Happy November! It's Time for Another Deep Dive

Today, we're kicking off our deep dive into two ancient women from the book of Esther in a new way. Here, one of our writers depicts the contemplative and courageous moments that led to Vashti's, "no." Although it's fiction and primarily speculative, it still captures the will, emotion and nuance in between, which elicited bold opposition to the crown that sought to objectify her. If you've ever found yourself contemplating a "no" that would cost you everything but your dignity, then you're gonna love this:

That man has been feasting and drinking for SIX MONTHS! I have been attending every dinner, every stroll around the palace, the parties, the political strategy meetings, and I have overseen the aesthetic details and the staff for all of it! FINALLY, Xerxes let me host my OWN banquet for the women, and here come those seven dimwitted eunuchs. What do they want from me now? It has been seven days without being pawed at and breathed on and summoned. I have spent seven days with these incredible women, hearing their stories. We have seen each other and found a sisterhood that I was not expecting.

We are bonded. We are empowered. We are... friends. After a week like this, I just don’t think I can go back to my real life. I’m different now.

Here we go... I rise as a good Queen should. I acknowledge the King’s seven eunuchs (did he really need to send all seven?). “What brings you to my women’s banquet?”

Mehuman, cleared his throat, “Your Highness, the King has requested your presence at his banquet.” My face flushed with humiliation and anger. I know that I shouldn’t shoot the messengers. It’s not their fault that their King is a drunk and dishonorable fool. But I want them to say it. “My presence? Whatever for?”

This time, it was Biztha that spoke up, though he could not meet my eyes. “He would like to show the officials that have arrived just this week how beautiful his Queen is.”

“Ah. And what would he have me wear to this display?”

All seven looked down or looked away. I knew it. SAY IT. This time it was Zethar who broke the silence. “Your Highness, if you could just come with us, we” “No. Say it here. In front of my friends.” With a deep sigh, Zethar looked down at the floor and said “Just your royal crown, Queen Vashti.”

Without looking at their faces, I knew my new friends were watching me, waiting for my response. A few of them looked shocked. Their own reign had not come to this level of humiliation - at least not publicly. I hope it never would. More of them had looks of pity. They knew this scenario all too well. I’m so tired of this. We are so much more than a body or a beautiful face. These women have dreams and ideas and I can see leadership and brilliance in them. If only the men would take the time and have the wisdom and decency to listen.

Still staring at Zethar, I said “I see.” I picked up my golden goblet of wine, took a sip, sat down and continued to eat my dinner. I needed a minute.

The women exchanged looks of confusion. The eunuchs began to fidget and whisper to each other. My thoughts were swirling. For seven days I have gotten to lead and care for these women. We have dreamt together about what kind of Kingdom we want to see. The causes we could help as we use our platforms and our influence. We have shared our struggles and our humiliations - many just like this one right here. I don’t think I have it in me to leave this place and to step into THAT place. Not anymore.

Mehuman finally spoke up. “Queen Vashti, shall we escort you to your chambers so that you can prepare?”

I chewed my last bite a little longer than I normally would have, took another sip of wine, looked directly at Mehuman, and said “I would rather die.”

~Niki Hathorn, Worthy Content Creator

And in case you weren't aware, there is an accompanying podcast to our "Modern Women. Ancient Harvesters" series. You can find The Live Worthy podcast on your favorite podcast platform.