“10 Historical Records That Tell Another Side of Bible Stories”, was the name of the article that showed up in my Yahoo news feed this morning. The article went through ten Bible stories, and matched them with some historical accounts that were written by non-biblical sources. The one that caught my eye was the story of Esther, and the historical account of the man most likely that was her husband, King Xerxes I of Persia.
What do you wish? Whatever it is, I will give it to you, even if it is half of my kingdom!” Esther 7:2 NLT
When Esther goes in to see the king, she is greeted warmly and he is delighted to see her. How do we know? Well, it is because he says that he will “give her anything up to half of the kingdom.” So I think we can safely assume that he was glad she was there. As her story goes, she asks him to a banquet, where there will be a guest list of three. Her intention is to use her influence to save her people. After the banquet, she invites him to another with the same three attendees, the king, herself and her enemy Haman.
When she had shown care, kindness and hospitality to not only her husband but her enemy also, the king asks her again “What is your request? I will give it to you, even if it is half the kingdom!” Talk about influence! It was then our story comes to its conclusion. Queen Esther unmasks Haman’s cruel plot to kill all of the Jews and the King is outraged. Long story short, Haman is executed and the Jewish people are safe.
As I read the story, I thought about the position of influence God had given her, and how she used it for good. My morning thoughts did not stop there though. The King’s statement sounded familiar, like I had heard it somewhere else. I looked and confirmed that there is another record in the bible where another person had said pretty much the same thing. Where influence was used, but the outcome was markedly different.
“Ask me for anything you like,” the king vowed, “even half of my kingdom, and I will give it to you!” Mark 6:23 NLT
Now these words were spoken by King Herod. He too was at a banquet, but this one was very different from the one Esther had given. There were many people attending, and that included Queen Herodias and her daughter. It is written that at this banquet, the daughter performed a dance that greatly pleased Herod. When she was done, Herod told her to make her request known.
Again, another woman, another banquet, another King with ultimate power. What would she use this great moment to ask for? The power of influence right then is staggering. He was surrounded by people that would be a witness to whatever she asks, and they would then be looking to Herod to grant that request. There was only one problem. Someone else had influence over this young woman, her mother Herodias. She went and asked her mother what should she request? Herodias’ fatal answer meant death for John the Baptist.
I know most of us may never have that kind of history making influence, but that does not let us off the hook. While our circles of influence may seem small, how we use it can still have far reaching effects. So it is important to ask, how do I use my influence?
This morning as I think of the continuing message series about mercy I am hearing at church, I know that influence is part of that equation. Where do I have influence? How can I use my influence to show God’s mercy to someone else? Maybe even more important, will I use my influence for my own promotion or will I use it for someone else’s benefit?
We all have influence in various circles in our lives, through work, church, family and friends. Sometimes we may have a little, and at other times much more, but I believe that one thing is true. God does not give me influence to squander only on myself, but to help those around me. And while I may not feel that I have much, I do know that the right thing for me is to advocate for those who may have even less. Small amount or not, I believe God gives each of us just the right amount. All it has to be is enough, for “such a time as this”.
So this weekend I went to the Pinnacles National Park with my hubby and his parents. We were all in their RV and it was wonderful. It is fall, so the park has a total “old west” look to it, which some people may not find the most attractive, but I thought it was gorgeous. The Pinnacles is known for its rock walls, talus caves and California Condors.
another quick prayer, I turned on my light and followed my hubby. In retrospect, the length of the cave was very short, so I was able to easily get through. So you would think on day two I wouldn’t have any problem with the cave? Think again.
I was really encouraged by my experience at the park. I read the bible and the stories of people are very much alive to me. They help me see what God has done in the past, and how He is able to work in a person’s life. To have a more personal reminder though, is even better. It helps me push through that moment of fear and find the courage to keep going. It reminds me that even in the darkest moment, when the problem is all encompassing, an answer may shine through just a step or two away.
ce. How do I know? Well it has to do with some of the other things I have been doing this week. I have been doing some deep cleaning in my kitchen, tap dancing and cooking. Why are these things important? Well if I am not writing, I feel guilty. When I feel guilty, I start getting fearful, I doubt and have a hard time being productive in anything I am doing. This week though, I tried to find some balance. The balance that I need between writing, taking care of my family, working on my own insecurities and trying to be who I think God wants me to be. I am not sure if I got the balance right this week, but I feel like I made a better attempt.
talking about kids and stress. They gave a few suggestions on how to help them deal with it, like meditation or yoga, and getting out into nature. They also pointed out that the parents stress level and how they dealt with it was an important factor. Which I think could be THE most important factor. Anyway, as I sat there I thought she had missed something. There was no mention of God. Now I understand that He is not everyone’s cup of tea, but isn’t He at least an option?
going) but I changed my mind. I had already been feeling a little sad, mad, and irritated this morning, so I decided that I would need some encouragement. So the Christian rock station was the choice for today. While at times I have to admit, I am a little bored with the station, this morning I knew I probably needed it. While I don’t always love the music, I cannot argue with the lyrics. Well on some I probably can, but that is a whole different post.
I did like some of the suggestions from the show this morning, but I would add to them. If you or your child are feeling the inevitable stress of life, why don’t you give God a chance? Seek out a church, a Christian friend, a bible study or just sit down and have a chat with Him. You may find some peace, comfort, and rest from the stress that is plaguing you.
ects. He said that they had a “discussion” and he had gotten irritated. He said that he was glad that the post was taken down, but he was frustrated with himself. So he was thinking about just deleting his account for a while, which I think is a good idea. It is hard. I am his mom and know about the potential I see in him, but I also know of the demons he fights.
“God bless you”, and he would expect you to say “thank you”. I can remember sitting there, trying so hard not to sneeze. It was supposed to be all very pleasant, but because of his authority over me, it was breathtakingly scary. I shared a few other anecdotes to give him a better picture, but they are much more embarrassing, so I will keep those between us.
last thing I asked him was to really think about what I had said, and even consider the effect his voice could have on his community. I listed the problems we had discussed, and reminded him that there is a way for these problems to disappear. It takes people loving God and then loving our neighbor as ourselves. In his community, it can start with him. In mine, it can start with me. And even though I write in a blog that effectively, anyone around the world can read. My real sphere of influence is right here in my own community. This is where my voice can be heard best, and those around me get to see if I truly live according to my words.
I found it really hard to write my thoughts today, so I thought I would keep it really short. What I will “Never Forget” from September 11, 2001.
stions. It gives me hope. Not only for myself and the path that I am taking, but for him and his path of growing and learning who God made him to be.
Today for some reason, I Googled her name. OK, so I looked her up through Yahoo, whatever! When her name
It makes me happy to know that she is well. I remember long conversations when we were younger, but I don’t remember the details. I cannot put my finger on the why, all I know is what my heart tells me. All I know is that finding out this new information, is like a piece of a puzzle. It all seems to fit. I love fall and the thoughts of old friends.
Well today I was not so much inspired, but compelled. You see I was cruising my FaceBook, cuz ya know I have the dreaded disease, FOMO. Fear of missing out. So instead of just attacking my lap top to write I start scrolling, and at times it stresses me out. So why do I do it? FOMO. Anyway, I was reading a post by a blogger, who was talking about a Christian blogger who had posted that she was separating from her spouse. OK, so that is guaranteed to get my attention. Neither of these bloggers are anyone that I “follow”(man I hate that term) but I know I have read posts by them before. So because I am like a cat, totally curious, I went to the post where she announces her separation to see what she wrote. OK, to tell you the truth, I just skimmed it. She is not someone that I know personally or follow, so her decision does not produce any other emotion than just heart break for her situation. What I did think was ironic is her new book that was just being released. It was about her marriage, the problems they had and how they have walked through it. It was then I wondered about the influence she hoped to have with women, and how this new turn in her story affected that?
Cheryl Mendoza 