By Jimoh Elizabeth Oluwaseyi
Journalists for Christ- International Outreach on Saturday October 19; x-rayed the book of Esther- one of the historical books of the Bible.
It was the monthly meeting of the Christian body which took place via zoom
Participants at the meeting drew sundry and inspiring lessons from the life of Esther and Mordecai, who were key actors in book.
They made valuable valuable contributions reinforcing the notion that even historical texts hold relevance for modern-day challenges.
THE RIGHT ATTITUDE: A KEY TO SUCCE
JFC”s Secretary, Mr Dayo Emmanuel began by sharing his thoughts, as he reflected on Queen Vashti’s downfall, noting how her failure to recognize 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 to act odiously, getting a shameful consequence for her action.
Speaking further, Emmanuel cautioned listeners to watch their attitude.
“Nobody is too big to be replaced. Queen Vasti failed to recognize that sometimes, the best of 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.”
He urged participants to shun the attitude of displaying 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 Supervisor, Mrs. Funmi Falobi on her part, 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
Mrs. Vivian Akinyosoye underscored the significance of support systems. She illustrated how Mordecai, Esther’s uncle, played a pivotal role in her life, emphasizing 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”
However, she urged christian parents on the need to be intentional in child training as it has a great impact on the 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, emphasizing how the Muslims are seen to be intentional in child training, imbibing their religious doctrines in their wards from a tender age.
SEIZING OPPORTUNITIES, BIG OR SMALL
Another notable participant during the discussion, 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 the 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 little post as a guard in a strange land, but in that low position, he was observant and sought for opportunity, as he applied SWOT analysis in realizing his Strength, 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, encouraging attendees 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.”
Speaking further, he also revealed Esther’s ability in putting her skill-set to use.
“Don’t abandon your skills and talent, be known for something.
Esther was a very good cook. She was skillful and talented. She was also tactical in her work place as she positioned herself rightly, little wonder she was able to get the attention of the king, who committed himself in 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 at the right place. Falobi emphasized.
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, 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.
“Esther knew that her ability alone cannot win the king over, she sought help from fellow Jews and thereafter, the success of Esther and Mordecai was a collaborative effort.
The Zoom conversation which had participants in their score, came to a close, leaving attendees enlightened on the need to conscientiously seek help and also be available to provide mentorship, not just for the girl child, but for everyone across board.
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.