Who I Would Have Been...

Doesn't it just look like she is contemplating the secrets of the universe? Ps. If you know the family this photo belong to -- let me know!

If you visit the River Thames in London you will find a statue of Boudica, Queen of the Iceni, flanked by her two bare-chested daughters. Though the statue is bronze, history tells us Boudica was low-voiced, tall, redheaded, and fierce. During Rome’s zenith, the last world empire carved out a foothold in England by subjugating the Celtic tribes. When Boudica’s husband died, Rome reneged on their arrangement and assumed control of his entire kingdom, stealing his riches, beating his widow, and raping his daughters.
Fueled by hatred, Boudica mustered a massive Celtic army, possibly around 250,000. The army marched on a Roman establishment with no fortifications and slaughtered the inhabitants. From there Boudica quenched her fury with 70,000 enemy lives. Eventually, 80,000 of her own troops died as she was defeated on the field of battle by a much smaller Roman force.
History can’t agree on her death – some say she died of shock, others report she committed suicide (which to me, matches the fiber of this woman). Either way, she lost.
When I read her story my first thought was, “She is me without Jesus.” She played out my every carnal inclination. Anger grew into unforgiveness. Unforgiveness birthed bitterness. Her revenge was cruel and self-serving. And eventually her pride destroyed her and an army that should have been able to withstand Rome’s assault. And but for the grace of God – there go I.
Do you have a historical alter-ego? What can you learn from them about yourself and the redemptive kindness of our Great God and Savior?

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