“I see my light come shining

From the west unto the east.

Any day now, any day now,

I shall be released”

We often picture “royalty" as persons living in far-off fairytale-like places, residing in castles surrounded by moats, high walls and fancy guards. They would be the ones who rarely make public appearances, much less mingle with commoners.

Then there are those persons whom the Almighty has hand-picked to spend their entire lives shouldering crosses with a strength that comes only from supernatural sources. The ones who helped to raise their multiple siblings and cousins both near and far.

These same individuals dedicate much of their time to being an angel here on Earth by comforting the ill, welcoming strangers from afar, mentoring both young and old, all while singing praises through every storm of life. Their melodious voices filled many temples, warmed many hearts and soothed many souls.

At times, that same voice had to be very stern. How else could they mould, guide and shape their own royal household? Princes and princesses who were groomed from physical infancy to fiscal independence. They in turn pass these principles of entrepreneurship on to their children. Yes, indeed, a legacy of business kingdoms built from those wise words.

Without a doubt, the greatest legacy was reaching out to thousands and guiding them to love and care not just for themselves, but for others. The true essence of love of family, community and country.

A singer, a sister, a mother, a grandmother, a great-grandmother, most of all a friend to all. Today, at St Paul AME Church, the “Westminster Abbey” of Bermuda, will be filled to bursting with those paying honour to and giving the glory to this person of royalty.

All hail Lovina Ann Dorisa Bailey Flood, a queen in the kingdom of Christ.

• Christopher Famous is the government MP for Devonshire East (Constituency 11). You can reach him on WhatsApp at 599-0901 or e-mail at carib_pro@yahoo.com