One Esther in a million

This past January, I mentioned a prayer rally to my late husband, A Million Women, an Esther Call to the Mall in Washington, D.C.

Familiar with Eshter’s story in the Bible’s Old Testament, I envisioned a million Esthers gathered to intercede in prayer for our nation. Their mantra, “Don’t mess with our kids,” guiding our way.

Soberly, Mel looked up from his iPad. “You know what’s been going on in D.C. Why put yourself in danger? Don’t go.”

I understood his aim to protect me from harm, and himself from another loss. Yet, I’ve learned if I save my life from fear of losing it, I’ll lose it. If I trust God with my life and do as He bid, I’ll save it.

Swift and merciless, Mel’s body succumbed to several undiagnosed diseases this same month. In March, I joined a Grief Share group at a local church with a good friend who lost her husband the previous December.

Mel and I had attended his funeral together.

April 13, I boarded a bus in a church parking lot with a friend I met a generation ago in the church where our children grew up together. Blooming forsythia amongst the greening earth offered evidence of Earth’s rebirth.

Praised the Giver of eternal life in whom I put my trust.

In Lansing we met with other women and men aimed for the prayer rally in Washington D.C., October 12. When I climbed the steps of the Capitol, I recalled my father served as a State Representative from 1970-1972.

I knew Dad would approve of my commitment to the D.C. rally.

The beautiful, sunny day, program of speakers, and spirit of camaraderie confirmed my plan.

In May, the Grief Share classes concluded, which left Thursday nights open for “hub group” meetings to prepare and pray for the Million Women prayer rally.

The hub group offered an opportunity for me to join forces with women of like mind. Each month we prayed for our families, nation, and safety to Washington D.C., our gathering on the Mall, and our drive home.

All within three days.

Each month our hub group read the same prayer that women from all fifty states read when they gathered in their hub groups from East to West coast.

By the final hub group meeting in September, I knew driving myself to Howell to board the bus was not an option.

Dear Reader, within days, my hub group leader called with good news of travel arrangements that met all our needs.

By the time you read this story, the Million Women prayer rally on the Mall in Washington D.C. will be history. I hope and pray we, the people of the United States of America, and our children, learn to put our trust in God.

The only other option is to lose our life.

Contact Iris at irisfarmletters@gmail.com