She’s bullet proof.  Fire away, fire away.  She won’t fall. Ricochet.
Is it the pop song “Titanium” or an anthem for the Book of Esther?

What the no-good Haman sends Esther’s way ricochets.
Violence takes a side-ways bounce.

We had our version of an Esther-worthy Purim party today.  There were Hamantashen  (from “Haman”) treats and dancing as we finished up a 3 week study of Esther, a truly unique book of the bible.

We celebrate how Esther rises to the occasion and shows courage for “such a time as this.”  Esther saves her people, the Jews.  The Jews are “titanium,” repelling Haman’s corrosive evil plan.  Like titanium they are a smaller-sized element that proves stronger than the larger population around them who are commanded to annihilate their minority neighbors. Haman had cast dice – a “pur” for a day of killing.  Esther arranges for a rescue on the same day.  The Jews are saved and the time becomes the celebration of “Pur-im.”

A loose end from this entertaining and inspiring story of a young, female minority disarming an evil of her time (a pogrom) is its retaliatory violence.  Esther and her adoptive father Mordecai arrange for not just a cease-fire but a battle back.  Tens of thousands are killed.

We celebrate that evil can be undone.  But what about a day where we can party with our former enemies.  What will that take?  Something more powerful than titanium?

I suspect that anger, hate and desire for vengeance are natural even healthy alloys for those who have been humiliated or nearly destroyed.  Within that emotional mix is the truth that we are not doormats and we deserve respect.  It is a Purim celebration when we cease being treated poorly or in a dehumanizing way.  But perhaps biblical wisdom and love can then intervene before we act in self-righteous violence.  Hold on:  A second breakthrough, a truly divine one, is coming.  Our terrible crisis is a crucible for God’s new compound:  forgiveness-love-compassion.

Life gives us plenty of opportunities to discover and practice this miracle/alchemy.  Keep praying.  Healing is God chemistry.  That’s the ultimate party.

Pastor Sarah Dickinson

“Titanium” Lyrics by David Guetta featuring Sia.