And the maid was fair and beautiful whom Mordecai, when her father and mother were dead, took for his own daughter. -- Esther 2:7. Many times, while driving here and there, and I see some of the faces of very young children, it does not paint a pretty picture. 

 There are those who seem to be carrying heavy burdens of responsibility, and the laughter of childhood has never crossed their doorsteps. Then there are those who appear to be like a tractor and will challenge any hill.  But always among the group are the few who walk with a purpose for their future lives.

 The more I think of it, childhood for many isn't all fun and frolic.  There is not the love of home; mothers go missing and fathers abandon their offspring.  Then there are those who are orphans for one sad reason or the other, but are afforded love and tender care at orphanages until kind people adopt them into their families. 

 On the other hand, family members are often the first caregivers and adopters and such was the case with Esther in our text. Esther had no mother or father, for whatever reason, but one thing is sure, she had a kind uncle.  She was Mordecai's brother's daughter and he adopted her. 

 How many uncles and aunts have the means, but a mean spirit?  The Bible says that this little girl, Esther, was a beautiful and loving child, which really could only be because her parents were of the same ilk.  Rude parents usually produce rude children and this goes on from one generation to the other, until Jesus makes the difference.

 On the other hand, there is Queen Vashti. She is beautiful, educated and not orphaned. Not orphaned to finery and material wealth, but sadly bereft of meekness and humility.  She was arrogant and rude.  Not only was she rude to her loyal subjects but she was rude to her husband, the king.

 How wonderful it was to be in the company of the congressional wives of America, both Republicans and Democrats, at a breakfast/brunch recently.  To see their zeal, fervor and involvement in their husband's commitment to leadership on behalf of the people, made me take a further look introspectively at agreement in togetherness. 

 The "Vashti spirit" does not bode well on behalf of the people. So Vashti defied the king in the presence of others and it was by consensus that she be removed as queen because of her rudeness and non-involvement, thus a search for a new queen.

  Esther, the orphan, fair, mannerly and beautiful, Mordecai's niece and adopted daughter was chosen to be the new queen.  She brought a breath of fresh air to the palace and indeed the kingdom.  She was kind yet firm. She operated within her boundaries, but was willing to lay all on the altar of sacrifice when it comes to the plight of others.

 As long as the Word of God remains, the beautiful story of Esther will be told from orphanage to palace.  We need women who do not usurp the authority from their husbands.  Women who do not intimidate their husbands because of their educational achievements because they knew he could not write when they married him. 

 Women who will be supportive in their husband's various fields of endeavor now that "election fever" is in the air. Women who will be there in the campaign trenches with their husbands.  Women who will spearhead charitable and interest organizations on behalf of the people

Women who will be visible, not only at high-level social functions, but at non-celebrated events on behalf of the masses. Women who will be fair in their dealings and give honor to whom honor is due. Women who will not rob the poor to give to the rich.

 Women who will not withhold from any that which is due to any.  Women who will be selfless rather than selfish in dealings, thoughts and actions. We give thanks to an Almighty God that there are still "Esthers" left in our land, who in spite of their humble beginnings and mitigating circumstances, God has raised them up to prominence and role model status. 

 We give thanks to an Almighty God that there were among our forebears, "Esthers" who left their footprints on the sands of time for others to follow. O God our help in ages past, our hope for years to come, we now pray that you send us "Esthers" for such a time as this.

  oE-mail rubyanndarling@yahoo.com, or write to P.O. Box SS19725, Nassau, Bahamas with your prayer requests, concerns and comments. God's Blessings!

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