Hadassah

She is like Esther.

Not just of queenly status do I speak, for surely she beams with authority and strength.

She is the servant girl He calls upon - the one of bold and brave regard.

The wise young woman with world-worn discernment.

He has entrusted her with the lofty, fearsome happenings.

She has an intimate understanding of “for such a time as this.”

From the smallest tribe, in a foreign land, hidden in the Lord for safekeeping.

So, my dear, are you.

Set apart and chosen by the King, His approval and favor have been placed upon you as robes.

Honored for your purity and splendor - a beloved jewel in your Father’s crown.

Cherished is the meekness you carry; honored is the tenderness with which you attend His children.

He has seen your unrivaled beauty and called you home forevermore.

The Man of glorious splendor accompanies your journey through the great unknown.

He sees those who collude and conspire against you - the weapons they form in shrouded darkness.

Heartbreak and pain turn to healing and praise in your refusal to bow at evil’s decrees.

If you perish, you perish - but oh, how the resurrection song rings even louder still.

For the Son of God has not remained silent; His life has become your relief and deliverance.

And the enemy has hung from his own gallows.

Water the myrtle, you daughter of the Almighty - tend to its evergreen leaves.

For you are a tree planted along the river; a royal wellspring for the people of God.

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Biblical Context

Hadassah was the given name of Esther, the chosen queen of Persia in the late 400s B.C. This Hebrew word translates to "myrtle," an evergreen tree grown along watercourses that represents recovery and rootedness.

I have a sweet friend that reminds me of Esther. This poem is for her.

"Then queen Esther answered, 'If I have found favor with you, your majesty, and if it pleases you, grant me my life - this is my petition. And spare my people - this is my request.'" ~Esther 7:3