Just Call Me Esther
“If you stay silent during this time, deliverance for the Jews will come from somewhere, but you, my child, and all of your father’s family will die. And who knows? Perhaps you have been made queen for such a time as this.”
- Esther 4:14
For such a time as this…
I have always admired the story of Esther in the Bible. Esther was a revolutionary; a woman ready and willing to deny herself for the sake of her people. Hadassah, being her name of origin, meaning myrtle tree. What’s in a name might you ask? I’ll tell you; one’s identity, one’s purpose. When reading scripture, we must always be reminded that we serve a very intentional God. Therefore, there is meaning behind everything. Once you start connecting the dots, you find yourself feeling like Auntie Oprah and having many back to back “aha” moments! So let’s take a closer look at the meaning of Hadassah. Symbolic of the name, myrtle trees represent wellness, prosperity, and abundance. Additionally, tracing back to its roots in Judaism, myrtle trees signify life and fertility. Let’s dig a bit deeper…
The root of her birth name represents life and fertility; the root of her cause lied in the preservation of her people-ensuring their lives and livelihoods. Wow! As we journey through this biblical passage, Hadassah was regarded as one of the most beautiful women in the land. After Queen Vashti’s refusal to be paraded amongst her husband and his friends, King Xerxes banished her from his presence. Soon after he ordered a decree, summoning every beautiful virgin in the land to come to the palace –in hopes of crowning a new Queen. Fearing that her life would be at stake due to her racial/cultural background, Hadassah’s cousin Mordecai the Jew (whom had raised her since becoming an orphan after her parents died), changed her name to Esther, meaning “star”. With Esther’s compromised identity, she quickly gained favor in the royal palace with Hegai, the King’s eunuch. While all of the beautiful virgins were spoiled with beauty treatments and living their best lives, in hopes of ruling as Queen alongside King Xerxes, Esther was given exclusive and preferential VIP treatment! Ladies (and maybe some fellas), can you imagine? This is not just your normal $120 sixty minute massage at your local spa; this was an endless spa date lasting for an entire year! I mean…ummm…uhhhh…can you sign me up? Geez!
As the story progresses, Esther was summoned to meet King Xerxes. Upon laying eyes on her, it was love at first sight for him and just like that –she became Queen! With beauty and favor on her side, Esther remained humbled. King Xerxes was ready and willing to give Esther anything and everything she wanted! Shifting back to her purpose, she wanted freedom for her people. It is when the enemy surfaced threw the face of Haman, that this became ever so clear. At that moment, for such as time as this, Esther was put in a position…while occupying her position…to stand up for her people.
“Haman then spoke with King Xerxes. There is an odd set of people scattered through the provinces of your kingdom who don’t fit in. Their customs and ways are different from those of everybody else. Worse, they disregard the king’s laws. They’re an affront, the king shouldn’t put up with them. If it please the king, let orders be given that they be destroyed.” Esther 3: 8-9
Does this sound familiar to you at all? At this very moment, America is facing chaos and crisis, through racial divide. Those in our present populations that are marginalized; those that “don’t fit in” -better yet- a term that we’ve recently adapted: fitting the description. It was “these people” that posed a threat to Haman and through his efforts of “purity preservation”, he began making plans to carry out a campaign of genocide. It was then that Mordecai and Esther began exchanging information and devising a plan. Esther called a fast for her people and although the surety of her facing death by entering King Xerxes presence without invitation was ever near to her, she boldly declared,
“If I die, I die.” ~Esther 4:16
As the story continues, Esther uncovers her identity, King Xerxes meets her request, and through the power of her voice, she ends up redeeming a nation –redeeming herself and her people. Esther, a teenager who changed a nation!
Let me shift to a recent conversation I had with my Dad…
One of the best storytellers I know, he shared a childhood story with me, which is so befitting for this time…this season…this devotion. As a little girl, my Dad recalls a city outing that he took me on. As we boarded our bus, I had laid my eyes on one seat, refusing to follow him. He beckoned for me and looking him straight in the eye, I made my way towards a seat that I was adamant about sitting in. According to him, I would not budge not one bit! After sharing that story, he later texted me that, “Even as a little baby girl, you were always so bold and independent.” Perhaps you would say that this was my form of a protest, “Rosa Parks, 1955”. Lol. Instead, re-labeled, “Adena Arceneaux, 1984”.
Whatever the case, justice raids my soul and permeates my very being. Something –without hesitation-that I’ve always fought for. Like me, Esther’s people were on the brink of a massacre; distressing to say the least! But with courage and boldness by her side, she petitioned the king on their behalf –sacrificing herself-for the sake of her people. Justice mattered that much to Hadassah (life and fertility)…that much to Esther (our star)! Thanks be to God, for her voice that redeemed a nation!
So when I say that I embody the spirit of Esther…let it be so! Due to recent events (although history speaks for itself, as this has been ongoing for centuries) concerning police brutality, racism, and systemic oppression in the Black and African-American community –hitting close to home for me, as I am a Black woman- I’ve taken residence on multiple platforms, beseeching those of influence, to hear my cries, create action, and promote change. You see, these matters are extremely important to me, as we are living in a society where I “fit the description”; my people are still being preyed upon. But I hear Maranda Curtis singing this song, like only she can sing it…
“Way maker, miracle worker, promise keeper, light in the darkness…my God, that is who you are…”
All it takes is ONE.
I envision that like me, there are Esthers of many colors on the front lines fighting for justice and equality on behalf of their people! Let our voices rise up and be heard…for our nation is depending upon us.