Carmen Fernandez is the first Esther in my life. She is my mother and the woman who has influenced me the most in my life by her faith, love, and action. As a young child my mother would read the children’s Bible to us every night. She would pray for us and when we were not yet tired, we would beg her to continue reading. When I was scared, she would hold me and pray for me until my fears subsided. It was through her dedication and teachings that my brother and I learned all the great and powerful stories of the Bible but it was through her example that I learned what it meant to be a woman of God, a true prayer warrior.

Carmen Fernandez was born in Puerto Rico. She is married to my father Benjamin Fernandez and together they had 2 children. Together they raised 3 children and a granddaughter. Carmen was active serving in the church in many roles. She was a leader and an excellent example of righteous living. All who know her will testify of her love and dedication to the Lord.

My mother told me the story one day of how my dad took her to a Billy Graham campaign in Puerto Rico. She said that it was that night that she surrendered her life to Jesus completely and has never been the same.

Questions:

      1. How has being an “Esther” and following Jesus changed your life?
        Since the moment I accepted Jesus to be my Lord and savior, I have lived a life to honor and worship Him. He has been my provider, my confidence, my security, and my healer. Every day that passes, I love Him more and more as I know that He will never leave me nor forsake me nor my family. I hold on to His promises for me.
      2. How has knowing Jesus helped you in your home, marriage, family and where planted?
        I met the Lord through my husband. He always talked to me about the Lord and even though I believed in Jesus it wasn’t until I surrendered my life to Him that my life began to change. When I married, I discovered that I was having trouble conceiving and even had a miscarriage. I asked God in prayer to give me children and He answered my prayers. I gave birth to a boy and a girl. I’ve seen how God has blessed my offspring.  My children love and serve the Lord, they are happy, blessed, they obtained their college education, and now live a good & privileged life. God is faithful, answers prayers, and his mercy is never ending.
      3. Why is Jesus the most important person in my life?My Lord is my Savior, Healer and the most important person to me because He died for me so that my sins would be forgiven. There is no one like Him. I’ve realized that living for Him means favor & blessings. I’ve gone through sorrow and trials but the Lord continues to make all things work out for my good. Life is better and I’ll continue to be obedient like Queen Esther in the Bible.
      4. What do you do to be an “Esther”?
        I am fearful of the Lord. He is God. He not only wants our hearts but our obedience. He wants us to be righteous. He is true to His word and His promises never fail.  I pray, read, and study the Word of God daily. I put God first in my life and when I’m going to do something, He is the first person that I consult. When I do this, all things work out for my good according to His will. He is with me and His faithfulness is forever.