Here is a quick shout out to my girl Darlene. For some time I have wanted to write about her. Yesterday we went to coffee, fellowshipped and enjoyed eachothers company. When I think of Darlene I think of Esther.
Like Esther; she is no stranger to hard times, and she is set apart for such a time.
Darlene and I have connected as sisters through our womens bible study group we started called, “Sisters of Virtue”. A group of women that helped build each other up. Though our group is no longer, our love for God and sisterhood remains.
Darlene started Mary Kay a few months ago. I have heard of Mary Kay but never used their products. As I was looking for some makeup, I reached out to Darlene, but instead of makeup, I fell in love with their timewise products. Using timewise one time I noticed a difference in the firmness and brightness in my skin.
Where I see Darlene and Esther relate in this time;
BEAUTIFICATION
Esther had to go through a process of beautification.
So when the king’s order and his edict were proclaimed, and when many young women were gathered in Susa the citadel in custody of Hegai, Esther also was taken into the king’s palace and put in custody of Hegai, who had charge of the women. And the young woman pleased him and won his favor. And he quickly provided her with her cosmetics and her portion of food, and with seven chosen young women from the king’s palace, and advanced her and her young women to the best place in the harem.
Esther 2:8-9 (ESV)
Esther and the other women had to go through a process of beautification before meeting the king. They had to do 6 months with oil and myrrh and another six months with spices and ointments (Esther 2:12).
And when Esther was taken to King Ahasuerus, into his royal palace, in the tenth month, which is the month of Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign, the king loved Esther more than all the women, and she won grace and favor in his sight more than all the virgins, so that he set the royal crown on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti. Then the king gave a great feast for all his officials and servants; it was Esther’s feast. He also granted a remission of taxes to the provinces and gave gifts with royal generosity.
Esther 2:16-18 (ESV)
I see Esther’s story a lot like what Jesus will do for us. We are in a time of beautification from the heart. To all my sisters who are in a season of “beautification”. Keep your eyes on Jesus. Seek wisdom like Esther did with Hegai. One day we will receive the crown of life!
Side note: If your a woman and dont have a Mary Kay beauty consultant, hit up my girl Darlene. https://www.marykay.com/darlenecross
If you are in your Esther beautification stage, may you always remember the confidence you have in Jesus Christ. As your light shines for him from the inside, others notice it on the outside.
Darlene, I am so proud of you and grateful for your friendship. God has mighty plans for you sis!
Dear Father,
I thank you for all my sister’s in Christ. I thank you for your words of truth and scriptures that guide us on your path to righteousness. I thank you for strong friends and for your strength when life throws its curveballs. Please help us and send others to remind us when we need it to keep our eyes on you. In Jesus name, AMEN.
With love,
Katy Millard
