A portrait of Queen Keōpūolani done in 1816 by Louis Choris
Good Evening, God!
Today, for the first time I heard the story of how you used Queen Keōpūolani in 1819 to break with the Kapu system – the old religion of Hawaii — and welcome the Christian missionaries who came in 1820. She was absolutely pivotal. Because she was the child of the King of Hawaii and the Queen of Maui she had by birth tremendous “mana” or spiritual power. This is not a concept we Westerners really grasp — the idea of inherent power due to bloodlines. But, it made her the most powerful person in Hawaii, more powerful than her husband the king. And, although King Kamehameha had other wives and other children — it was her sons who became kings following Kamehameha’s death in 1819.
How amazing that this kind woman — called the mother of the people — was in the proper position to influence so many key events. Actually, God, it seems as if she could better be said to have determined the outcomes. It was due to her influence . . . her presence with her son, King Kamehameha II, that saw the transition made with a minimum of violence.
After hearing this story this morning — masterfully told by Kaipo’i Kelling — I marveled that I had never heard of this powerful and influential queen before. She needs to be lifted up!
To me, God, she is a reminder that all things are possible to You and with You.
Story teller,
A Moment with God 
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