How Esther Guides Women in Bold Leadership
Share
Courage. Vulnerability. A willingness to risk her life. These are some of the qualities of Queen Esther that aided her in her mission to save the Jewish people.
In this story, we read about Esther’s forthright approach to her husband, King Xerxes, to reveal a wicked plot to kill not only her cousin Mordecai, but the entire generation of Jews in the land. Esther could have been killed for approaching the king in this way, making her actions truly brave and inspirational.
Yet, while we might say we could never be brave like Esther, we might be surprised. Esther’s character teaches us how we too can be bold leaders. Her willingness to stand up for others is one of many lessons we can apply to our daily lives, whether at work, at home, or in our communities.
The Story of Esther
Esther’s story is found in the book of Esther. It tells of how she was without parents and raised by her cousin Mordecai until she was taken, with other young ladies, to King Xerxes to be considered as his new queen.
Instructed by Mordecai to keep her Jewish heritage secret, her beauty captivated the king, leading him to appoint Esther as his new queen. Soon, Mordecai informs Esther that he overheard two guards planning to assassinate the king. She shares this information with the king, allowing his life to be spared and giving credit to Mordecai for his help.
Meanwhile, the highest nobleman in the land, Haman, was in the area and was shocked when Mordecai refused to bow to him. After learning Mordecai was a Jew, he plotted to kill all the Jews in the area and encouraged King Xerxes to agree to the killings. Unfortunately, the king agreed under false pretenses.
Once Mordecai learned of this edict to kill the Jews, he encouraged a very hesitant Esther to approach the king and save her people. She fought against her reluctance, and after three days of prayer and fasting (which she instructed all the Jews to do along with her), she went to the king. She requested a banquet be held for just herself, the king, and Haman.
While King Xerxes was at the banquet, enjoying the time with his queen, he asked Esther if there was anything she wanted. With courage she didn’t know she had, Esther requested that her Jewish people be spared death and informed the king that Haman was doing all of this for money and revenge. Haman was killed for his treachery, and Esther saved the lives of several generations of Jewish people. Further, the bond between King Xerxes and Queen Esther was strengthened.
4 Powerful Lessons from Esther on Bold Leadership
Reading this amazing story of a courageous woman, you can’t help but be in awe of how she pushed fear and anxiety aside to do what was right. She saved generations of Jewish people, including herself and Mordecai. Although we may not be in the same position as Esther was as Queen of Persia, the lessons she exemplified in standing up for her people can be applied to our everyday lives as well.
1. Always Have Strong Support
Through all that Esther experienced in her life, from being orphaned at a young age to learning the ins and outs of royalty, her cousin Mordecai was right by her side as a father figure, encourager, and guiding light. When Esther wasn’t sure about going before the king, Mordecai reminded her that God called her for this time to be the leader her people needed.
He knew the risks she was taking, especially as a queen, but he also believed that Esther was the only person who could bring about needed change. As a leader, when you surround yourself with those who encourage your leadership and give beneficial advice, you will thrive.
2. Seek God’s Wisdom
When Esther realized what Mordecai was asking her to do, that she was called to the kingdom for such a time as this (Esther 4:14), she knew she had to go the source of truth: God. Esther instructs Mordecai to ask her people to fast and pray for three days, while she did the same. This prepared her to go before the king.
Just as Esther went to the Lord for guidance on what to do next, we can do the same when big decisions or obstacles come our way. We will know, as Esther did, that God provides the guidance we need to move forward in boldness.
3. Give Credit to Those Who Have Earned It
Mordecai learned of the king’s planned assassination when he overheard two guards talking about it and, in his desire to help Esther, he shared this news with her. However, Esther wanted Mordecai to be recognized for coming forward with the news. Esther could have easily taken the credit for this discovery, not only gaining the kings’ good graces, but the respect of others in the community as well. But by allowing Mordecai to get the credit he deserved, his life was spared later on.
Leaders can sometimes take the credit for the hard work of others, but a true leader will not seek the glory of others to better themselves. They know credit should be given to those who have earned it.
4. Be Calm but Firm in What You Want Done
The time had come for Esther to hold her banquet for the king and Haman, and I’m sure the nerves were probably battling inside of her. However, Esther displayed a level of firm calmness that we could all benefit from in our own lives. She not only revealed that she was a Jew to the king but also stated that Haman had a secret agenda for killing her people. She did all this while staying calm and collected.
Esther could have easily broken under the pressure and refused to share this news, but she knew this banquet was her destiny, so she upheld her mission with dignity and confidence. We can do the same as leaders in the workplace, our homes, and the community, not letting drama and pressures around us cause our leadership to suffer. We can be bold leaders while still being calm but firm.
Esther’s stirring example of leadership is one that we all ought to follow, staying strong in who we are and what is right in God’s eyes. As we read through the pages of her story and see her boldness to save her people, we are reminded that her call to leadership is the same as ours. We too may be called “for such a time as this.”
A calm and collected person who surrounds herself with strong support and follows God’s prompting is the type of leader we should aim to be. Esther teaches us that bold leadership isn’t reserved for kings and queens, it can be wherever you are.
Photo credit: ©Getty Images/ktsimage
