Profiles of Nobility's Courage

Gathering:
L: Gathered here in the presence of this hour
P: Gathered here in one strong body
L: Gathered here in the mercy and the power
P: Spirit draw near
(from the New Century Hymnal)

Song:
"How Can I Keep From Singing"

Reader:
Never underestimate the power of royalty (in this case women) to effect positive change nonviolently! The two queens in the book of Esther are exemplary.

Scripture:
Esther 1:10-12 (Vashti’s refusal to obey the summons)

Reader:
For Vashti's case, nine words say it all: "Queen Vashti refused to come at the king's command." Her husband King Ahasuerus ruled powerfully over 127 provinces from India to Ethiopia. After days of an eating and drinking orgy, he wanted to parade Vashti before a hall of raucous, drunken men. She refused and ended up being removed. Joyce Holliday considers Vashti the real heroine of the book of Esther. "She was a woman who had her dignity and knew her convictions, rather than her place. And she was courageous enough not to compromise" (p. 77). Who knows how many young women in Susa were inspired by her example. Who and where are the Vashtis of modern history?

Scripture:
Esther 2:17-18; 21-22 (conspiracy plot foiled by the new queen)

Reader:
The story of Esther is more familiar, but no less impressive. Having replaced Vashti as the king's choice for queen, her first public victory was averting her husband's assassination.

Scripture:
Esther 3:13-15 (prime minister of Persia plots genocide against the Jews)

Reader:
When orders to destroy her people were issued (due to Haman's hurt pride, intolerance and racism), Queen Esther knew she alone could bargain for the lives of her people.

Scripture:
Esther 4:1-3, 9-17

Reader:
She knew of her people's agony. A young woman's innocence was transformed into courage. Many lives were at stake. What to do? Esther knew that if she entered the king's court unfavorably she could be put to death. But Mordecai's words must have been ringing in her ears. She bravely declared, "I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish." Her spirituality is clear. Her dependence upon her people and God is clear. She called for a 3-day fast of no food or drink among all her people in Susa. Evidently clarity came on the third fasting day, and Esther moved ahead to approach the king's audience chamber. Her intuition and courage led her through a series of scenarios so that her people were saved.
Read this meditatively in silence
"I honor every woman who has strength enough to step out of the beaten path when she feels that her walk lies in another, strength enough to stand up and be laughed at, if necessary -- but in a few years it will not be thought strange that women should be preachers and sculptors, and every one who comes after us will have to bear fewer and fewer blows."
Harriet Hasner, 1883

Reflections

Prayer:
Lift up the names of those whose courage may save lives in our time. Community Response: “Grant Him/Her/Them/Us Courage.”

Song:
"Never Turnin' Back"


Credit: Joyce Hollyday, Clothed with the Sun, pp. 76-79