The Esther Experience: A Women's Group Study

By Paris D. Stovall

"The Esther Experience" - is a women's group study book written to journey through the biblical book of Esther. Many people have read the story of Esther or have even heard it preached across the pulpit. However, this group study has been written in a way that women today could identify with most of the situations, obstacles and expectations that existed during those times. This group study is written in a way for woman to ask themselves some self-reflecting questions. It also allow women to recognize their worth and to stand firm on what they believe, no matter the consequences.

There are "Self-Observation" and "Boomerang" moments in the book that will give women the chance to journal their thoughts to specific questions that are asked throughout this read. Yes, there are journal pages that are included so that you may write your answers write in the book!

The Idea is that anyone who picks up this study would read it, and walk away confident and encouraged. Not as a feeling that could easily fade away, but as a change of lifestyle. Living and walking in the purpose and will of God.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Jul 1, 2021
• ISBN: 9781098373115

Book preview

cover.jpg

Copyright 2021 Paris D. Stovall

ISBN: 978-1-09837-310-8 (softcover)

ISBN: 978-1-09837-311-5 (eBook)

All rights reserved.

Dedication

This book is dedicated to three of the most inspirational people in my life. My Grandfather James Noah Peterson - Grandmother Myrtle Loy Peterson & Mother Elaundress Deniece Peterson. These three have been the foundation to my relationship with Christ Jesus and I honor them for all that they have sacrificed to make me the woman that I am.

Also, I would like to acknowledge my loving husband Minister Willie J. Stovall Jr. for his un-dying support through this journey. And to my three children BooBoo (Terrell Anthony), Aundreas & London, who are my motivation to give my best, so that they have an example of how to give their very best! I love you all!

Yours Truly,

Paris D. Stovall

Table of Contents

Dedication

Preface

Part 1—Do You Know Your Worth?

1—What Price Are You Willing To Pay

2—Power Without Wisdom

3—Powerful & Impressionable

Part 2—Esther – Before & After

4—Who Am I?

5—Meaningful Connections...

Part 3—Warnings & Plot Twist

6—The Warning

7—The Plot

8—The Twist

Part 4—Change Of Events

9—The Tables Have Turned

10—It’s Not Over Yet

11—Highly Favored

12—The Establishment Of Purim

Journal Your Journey

Self-Observation

Preface

The Esther Experience was written as a study for our Women’s Ministry in Syracuse NY. I was given the task of teaching a series on the book of Esther to transition our women’s meetings into the spiritual. In doing so, I found that a lot of things which happened in the book of Esther, were situations that women today could directly relate to from the beginning to the end. God has given me the ability to give this series a different approach from past readings on this book. This study has been written in a way that individuals who are reading it, may also write their perspectives and views of what they have learned and how they can relate.

Not only does this study summarize the different accounts that took place throughout the book of Esther, but there are also points of transparency written throughout the study for women to be able to identify with the characters. This study is a bridge between scripture and daily experiences that we, as women, encounter on a regular basis.

Writing The Esther Experience has opened my eyes and has given me a different perspective on how the root of our personal issues can cause us to either take a negative approach or a positive approach on our relationships – friendships and companionships. Once we have taken the time to identify our approach, we can begin the process of healing relationships instead of allowing division amongst one another. ~ Paris D. Stovall

A Series on the book of Esther

Part I

Do You Know Your Worth?

Most people have read through the book of Esther or have heard the story of Esther across the pulpit. It is an awesome story of how it was not just looks, but how intellect and shrewdness play a part in Esther’s success.

Although the story entails the account of Esther, there was a story that took place before hers.

The story of Queen Vashti.

Vashti - (meaning Sweetheart or Beloved)

What do you know about her? (Vashti)

1.Of ancient and noble lineage.

2.She came from Royalty.

3.Knew that although he was king, Ahasuerus request was not suitable for a Queen.

4.Although she suffered the consequences of her actions, Queen Vashti would not allow – not even the king – diminish her value.

5.She knew her WORTH!

ESTHER 4:14

"For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place;

but thou and thy father’s house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?"

The story of King Ahasuerus’ request of Queen Vashti

The king of Persia was known for throwing a great banquet that lasted 180 days while showing his riches and success in year three of his reign. After the 180 day banquet, that was specifically for all of the nobles and officials, the king had another banquet lasting 7 days enclosed in his courts, for all the people from the least to the greatest, who were in the citadel of Susa. There would be no lack of food or wine. (Esther