April 30- Vashti: Standing for Dignity

Theme: Knowing When to Take a Stand for Self-Respect and Values Corry Chambers Shepherdess, Women’s Ministries Director, CIC Scripture: “For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.” 1 Corinthians 6:20 (NKJV) In the year 2000 I finished teachers’ college and received a letter which stated that I was a nominee for the student of the year award but one of the criteria for receiving the award would be attendance at the graduation ceremony. It was inevitable, graduation was held on the sabbath and so I did not attend. It was my belief that I should not attend such functions on the Sabbath. I n a world that often pressures women to conform, compromise, or shrink themselves to fit into others’ expectation, it takes courage to stand up for dignity and self-respect. Queen Vashti is a lesser-discussed biblical figure, yet her story carries a powerful lesson for women today. In Esther 1, King Xer...