Jimoh Elizabeth Oluwaseyi writes on the sundry lessons and insights from the Book of Esther during the October 2024 Fellowship.
Isn’t it true that secrets are buried in books?
Unravelling such secrets from the best-selling book of all time, the Bible, informed the decision of Journalists for Christ, a Christian media organisation, to make the Book of Esther, one of the historical books of the Bible, the focus of its October Fellowship.
Sundry and inspiring lessons were drawn from the lives of Esther and Mordecai, key actors in the Old Testament book. Participants contributed valuable perspectives, reinforcing the notion that even historical texts hold relevance for modern-day challenges.
THE RIGHT ATTITUDE: A KEY TO SUCCESS
Secretary of Journalists for Christ and News Editor of NationalWire, Mr Dayo Emmanuel began by sharing his thoughts on Queen Vashti’s downfall, noting how her failure to recognise the boundaries between personal and public life cost her the throne.
“Familiarity, they say breeds contempt, Vashti, the first queen forgot that the “bedroom and boardroom” are two different places, making her act odiously, getting a shameful consequence for her action,” Emmanuel said, advising people to watch their attitude.
“Nobody is too big to be replaced. Queen Vashti failed to recognize that sometimes, the best players are kept in the reserve, just to rescue the match. Esther from a humble background and a captive, became a replacement for Vashti, hence attitude is everything.”
Similarly, he urged participants to shun the attitude of indulging in undue publicity, drawing lessons from how Esther concealed her identity.
“Esther didn’t disclose her identity when she got to the palace. There are times you don’t have to blow your trumpet, disclosing your achievement on social media with the intent of demonstrating the fact that- if you don’t blow your trumpet, nobody will help you blow it,” he cautioned.
THE ROLE OF WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP
JFC’s Head of Gender and Media Monitoring, Mrs Funmi Falobi highlighted Esther’s embodiment of female leadership.
“Don’t underestimate anyone,” she urged, stressing that women’s roles in families and society are crucial.
“Esther’s ascension to power shows that women can be influential decision-makers. Strive for positions where you can make a difference,” she encouraged, inspiring participants to pursue impactful leadership roles.
THE POWER OF PRAYER
President of JFC, Mr. Lekan Otufodunrin, reminded the group of Esther’s prayerful nature.
“In seemingly impossible situations, remember that prayer is a powerful tool,
don’t give up, but always remember that, in any difficult situation, you can always pray” he advised.
SUPPORT SYSTEMS AND CHARACTER BUILDING
A media consultant, Mrs. Vivian Akinyosoye underscored the significance of support systems. She illustrated how Mordecai, Esther’s uncle, played a pivotal role in her life, emphasising the need for mentors in proper home training and upbringing, as this helps to shape the child’s character.
“Mordecai, on his part trained and brought Esther up, not minding that she was not her biological daughter. This depicts that- background matters a lot,” She noted,
urging parents to be intentional in their nurturing roles.
She also addressed the importance of character, especially when faced with abundance, echoing the Yoruba saying, “Iwa Lewa” (Character is paramount).
“Don’t get carried away when you have the opportunity of abundance. Be careful, because it might be a test of your inner character. Esther eventually found herself in the Palace of Popularity and Abundance, yet, she demonstrated that she had the strength of character”
She urged Christian parents on the need to be intentional and not be nonchalant in child training as it has a great impact on society.
“Everything happening in society today goes back to the family nucleus. It’s imperative that we secure the home front and the church has a lot to do likewise.
“May God give the church the vision of paying attention to issues of importance in the family and training up the children in the way they should go,” she said, emphasising how the Muslims are intentional in child training by imbibing their religious doctrines in their wards from a tender age.
SEIZING OPPORTUNITIES, BIG OR SMALL
A Security and Safety Consultant Dr. Timi Emmanuel also shared insights about Mordecai’s strategic thinking.
“Esther’s uncle became strategic as he cleverly changed her name from Hadassah to Esther- meaning hidden star,” he explained, revealing how every girl child has a hidden star, as it’s impossible for a star, not to be beneficial to society, family or personal life, if such a child is in Christ.
He also highlighted how seemingly insignificant roles can lead to significant opportunities, explaining how Mordecai occupied a very low post as a guard in a strange land, but in that low position, he was observant and sought opportunity by applying SWOT analysis in realizing his Strengths, Weakness, Opportunity and Threats, which later endeared him to become second in command to the king.
“A job may look small, but might give you access to information which can be an open door to certain opportunities. Don’t underestimate small beginnings.”
He urged everyone to remain observant and proactive in their pursuits.
COLLABORATION AND DISPLAY OF SKILL SET FOR SUCCESS
JFC’s Project Manager, Mr. Sanmi Falobi further highlighted some impeccable qualities which served as a reminder of Esther’s strategic nature, as she knew the value of collaboration.
“Esther knew when to recompense her Uncle. She was strategic and as a matter of responsibility we should learn to deliberately repay or help others when we get to a place of authority and affluence, he said.
He also revealed Esther’s ability to put her skill set to use by not abandoning skills and talents and being known for something.
“Esther was a very good cook. She was skilful and talented. She was also tactical in her workplace as she positioned herself rightly, little wonder she was able to get the attention of the king, who committed himself to helping to get a death warrant for the enemy.
“May God help us to be wise, strategically positioned, doing the right thing, at the right time, and the right place. Falobi prayed.
As the fellowship wrapped up, another participant added her final thought on the need not to disdain or relegate staff members who perform menial tasks.
“We must not take for granted the domestic staff in an organization.
Don’t belittle that Cleaner or security personnel, because, sometimes these men have exclusive information that might be beneficial.”
Similarly, the importance of seeking help and support was discussed, highlighting the importance of community and teamwork.
The participants were left with a profound understanding of the lessons embedded in the Book of Esther, as these insights served as guiding principles, not just for women, but for all individuals striving to make a difference in their communities.
