell you a fantastic story which is absolutely true. Every Fairytale ever told is modeled after this story. 

Let me introduce to you the King: (read every word and allow the Lord to work in you this moment)

I heard a loud voice shout from the throne: 

God's home is now with his people. He will live with them, and they will be his own. Yes, God will make his home among his people. He will wipe all tears from their eyes, and there will be no more death, suffering, crying, or pain. These things of the past are gone forever. 

Then the one sitting on the throne said: 

I am making everything new. Write down what I have said. My words are true and can be trusted. Everything is finished! I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will freely give water from the life-giving fountain to everyone who is thirsty. All who win the victory will be given these blessings. I will be their God, and they will be my people. Revelation 21:3-7 (CEV) 

THIS….. is the real story of Cinderella. 

And this story is our story. 

It belongs to each of us who believe in the Lord, Jesus Christ……. 

It is trustworthy. 

It is true. 

Tears are vanquished.

We the believers, His bride, will inherit the Kingdom. 

It's no wonder we love to believe the Cinderella story? 

It’s our true story. 

So this very hour, I say, “Cast off your temporary sadness. See your burdens in the light of the truth. See the King who conquers the evil of this world and freely passes on to you an inheritance of vast riches, which will last forever.” 

Praise the name of Jesus. Rejoice you are a son, a daughter of the King. 

Now go and live like the royalty that you are. 

Love boldly. 

Take chances. 

Forgive easily and take every opportunity to tell someone the truth of this powerful story. 

Be blessed, Lynn 

*This post is inspired by Dr. Clay Jones of BIOLA. Thank you Dr. Jones. You ROCKED my world.