Within certain circles that overlap my sphere, much conversation has focused lately on how David fulfilled the purpose for his generation. However, beginning at sunset today, many, perhaps as many as 15-million people will celebrate a woman who was created for a time such as this.
This time also leads us to the intersection of Lent and Purim. So on this edition of “Becoming Today”, we’ll travel a bit down each road.
As we continue our focus on “Illuminating Lent”, I’ll share my latest letter as I continue to examine this time, this Lenten season in real time as I’ll share another letter concerning my releasing of concerns, issues and unwanted baggage.
However first I want to share a portion of what I described a year ago as my “Ronotated” version of the Scriptures from the Book of Esther.
In “Perhaps For A Time Such As This”, I tried to capture the festive atmosphere that surrounds this religious celebration, while updating the language, well more than a bit….
“News spread fast and Uncle Mordi is outraged, ready for a fight so “he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the city, wailing loudly and bitterly”.
Taking it to the streets he protested right outside the palace gates. His niece’s crew heard about it and told Esther. Uncle Mordi sent word to her about the ‘executive order’ and even supplied copies of the official statements. Plus he instructs her “to go into the king’s presence to beg for mercy and plead with him for her people”.
Uncle Mordi, remember he was also Esther’s adoptive father not only releases her from the promise he swore her to obey, but gives her a patriarchal blessing that she can now truly be “Becoming” a queen for her people.
“Do not think that because you are in the king’s house you alone of all the Jews will escape.
For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish.
And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”
Perhaps For A Time Such As This, Esther was created to fulfill her purpose according to God’s plan. Would she step out in faith and put her values and belief in action?
Absolutely. That’s why she’s remembered and celebrated to this day.
So with the assistance of her feminine wiles, she puts her own course of action into play. “
Later in relaying the story I also wrote,
“We need more Esthers and Mordecais. Those willing to step forward into the light of day and lead based on their values and beliefs.
Despite all odds, even at the risk of losing their lives, they were steadfast, forbearant and firm in resolve sustained by hope and faith, seeing through to the end that all could continue to be guaranteed the opportunity to live out their inalienable rights endowed by the Creator… life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
Perhaps you are “Becoming” one.
Perhaps For A Time Such As This it’s your turn to rise and shine”.
You can learn more and read my full retelling of the history contained in both the Christian and Hebrew scriptures by clicking here.
Now for today’s Lenten Letter. When last we spoke I addressed the idea of releasing “Hesitation”. Needing to give up whatever it was that was causing me to hesitate and delay on correcting other issues.
Since then I have come to understand that my hesitance was due to my resisting vulnerability.
So today’s letter I’m writing to someone I believe can help me make some progress here. She is a woman I have never met. Never been in the same room as her, nor have I ever had direct communication with her. However she has been a mentor from afar, without her ever knowing it.
Through reading her work and listening to her interviews, podcasts and talks I have learned much. I have been able to reformulate my beliefs about being more vulnerable. Now I need to give up whatever it is that is preventing me from fully accepting, embracing and implementing that knowledge…
Dear Brené,
I’m reaching out today as in my experiment into a deeper Lenten experience, I have been addressing a multitude of things I need to give up. Hindrances to be released, ideas to let go of.
As I was considering what was causing me hesitation, I came to the realization that it was due to my inability to be becoming more vulnerable.
I have heard you speak several times about the importance of embracing vulnerability as a strength rather than an opportunity to be taken advantage of. In my mind I can understand when I hear you say, “vulnerability is our most accurate way to measure courage”. I can even comprehend that there are many advantages to becoming vulnerable.
Yet there remains a disconnect. An impasse. The mind is not aligning with my heart . What am I missing? What still needs to go to allow the wisdom to be freely put into action?
When I hear you say, “When we are willing to risk venturing into the wilderness, and even becoming our own wilderness, we feel the deepest connection to our true self and to what matters the most”, I say yes! And even Amen. However I still am not getting it done.
I truly am trying to “Talk to yourself like you would to someone you love”. I do share your belief that “Connecting the dots of our lives, especially the ones we would rather erase or skip over, requires equal parts self-love and curiosity”.
I accept that “Grace means that all of your mistakes now serve a purpose instead of serving shame”, still I am missing something.
When I read your words, “Until we can receive with an open heart, we are never really giving with an open heart. When we attach judgment to receiving help, we knowingly, or unknowingly, attach judgment to giving help”, I exclaim that’s it!
However I am having trouble allowing my heart to open at this time. I am in need of advice, insights and suggestions as to how to proceed. To let go of whatever old emotional baggage I’m still tripping over.
I have earnestly tried to haul all those suitcases out of the closets and even with them in plain sight they are still causing me to fall.
I do believe that in asking we shall receive. So I know that in asking these questions, putting them out in view of all that I need will be found. So be it. I’ve said it and now I’m listening, and praying.
Thank you so much for your work, continued efforts and the assistance it has given me,
Rochelle
When I first launched this concept I admitted, “I will be writing a letter a day addressing something that I need to release, revise or rejuvenate in my life. As I share this idea with you, I’m still uncertain as to what exact format or style these letters will develop as.
It is my intention to let the Spirit guide me into identifying the area of need, and then seeking resolution and support for them. In releasing the ties that bind, I know that growth and healing will follow. My goal is that will refresh my perspective and lead me to my own series of resurrections along our shared path”.
I also continue to encourage you to consider doing your own exercise. Whether in a journal, a document, video diary or scribbled on the back of a receipt just select whatever form you feel most comfortable with. Plus just because I’ll be doing them daily, you don’t need to, just set your own standards and goals as for the frequency.
You could also opt to share your thoughts and suggestions in the comments section. Which if you’re on the website follows below. Or if you’re a daily subscriber, you can click on the headline at the beginning of the conversation and be taken.
Also if you’d like to raise questions or share in a less public manner, you can always send a message through our Contact page.
Think about it. Pray about it. Meditate on it. Consider it and then decide to join us for our next edition of “Becoming Today”.
Becoming Today with Rochelle Jeanette 