Book 1 of 30 : Esther by Charles Swindoll

If you happen to read my entry about one of my projects before I finally hit the BIG 3-0 mark, hehehe, you will understand why I am writing an entry about this book (or entries about books in the near future) :) If you haven't, the "project" is basically about reading my list of 30 books before I hit 30 :) The process of picking THE 30 books was actually time-consuming (for my friends,hehe) BUT really touching and fun :) You may read the whole entry here.

My first book is entitled "Esther: A Woman of Strength and Dignity" written by Charles R. Swindoll. In my opinion, this is a book that EVERY WOMAN should read.

front cover

The book is (obviously) about Esther, hehe :) The Book of Esther is one of the only two books in the Bible that did not mention God. However, God's presence was felt the ENTIRE time even in those seemingly dark times (Jews faced an attempted genocide!). This is one book that I see myself reading over and over again until I'm gray and old for it is a good reminder of God's providence.

I was attempting to write a review of the book but changed my mind at the last minute for the fear of writing something that might be misinterpreted. Besides, we might have different takes on the things discussed in the book. So, instead of writing a "review" (not that I am a legit "reviewer", hehehe), let me share some of the things that I learned and hope to follow from the book:

1) God ALWAYS has a plan for us. 

Esther is an orphan who was raised by her uncle, Mordecai. Who would have thought that a simple woman (as in fetch-a-pail-of-water simple) will become the Queen of Persia?! Not only that, Esther was THE Queen. She did things that completely turned the lives of all Jews in their kingdom. Only a courageous, smart and God-reared woman can do these things.Amazing!!!

Now, let us look at the not-so-good other side of the story that goes by the name of Haman. He is the right hand/advisor of King Xerxes who is ambitious and full of pride. By the way, this same man was hanged at the gallows that he himself created for Mordecai! Talk about karma is a b*tch! (Oopsie!) :D

So see? God knows what he is doing :) I am reassured that even if I don't fully understand what is happening in my life right now, God's hand is at work so I should relax and keep the faith :) I don't want to be accused of being a spoiler (plus the fact that I may not give justice to the wonderful story) so please read the book to know how the story started and ended. The plot of the story is really twisted that it will honestly give soap operas (TV series) a run for their money! :) 

2) Be quiet, be convinced. 

It felt like someone smacked me hard in my face when I read this phrase! For a self-confessed whiner like me, this woke me up from my deep slumber. I felt guilty for being so whiny and for complaining a lot when all I have to do is be quiet (INTERNALIZE, REFLECT AND PRAY) and be convinced (that God is at work). If you've been visiting my blog long enough you will know that I am overly talkative! So naturally, when I have problems (no matter how small they are) I always make it a point to "share" it to someone. This is one area of my life that I am still struggling on. The good thing is I am a work in progress, everyone is a work in progress :)

Exhibit A: I got the book last year but only finished reading a couple of months ago! Exhibit B: yes, I write on / highlight my books :) 

3) Strive to be a woman of grace, strength and dignity. 

Haaaay! That's all I can say while reading the book and witnessing Esther's grace, strength and dignity. It made me so proud of her for she might not have the physical strength that a man has BUT she made a BIG difference!

For me to still be standing to face the world after so many challenges and hardships, I would like to believe that I am a strong woman (Naks! woman na talaga ako!). However, I've discovered the real meaning of STRENGTH thru Esther. She is grace, strength and dignity personified! Ika nga e, she doesn't sweat the small stuff. If you read the Book of Esther, you will notice that she was not mentioned in all chapters of the book BUT she came out in the most appropriate times! Tatahi-tahimik pero kapag kailangan e susulpot! Wow lang talaga! :) I, on the other hand, use my mouth faster than I use my brain and/or heart. So sad to admit but I know I've hurt a lot of people because of my sharp tongue (aka matalas na dila! hahaha!) :(

The good news is God is a forgiving God. Thus, we can always change and strive to be a better person :) Life is promising!!! :)

To all the women out there, GET A COPY OF THIS BOOK! You will surely see your worth as a woman and feel powerful and proud that you are a woman! :)

PS:

1) Charles Swindoll has a lot of books/profiles in character series that are worth reading! Not just for women but for men alike :)

2) Special thanks to Cess for the collages! :) It's nice to have friends who support your kalokohan aka blogging :D Mwah!