This painting almost didn't happen. The first layer of paint looked an awful lot like hell! Yikes! I saw dragons and caves in the swirls of color. But I decided to redeem it rather than discard it. I covered that layer with sweeps of white. Angel tracks, I called them. Then I began to paint a face. I asked, "Who is this beautiful woman with the stern gaze?" I heard, "ESTHER." Esther was an orphan. Conscripted at a tender age to become part of the King's harem. In doing so, she had to hide her true identity as a Jew. She risked her own neck to save her people. It took courage and a whole lot of wisdom. Today Esther is calling the to the Bride: Rise and let your voice be heard! You were born for such a time as this! Can you hear her calling? Will you answer? Because your voice matters.