A Contest for a Queen

This past month, our study has focused on Esther 2, and the "contest" held to find a queen. We really got to know Esther this month, and it was interesting to learn some of the things she went through. At our meeting last Tuesday, we answered several questions together that were in our workbook. The main focus was the choosing of the queen and how it was done. Several of us girls, me included, were quite offended at the way a queen was chosen. It was basically a beauty pageant and a merry-go-round of women in and out of the king's bed. It was so interesting to hear the girls' opinions on this. Hannah pointed out that it's actually not that much different today with celebrities. Women, and some men, will do anything to be linked to a celebrity, including throw their morals out the window. But what we discovered after talking is that, while many were forced, some of these women WANTED to be there! They wanted that honor of being chosen queen in that way. Can you imagine the thoughts that were going through their heads as they were paraded in and out, just hoping the king liked them enough to see them again? I can't begin to think about what this process did to their self-esteem.

In the end, Esther was chosen not only for her outward beauty, but for her inward beauty as well. We still don't know what it was exactly that drew the king to her. My thought is that this is one area where we see God "written" all over the page! :)

The last part of our study and discussion centered around Mordecai and his saving the king. We all decided this is a pivotal part of the storyline, and we can't wait to see where this goes!

The video this week focused on a topic that apparently means a lot to Beth, mean girls! Oh she got into it this week! Ladies who missed our meeting, I would highly suggest getting the video and watching it. It was hilarious! Sounds like it's going to be an interesting month of study... :)

We had another great turn out this time. While we were missing several of our normal girls, we added a few new girls, who are great! I know we're all excited about following the story of Esther and learning more about ourselves and each other in the process! :) Enjoy some pictures Jaime took. Might I recommend a different photographer next time?? One that doesn't catch us as we eat, talk, or make a funny face? Haha. :) Love you Jaime! :)

~Meredith~