“...and if I perish, I perish.” Esther was all in! David asked God in Psalm 86:11 to give him an undivided heart. Esther and David were on the same page. May we join them!

Kate’s take away was spot on:

• God works in ordinary events.
• Step us with courage when your moment comes.
• Trust God’s sovereignty-Lean into to HIM.
• God never abandons His people.
• Meet oppression and uncertainty without worry.
• We will reap what we sow.

Esther is the only book in the Bible that does not mention God in the text, yet His presence is woven throughout the story. Mordecai guided Esther during a challenging time in history as waves of Israelites were returning to Jerusalem, these people chose to remain in Persia. Meanwhile, the evil Haman devised his dastardly plan to annihilate all Jews. What a rich reminder that God does NOT leave His people to their own devices. He guides, He enlightens, He protects, He draws us closer. Won’t you join us as we dive into God’s Word! Let’s connect to reflect! Blessings dear listeners!

https://recapbookchat.com/2026/04/14/esther-episode-224/

Marme:You are not God. You don’t determine the outcome. The outcome is not the point.

March: What is the point?

Marme: The point is the effort.

Grace: I do not ask your absolution. I simply as you to see that there is only one thing to do when we fall, and that is to get up, and go on with the life that is set in front of us, and try to do the good of which our hands are capable for the people who come our way.

These two powerful quotes are from the strong women behind the broken father in Louisa Mae Alcott's beloved Little Women. This intriguing book tells his back story.

Geraldine Brooks' Pulitzer Prize novel, March, is not a read for the faint of heart, but for readers who like to stretch their thinking and see several sides to a story.

Brooks researched the time period (Civil War) and the person (she fashioned her character March from Alcott’s father) so well that readers are gifted with a trip back in time. March’s failed quest for perfection in himself and the world at large hits him hard. The clash of his idealism with reality is brutal! The heaviness was felt by both of us!

Kate chose the word duty to summarize the theme of the book which is 100% spot on! March feels his duty to the bigger picture all the while refusing to accept his duty to his family. Isn’t this what we all often do? We focus on that which we have no opportunity to improve, while those whom we might have great impact on are right before us…unnoticed.

Won’t you learn and grow with us today through love, adversity, and brokenness, as we find the way to redemption, truth, and duty. Buckle up, it’s a wild ride as we connect to reflect!

For more quotes and an actual Civil War soldier’s poem click link below:

https://recapbookchat.com/2026/04/13/march-episode-223/

“In a world full of vapor, GOD is the only thing SOLID.” One of the many powerful points found in Michael Whitworth’s book What Is the Book of Ecclesiastes?.

Many see Ecc. as a dark book, but when you substitute meaningless for a more accurate translation such as temporary it reads much differently.

Solomon tried using wisdom, entertainment, and the gathering of stuff to find happiness. We can learn a lot from his failures. “...like cotton candy, they cannot fill the hole in us. They always leave us wanting more. We need to get off the treadmill.

“Fearing God means knowing He’s God and you’re not.”

“We’re not supposed to have all the answers, but we’re supposed to TRUST the ONE who does!”

“Joy is a gift from God, RECEIVE it with GRATITUDE.”

Life doesn’t move in a straight line, but in seasons. We do not get to choose the season we’re in. They are ordered by GOD who walks through them with us. Knowing we are dust keeps us humble and remembering breath makes us aware of His presence.

Patience trusts God. It is humble, pride is not. God is in control and He has something to teach us in every season of life. Let’s not run from the hard stuff.

Won’t you join Kate, Sheila, and the boys as they share Solomon’s pitfalls and joys?

God made you to know HIM, let’s dive into this little gem!

Blessings dear listeners!

For more quotes from this fantastic book https://recapbookchat.com/2026/04/04/what-is-the-book-of-ecclesiastes-episode-222/