Victory Collection-Book Two

The Knights of the Golden Heart

The Knights Of The Golden Heart

Queen Vanessa bestowed the coveted Golden Heart to three knights. To the first was given the highest honor, the Heart of "Love And Joy"; To the second, "Peace And Understanding"; And to the third "Happiness And Song". The knights went forth from the Order of the Spiritual Fruits, to spread their royal endowment (emotional, mental and spiritual) among all mankind. They would raise the hopes of all who crossed their paths.

The queen has many powers that give her the authority to name lords and ladies and to commission knights for special tasks. She oversees both Houses of Parliament (the House of Lords and the House of Commons). She is Commander-in-Chief of the military forces and can appoint Ministers of the Crown. Queen Vanessa can reject laws, although she seldom does.

She can pardon prisoners and lessen their sentences for exceptional valor. (There was an incident where two prisoners came to the rescue of a prison employee when a wild boar attacked him.) She is responsible for issuing or withdrawing passports and can even declare war, with the approval of the Prime Minister, Parliament and the rest of the government. It is an elaborate ceremony when she bestows honors to new lords and ladies and to deserving knights.

Where there was a lack of love and joy, the first knight came to offer those gifts to the people. Where there was discord, the second knight spread "Peace and Understanding". To the broken hearted, and those who had no God-given song in their hearts, the third knight carried with him "Happiness and Song". Together, they went about relieving human suffering and restoring lives.

The Golden Heart of "Love And Joy" went first, because love is the greatest gift. The knights were dressed in armor, with shield and sword in hand. But they were on a mission of goodwill. People admired them for representing the queen and received their pronouncements gladly.

There was a damsel who met a man from a distant land. Theirs was an attraction that grew in love and affection. But, the man had to return to his country. They pined for each other, missing the connection they once shared. It was at a time when long-distant contact barely existed. But, the Knight possessing love and joy, gave them hope again. He had arranged for the young man to return, by ship, and take the damsel as his bride!

The second knight, "Peace and Understanding" arrived in a tiny village where a couple lived their lives. They were very much in love and had a special communication they called heart-to-heart talk, that allowed them to read between the lines. One day, they had a terrible misunderstanding and their heart-talk started to crumble. Their hearts were broken and they no longer were able to truly understand each other. The Knight of Peace and Understanding picked up the pieces, and they went on in peace, together.

"Peace and Understanding" encountered two boys on a school playground the next day. One boy was bullying and hurting the other. He was angry and yelling and acting violent. The knight intervened and cautioned the bully that, some day, someone might treat him the same. He explained that he understood the boy might be in emotional pain of his own and was lashing out at others. Nevertheless, he said his behavior was not acceptable. The boy began to calm down and feel more at peace. He understood that the knight was right and was there to help. The knight inquired about the other boy welfare and then went on his way.

The third of the queen's knights came just in time before all was lost! A woman had been so much in love with a man that she told him he had sung harmony with the song God put in her heart. But, over time, the happiness began to fade and the song could barely be heard. Discord developed, and they eventually said goodbye. The woman thought about taking her own life, over the loss and the shattered dreams. But she knew God wouldn't want to receive her that way. Still, they both fought back tears and sleepless nights, until the the Knight of "Happiness and Song" brought them together again. Now, their love and commitment is stronger than ever, and they harmonize with the song in their hearts!

The three knights went on to save still others from distress, who needed them to bestow the gifts they possessed. Multiple stories unfolded, as the knights journeyed on.
One such situation was a man who traveled from place to place, never settling down or finding a help-mate to share his life with. He was lonely, but lived only for himself. Then the Knight of "Love and Joy" entered his life. He began to pray to meet the person God had for him. When she appeared, he was still unsure and almost missed his chance. But, a first meeting was arranged, despite his reluctance. Love and joy filled their hearts and lives, and they thanked God and the knight for the generous gift.

Villagers told the story of two friends who lived in a country torn apart from turmoil and strife. Civil War erupted and the country was divided, north and south, loyalties were put to the test. It was brother against brother and friend against friend! The friends found themselves on opposite sides.

The day came when the pair faced each other in battle, ready to shoot at first sight! But, they instantly knew their enemy and couldn't attack! Soon, the Knight of "Peace and Understanding" appeared, to reconcile the friends. They completed their time in the war, but never forgot their hearts had changed. After the battle ended, the two worked to further peace and understanding the rest of their lives, to pass along the gift they had received.

An incident came about concerning an opera singer who fell ill. Her vocal chords were damaged by a large tumor that threatened to close her throat and end her life! Surgery was scheduled, but held out little promise that she would ever sing again! The song had gone out of her career and her heart. She had no desire to go on without her music. But, she knew she must. She had her family, friends, co-
workers and her church. She prayed for hope and to have her faith increased. Depression and despair were knocking at her door! But, Knight number three arrived and gave back her "Happiness and Song". After surgery and recovery, she returned to the Theater. Adoring fans were there to greet her and encourage her to continue on. Rehearsals went well and her voice became stronger, enabling her to sing once again.

Another chance for "Happiness and Song", to help someone, happened between a young mother and her children. She would sing Jesus Loves Me to them every night. She had a son and daughter who were preschool age. We don't always know the reason for things, except that people are giving free will and often make the wrong choices. A drunk driver was speeding home, one day, and hit the family car. Both of her children were killed, devastating her and ripping the happiness and song from her heart ! Knight # three appeared, after a time, and gave her hope for the heartbreak to heal. God was watching and offering comfort from the other driver's choice to drink and drive. Nothing could replace the children or bring them back. But, gradually, her heart began to mend. She knew she could make it through and have the strength to go on.

One lady had a passion for writing books. She wrote many and had contact with other authors, editors, publishers and illustrators/graphic designers who did the artwork for illustrations and book covers. She was so impressed with the hearts of people to relate, on a human level, that she wrote a book about it. In time, she became disillusioned by one of them; It made her doubt everyone's sincerity. She needed reassurance that her trust was not misplaced. That is where Knight # two came in. He was there to encourage her to believe again. God doesn't let us down, but people can. The knight showed her that not everyone is the same and that, within reason, we should trust everyone unless we are given a reason not to.

The knights felt their work was done in that region, and they were recalled by the queen. Their only requirement for being used to help people, was that they would not take credit for their actions. Queen Vanessa wanted God to receive the Glory. She commission the knights at other times, to go around the world. They spread their messages of hope and gave love wherever they went. Now, the world is a better place, full of LOVE, JOY, PEACE, UNDERSTANDING, HAPPINESS AND SONG !