Just A ... ?
“Now the king was attracted to Esther more than to any of the other women, and she won his favor and approval more than any of the other virgins. So he set a royal crown on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti. And the king gave a great banquet, Esther’s banquet, for all his nobles and officials. He proclaimed a holiday throughout the provinces and distributed gifts with royal liberality.” (Esther 2:17-18)
In the year 2020, we simply can’t imagine things like harems and being taken away from our families because of the king’s order. This woman had little to no control of her own journey. She was pretty, smart, and must have had a lot of what we call “starch in her spine.” But … she was just a girl.
She had to be scared, overwhelmed, lonely, and unsure. She didn’t walk into the king’s court on day 1 with an agenda. She hadn’t studied politics, memorized statutes, or even heard the word activism. She had no idea what her future held beyond crowns and servants. She wasn’t groomed all of her life to be queen. Esther was just a girl.
In third grade, we were tasked to write a book. Our books had cardboard covers decorated with scraps of old wallpaper from sample books. I was a very odd kid; so I submitted a book of Haiku’s in a book shaped like a Japanese cherry blossom, because the theme had to be carried out in every possible way. The point is: ever since then I’ve dreamed of being a writer. I’d love to write about sports, Jesus, my life, overcoming obstacles – well, just all the things. But, I always come back to the place where I think: but I’m just a girl.
Here is the deal. We are all way more than what we tell ourselves. We have God pouring into us every single moment – all the while whispering encouragement into our ear. Esther wasn’t raised to be queen; she was just willing in her circumstances. She wasn’t super human; she was a girl.
What are you ”just a”? Just a human? Just a worker? Let’s take away the “just a” mentality and remember who we really are. We are a child of the King. We can do anything He sets in our path or on our hearts. Yes. Yes, we can … He isn’t just a god; He is the one true God. And He never sees you as a “just a” … remember that!
By Carrie Peterson
Carrie is happiest with her people and a pen in hand!
In the year 2020, we simply can’t imagine things like harems and being taken away from our families because of the king’s order. This woman had little to no control of her own journey. She was pretty, smart, and must have had a lot of what we call “starch in her spine.” But … she was just a girl.
She had to be scared, overwhelmed, lonely, and unsure. She didn’t walk into the king’s court on day 1 with an agenda. She hadn’t studied politics, memorized statutes, or even heard the word activism. She had no idea what her future held beyond crowns and servants. She wasn’t groomed all of her life to be queen. Esther was just a girl.
In third grade, we were tasked to write a book. Our books had cardboard covers decorated with scraps of old wallpaper from sample books. I was a very odd kid; so I submitted a book of Haiku’s in a book shaped like a Japanese cherry blossom, because the theme had to be carried out in every possible way. The point is: ever since then I’ve dreamed of being a writer. I’d love to write about sports, Jesus, my life, overcoming obstacles – well, just all the things. But, I always come back to the place where I think: but I’m just a girl.
Here is the deal. We are all way more than what we tell ourselves. We have God pouring into us every single moment – all the while whispering encouragement into our ear. Esther wasn’t raised to be queen; she was just willing in her circumstances. She wasn’t super human; she was a girl.
What are you ”just a”? Just a human? Just a worker? Let’s take away the “just a” mentality and remember who we really are. We are a child of the King. We can do anything He sets in our path or on our hearts. Yes. Yes, we can … He isn’t just a god; He is the one true God. And He never sees you as a “just a” … remember that!
By Carrie Peterson
Carrie is happiest with her people and a pen in hand!
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2020
March
I Am The Good Shepherd Shepherd LeadershipI Am the Good Shepherd that Keeps the GateShepherding the TeamI Am The Good Shepherd: A Note from a Thankful SheepTime OutFour DaysUp from the GraveResurrection LifeThe Shadow of DeathMore Than an Empty TombLet\'s Not Get DistractedThis Is No Time to Be TroubledJesus Christ Is The Way
April
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May
Stand Firm in One SpiritOur God of CertaintyWhy Desire Humility?The Joy of HumilityHumility in ActionThe Ultimate Example of HumilityThe Glory of HumilityThe Faith of a Mom and a GrandmotherKeep OnCelebrate Your DecisionLet Your Light ShineHow Are You Being Poured Out?Be an EncouragementManna from HeavenSafeguarding Your HeartThe Proper Way to BoastHaving Nothing to Offer GodChrist Is All I Want and NeedOn Knowing ChristNo Greater LoveBiblical ObedienceBiblical MaturityBack to ShoreEnemies of the CrossA Bridge to HeavenIt's About Time
June
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July
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August
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September
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