The Bible tells us the story of an orphan turned queen. Esther was gorgeous, and Mordecai, the cousin who raised her as his own daughter, knew it. When he heard that the King of Persia was looking for a new wife, he sent Esther as a contender. She was one of many virgins who went with the hope of becoming the next queen. The truth is that the king slept with them all. I know it sounds like an episode of The Bachelor, but stay with me, I’m going somewhere.
The Bible tells says it was Esther who found favor with the king and was chosen to be queen. We would soon find out that she was not queen for her own gain; God placed her on the throne to carry out His plan. Esther had a destiny.
Esther was no doubt enjoying the good life when she received word from her cousin that there was a decree to kill all the Jews in the kingdom. Esther could have ignored the entire situation, turning her attention back to her wardrobe, facials, and palace décor. Speaking up would mean that Esther had to uncover her secret that she was Jewish. Esther sent word to her cousin that her hands were tied.
He then hit her with a one-two punch by writing back, “…Do not think in your heart that you will escape in the king’s palace any more than all the other Jews. For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:13-14)
Esther’s bravery kicked in. She began to see her position as “a God thing” and agreed to go to the king unannounced, an act punishable by death. She wrote to Mordecai, “Go, gather all the Jews who are present in Shushan, and fast for me; neither eat nor drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will fast likewise. And so I will go to the king, which is against the law; and if I perish, I perish!” (Esther 4:16)
That day came. I’m sure Esther arrived dressed in her finest and looked immaculate. I’m sure she was terrified, but pressed on. Each step Esther took was a destiny step. She had again found favor with the king, and he spared her life! By revealing that she was Jewish, the king canceled the order to kill all the Jews.
Esther was the epitome of bravery because she was willing to die.
My daughter, Sydney, was obedient and recently dropped her first video on her brand new YouTube channel, “The Word in Play.” She is using video games, movies, TV shows, and more to share the awesomeness of Jesus! To say I’m super proud is an understatement. After writing, acting, filming, editing, tweaking, designing, researching, and more, a movement began! The channel has amassed nearly 1,000 video views across platforms since its launch.
This is the first time she’s sharing her faith in this way. As a result, she had to deal with a troll. We laughed because the troll was driving traffic to the site because of his comment. (Thank you, troll!) The thing about obedience is that you won’t always be cheered on for what God has called you to do—it comes with the territory. You’ll see she handled it with excellence. She also received positive and encouraging comments. One viewer of another faith even commented that she liked it. Obedience causes you to be a winner! You go, girl!!
Check out “The Word in Play” on your platform of choice and subscribe, follow, drop a like or comment; she’d appreciate it! Most importantly, please share with your family, friends, and especially the kiddos and gamers in your circles!
Watch “The Word in Play” on
If Sydney didn’t start, there would be no seed to plant in hopes of a harvest. Can you imagine if Esther weren’t obedient? The horror that would have taken place.. my God!
That’s the stance you have to take; what horror will take place if you keep silent?
Our Sweet Surrender™ Crew (another act of obedience) has been meeting and grooving. It has been so fun! The talks have been hilarious, serious, life-changing, and insightful. Thank you to the Crew who make it what it is. It’s never too late to join us. If you want to do something different in 2026 and stay on track with maintaining sexual abstinence, you have found your people! Our talks are on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month virtually at 7pm ET. If you’re curious, you’re welcome too!
At a talk last month, we discussed how we deal with loneliness 😞, men who slide into our DM’s 🤨, men who disappear 👀 , and purpose 💪. I’m so happy and grateful that these gatherings are already helping us to make wise decisions. Praise God!
About the talks, one attendee said, “It was such a blessing to hear other women’s stories and wisdom (plus some fun convos and laughs).”
But wait, there’s more… I’m super excited about the Sweet Surrender™ Crew starting our first community devotional, “Sex & Sexuality – God’s Ways vs. The World’s Ways” on the YouVersion Bible App. It’s one of a 5-part Bible plan. So many of us have learned about sex and sexuality through media, friends, or our own experiences. Let’s discover what God says and how to walk in His ways. We will study this devotional together, share insights, and stay accountable by commenting in a private, shared space. We start today, Tuesday, February 3rd, so you still have time to join us!
Email me, “I sweetly surrender” to join and/or get more information.
There’s a lot of responsibility that comes with your crown, Queen, so wear it well.
Me and Sydney at Grace Girl Sunday at our church, October 2025
Hi Friend,
My area has been affected by last month’s massive winter storm. I hope you have been safe and warm during this snowstorm and ice drama. I shoveled for four hours on that Sunday (fun times, haha). It took me twice as long because of the layer of ice that had already formed on top of the snow that night. God’s angels surely helped me through it because, Lord knows, I wanted to give up, but we know that giving up is NOT an option.
On the subject of not giving up, I recently reflected on my virtual event, I Am Not Okay: The Healing Gathering which was held in December. It was so fulfilling, and the participants were blessed, Praise God! In the middle of the conference, the Holy Spirit began talking to the speakers at the same time, including the host’s husband at some point when he was in the kitchen! The moment was captured on video, too! Let’s just say, God was pleased and wants us to do it again 😉
To hold an event that went against the grain of all things pretty and magical of the holidays (while deserving of it all!) was risky, daring, and bold. Of course the devil told me no one would come, but He’s a liar. To move forward required obedience and God’s strength. It would have been easy to give up, but He told me to do it. And if I didn’t? Thank God I will never know those consequences. There is a price when you stay silent—often a hefty one. I’m familiar with that price, too.
What are you willing to do in your position? Who will you save because you were obedient and told your secret? This thing called destiny is much bigger than you and me.
There are souls to be saved, people to be encouraged and healed, and divine meetings to take place. You’re already equipped with everything you need. God used Esther’s beauty (inside and out) to keep her from being killed. That’s why we shouldn’t be jealous of what anybody else has. He has given you everything that you need for His plan!
I’ll never forget a testimony from a woman at my church saying, “I had health concerns due to disobedience, including aneurysms, and my heart stopped beating 18 months later.”
And if I didn’t move forward with my event? You don’t know whose life you are saving or who you will encourage. Plus, I would have missed out on destiny partners. Sometimes, we never know why—we have to just trust and obey God, no matter how stupid we feel (or look), what’s at stake, or how hard it is. The devil wants us to quit and fail, so he’ll throw everything at us in the process. Don’t you dare wave the white flag. Call me, and I’ll coach you through it—binding and rebuking that devil in the process!
What were you born to do? Have you asked God? What has He already told you to do? When He told you, did you act—were you obedient? I urge you to do it—NOW. There’s no time to waste! You don’t know who you’ll save.
