Beyond Beauty: Queen Esther's Legacy of Courage
Queen Esther standing in her royal gown. Illustration from “Queen Esther” by Arabella Penrose. 2024. All Rights Reserved.
Esther's book launched one month ago, and it's got me thinking about her again. And I want to dive a bit deeper into her story with you.
You know what impresses me most about Esther? It's not just that she became queen—it's how she faced every challenge with such determination. While I was working on my book about her, I kept thinking about how her courage and resilience speak to us, even today.
Yes, she was beautiful. The Bible tells us that straight up (Esther 2:7). But here's the thing—I didn't want to make her beauty the focus of her book because there's already too much pressure on women and girls about looks. That's not what Esther's story is really about.
Sure, we can't ignore that her beauty caught the king's attention—that's part of the story. But there was so much more to Esther than that. God gave her something special—a quiet strength and wisdom that went way deeper than appearance. When you read her story carefully, you see a woman who trusted God's purpose completely, even when everything seemed impossible.
Life Before the Crown
Queen Esther and Cousin Mordecai sitting in a humble home in Ancient Persia. Illustration from “Queen Esther” by Arabella Penrose. 2024. All Rights Reserved.
Esther's early life wasn't exactly a fairy tale. She was an orphan, living in a foreign country, being raised by her cousin Mordecai (Esther 2:5-7). Think about that for a minute. No parents, living as a religious minority in Persia... She learned resilience from an early age.
Then one day, everything changed. The king decided he needed a new queen, and before Esther knew it, she was swept up into this huge palace selection process. She didn't volunteer for this. She didn't fill out an application. She was just... taken. Put yourself in her shoes for a moment. You're pulled away from everything familiar, thrown into this intense situation with total strangers, and having to keep quiet about your real identity.
Esther didn't crumble. She didn't lose herself. She faced each day with determination and grace. And remember, she was basically alone in that palace. Sure, Mordecai was nearby, but he could only check on her from a distance. This wasn't some romantic movie makeover scene—this was real life, with real pressure, and real stakes.
A Year of Preparation
Queen Esther and Cousin Mordecai sitting in a humble home in Ancient Persia. Illustration from “Queen Esther” by Arabella Penrose. 2024. All Rights Reserved.
That year of preparation was so much more than just beauty treatments. For twelve long months (Esther 2:12-13), Esther was learning everything she needed to know about palace life. She was mastering a whole new world. Court etiquette, Persian customs, the complex relationships between different officials, even learning how to carry herself as someone who might become queen.
But I believe she was doing something even more important. She was watching. Learning. Understanding how things worked in this place where one wrong move could cost you everything. She was building her mental and emotional strength, preparing herself for whatever challenges might come her way. This wasn't just about looking the part—it was about becoming someone who could handle the weight of a crown.
And you know what really shows her wisdom? When her turn finally came to meet the king, she didn't try to outshine the other girls. While other women probably loaded themselves down with jewels and expensive clothes, Esther only took what Hegai, the king's servant, suggested (Esther 2:15). She understood something profound—authenticity, guided by wisdom, is more powerful than any amount of showing off.
When Crisis Struck
Haman from the book of Esther very angry. Illustration from “Queen Esther” by Arabella Penrose. 2024. All Rights Reserved.
Just when Esther might have been getting used to palace life, everything turned upside down. Haman—this high-ranking official with way too much pride—started plotting to destroy all the Jewish people (Esther 3:8-13). Can you imagine finding out that someone was planning to kill your entire community? And you might be the only person who could stop it?
I love how real Esther's response feels. She didn't immediately jump into action like some superhero. She was scared—and honestly, who wouldn't be? Going to the king uninvited could get her killed. But what she did next shows incredible strategic thinking. She called for three days of fasting, taking time to prepare herself and gather strength for what was ahead. Then she said those words that just give me chills: "If I perish, I perish" (Esther 4:16). That wasn't just bravery talking—that was total commitment to God's purpose. She knew deep in her soul that she had been placed in that position for exactly this moment, even if it meant risking everything.
The Master Strategist
Queen Esther at banquet table pointing and guilty Haman. Illustration from “Queen Esther” by Arabella Penrose. 2024. All Rights Reserved.
Here's where we see Esther's brilliant mind at work. She didn't just rush in with accusations. Instead, she planned everything carefully. First, she took the incredibly risky step of approaching the king uninvited—but she did it with such grace and wisdom that instead of being punished, she received his favor.
Then came her master plan. She invited both the king and Haman to not one, but two private dinners. Think about how smart this was! She was creating curiosity in the king's mind, making Haman feel special and secure, and setting the perfect stage for what was to come. At that second dinner, when the timing was just right, she revealed everything - not just Haman's plot, but her own identity and what was at stake.
Following Through to Victory
But Esther's determination didn't stop with Haman's defeat. This is where we see her true leadership shine. Even after Haman was gone, his evil decree was still in effect—Persian law couldn't be reversed. Did Esther sit back and consider her job done? Not at all. She went back to the king again, risking his displeasure a second time, to plead for her people (Esther 8:3-6).
Her persistence led to a new decree that allowed the Jewish people to defend themselves. When the day of crisis came, instead of destruction, they found victory. Esther's careful planning and unwavering determination had literally changed history.
What It Means for Us
Every time I read Esther's story, I find something new to think about. Here was this young woman who didn't ask for any of this, but when God put her in a position to make a difference, she stepped up with incredible determination. She wasn't perfect. She probably had moments of doubt and fear. But she held onto her trust in God's purpose and did what needed to be done.
That's what I love most about her story—it's so real. Whether you're facing big decisions at work, dealing with family challenges, or just trying to figure out your purpose in life, Esther's story reminds us that God can use our determination and resilience to do amazing things. You don't need to have it all figured out. You just need to be willing to take that first brave step and trust that God placed you exactly where you need to be.
When times get tough (and don't they always?), remember Esther. Remember that young woman who probably felt way out of her depth but chose to be brave anyway. Remember how she used her mind as well as her courage, planning carefully even in crisis. That's the kind of strength we all have inside us, even if we don't know it yet.
Want to teach your children about character traits like bravery, determination, and resilience? Just like Esther stepped into her divine calling with courage, they'll discover the power of being brave, determined, and resilient in my children's book Queen Esther. They can learn from godly role models from all the books in my Real Women Heroes of the Bible series as well.
A young girl holding the book Queen Esther by Arabella Penrose.
