Daily Worship

Courage and Strength

November 05, 2014 0 0

Esther 8: 3

Then Esther spoke again to the king; she fell at his feet, weeping and pleading with him to avert the evil design of Haman and the plot that he had devised against the Jews.

Reflection

Pleading on behalf of those rendered powerless by corrupt political systems takes a lot of courage.  The system is more powerful than the individual.  In a single moment life can be granted or taken depending on the mood of the moment for those in power.  There is much at stake when Esther speaks with the king and her own life is in danger – her status is no protection whatsoever.  To be a leader is to take those brave steps which at times require us to speak up and speak out on behalf of those who are treated unfairly.  This cannot always be done from a position of strength.  It takes courage to speak up even when we ourselves are vulnerable.

 

Prayer

God of everything and everyone,
I don’t want power; I want courage.
I don’t need status; I want strength.
I don’t need authority; I want to find the words.
I don’t need recognition; I want others to be heard.

Undermine the structures which have been built on personal gain;
Shake the foundations of systems which crush the vulnerable;
Rattle the cages of those who are blind to corrupt principles.

Let me be true and honest in your sight, O God.

Amen.