The Esther Effect

I’m sure some of us are familiar with the proverb “the hand that rocks the cradle, is the hand that rules the world.” If you've never heard it, just think about it and you'll realise how true it is. The quote is attributed to William Ross Wallace (1819-1881) - he’s long gone and yet the proverb is still as true and relevant as it was centuries ago.

As women, especially Christian women, we have a very key role in the future… By His special grace, God has let us “hold the future” in our arms. A role we must never take lightly. However, to perform this role effectively and efficiently, we have to be appropriately equipped. I once read a book that has helped me in this role. Below are some highlights that I pray will help you too.

The Esther Effect by Dianna Boocher

This book focuses on the 7 secrets of self-confidence and influence every Christian woman should know, possess and use.

Dianna defines “The Esther Effect” as "the impact you have when God places you in a situation which you can encourage or influence others or change the course of events."

This sounds like the job description of wives and mothers won’t you say?

Secret #1: Self-confidence: Self-confidence generates passion about your purpose and expands your influence on others.

Secret #2: Self-control: Exercise self-control to plan your Esther Effect, then patiently wait on God’s perfect timing. No day or year of your life is trivial; it’s simply preparation for your next opportunity.

Secret #3: Courage: Courage means acting decisively, even while taking risk, in whatever way God directs you. Make decisions by design rather than by default.

Secret #4: Communication: When you listen first then speak your heart with clarity and courtesy, you can lead others to change attitudes, behaviours, and situations.

Secret #5: Character: Character dictates our attitudes and action under pressure. And strong character influences others more than clever words, wealth, or wisdom ever could.

Secret #6: Connection: Emotional connection – to those in need, our support group, non-believers, all those around us – helps us take courageous action for Christ.

Secret #7: Calm assurance: Calm assurance in the face of injustice comes from knowing that God is in control of the future.

Over the next couple of months, together we’ll dissect these secrets to get to the "meat" of them…to help with our digestion of these secrets. You know only food that is well-digested is of any use to our bodies – same principle applies here with words we hear and the impact on our spirits and lives.

As always, your comments are welcome - please sign in to http://www.sapphire-and-beryl.blogspot.com/ to add your comments to this.