Hi Emily,
I love what you wrote about Esther! I, too, grew up with an idealized view of Esther. But now I can’t imagine what it was like to become Queen in a place hostile to her beliefs and religious practices. She had so much courage to step into that role to use the power she was given for the good of others.
The point you made about Esther and Mordecai not returning to Jerusalem has me thinking now too… I wonder why they didn’t?
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!