Mordecai was the legal guardian of his cousin Hadassah (that is, Esther), because she had no father or mother. The young woman had a beautiful figure and was extremely good-looking. When her father and mother died, Mordecai had adopted her as his own daughter. ~Esther 2:7
A child was huddled in a corner near the grade school’s front door, trying to keep warm against the chilly morning air. On his way to the factory, as he had to do every morning, Michelle’s daddy had dropped her off an hour beforeschool started.
On this Texas morning, my late wife, Bobbie, was taking her morning jog. Not on her regular route, this time her predawn journey took her past Midway school. And as she paced by the front door, the shadowed little girl caught her eye. She stopped. “What are you doing here?” Bobbie asked in astonishment.
Michelle shyly told her the story . . . single dad trying to make ends meet, early morning shift at the plant, and once again, waiting for the school doors to open.
A few minutes later, Bobbie walked through the front door of our home, Michelle in tow. For the next few years, our home became Michelle’s “home.” We partnered with her dad to give her a family she could come home to—a surrogate mother and dad to fill in the gaps. She also got two “sisters” as a bonus. Missy and Julie loved Michelle.
Mordecai’s cousin, Esther, had lost her parents. We are given no details as to how they died, but we know that, because of Mordecai’s compassion, Esther was given a place to live—a home and a family.
The story of Esther is an incredible one. As a beautiful Jewish girl, she was selected to be the wife of Xerxes (Ahasuerus), the powerful Persian king. And as part of His wonderful plan, God used Esther to bring mercy to the Jews.
How could Mordecai ever have dreamed that this orphan would become the queen? Of course, he couldn’t have known. All he knew was that she needed a home, and he gladly provided it for her. Imagine how proud his other children must have been of their adopted sister who reigned as the first lady of the Persian Empire. And imagine how happy they were with their dad for having taken this little girl into their home.
Whom does your family need to adopt? What child’s life could be transformed by your compassion? Is there an orphaned or unfortunate little one out there who could bring such happiness to your clan?
You’re probably thinking, I don’t know any kids like this. Well, with all due respect, it may be because you’re not looking. There are needy children everywhere. They’re in your neighborhood, and they’re around the world. There are dozens of organizations who will help you and your family find a Michelle of your own. You may find an Esther in Guatemala. Or in Africa. Or in the next neighborhood.
Reach out to a youngster in need. Queen Esther had someone like you to thank for her life and her success. Do this for the needy child. Do it for your family. They’ll never be the same. Nor will you or your family.