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We are Tampa Bay Buccaneers fans. Brian is the die-hard, the rest of us support him and the team. Go Bucs! Siege the Day! and so on.
On a Monday night, back in 2016, the Bucs played against the Carolina Panthers. The game was tied with seconds to go. It was going to be left up to the “foot” of our kicker, Roberto Aguayo. Our quarterback at the time, Jameis Winston, approached Aguayo and said,
“…big-time players make big-time plays in big-time moments.” (source)
When I heard that, I couldn’t help but think of Esther, the beautiful young heroine in the Bible and book I was finishing up, Star of Persia by Marion Dawson Gunderson.
The book of Esther is an amazing story of courage. Although His name is never mentioned in the book of Esther, God’s fingerprints are all over her life and story. In an amazing turn of events, God uses Esther to save the Hebrew nation.
The Star of Persia takes the story of Esther and puts it into a story for young girls ages 7-15. Esther starts out life as a young girl living a simple life until a twist in circumstances changes her life forever. After becoming the queen of all Persia (a big-time player), she goes to the King without being summoned, a decision which could have led to her death (a big-time play). Because of her bravery, the Jewish nation was saved, and their enemy executed (a big-time moment).
In a world where a distorted and unrealistic view of true beauty is elevated, Star of Persia does a beautiful job of emphasizing the qualities and characteristics of a truly beautiful woman. Her kindness, wisdom, humility, and discreetness are portrayed in a way that reminds girls that their value is not in their appearance but in the character qualities that they carry with them wherever they go.
As you and/or your daughter read this book, keep in mind that creative license has been taken, especially in the last chapter concerning many of the major events mentioned in the Bible. I think it is important to make sure your daughter knows the actual account before she reads this version. Giving her an explanation of creative license will help her understand going into this book that it will not be an exact retelling of the Bible’s account of the life of Esther.
Our daughters need to read about women they can admire and emulate. They need to read about women of character whose footsteps they can follow in. They need to see how real women handled life threatening situations and came out on the other side. Star of Persia is a great place to start.
Beautiful teaching.