It takes time to find Esther. In the Bible Esther wasn’t born a Queen. There was a process and it involved time, experience, change, God’s favor, and obedience.
Some years ago, I began asking myself what I was doing for the Kingdom of God, my purpose? How was I sharing the gospel and thus began my journey toward “Finding Esther”. I realized that the church was not just 4 walls. The Church starts at home. My purpose was clearly “my family”. It’s here where God’s Word and fruit of the Spirit were being developed daily. It was here where my passion found a purpose. Does this mean that my family is a perfect model? No. Does it mean that they all serve & obey the Lord? No. What it does mean is that I will pray them “favored”, “safe” ,”saved” , and “protected” until they too have their personal encounter with Jesus. The “ONLY” way to the Father and Salvation. I decided to pray John 17 over them just like Jesus prayed for his disciples.
I continued to ask myself many questions. Did I teach my children how to pray through example? Did they have a Bible to read? Did I teach them the 10 commandments and respect for life? How could I expect them to walk righteously if they didn’t know what this meant? How could they practice true repentance and examine the condition of their heart if they couldn’t tell me what sin looked like and that it may not all be listed in the 10 commandments. So I taught them to look at the 10 commandments like categories. And when we fall short, to repent and turn from our wicked ways. Did they love Jesus and understand what He did for all mankind? Did they know that when in trouble or in deep distress, they are to call upon the name of the Lord Jesus for help. Did I pray for my husband? Did I forgive often? Did I understand the value of marriage as a powerful “union” with different roles & responsibilities? Was I willing to change and forgive? (these are the questions that I answered and set as a foundation)
I understood that sharing the gospel of Jesus should be reflected in my work, relationships, conversations, appearance, attitude, and through me just being me. I also share my testimony of where God has taken me from when given the opportunity. I’ve shared my pain, heartaches & struggles. My story isn’t one of a “Mary” mother of Jesus. My story is more like the “prodigal daughter” who came home. Today I can testify that I am redeemed, restored, renewed, revived, and that He lets me live in His presence when I Pray, Worship, and Hear the Word.
During the summer of 2017, I asked God to make me the woman he designed me to be. I asked Him to put a desire in my heart to want to study the Bible, pray more, and to give me a new “heart”. Thus began my journey to encourage other women in our walk in Christ and sharing Jesus the best way I knew how, through blogging articles, instagram posts, women’s intercession gatherings, and now a podcast youtube channel. In this process, I enrolled in Bible institute at Better Life Worship Center~Global University where I graduated on Dec. 13, 2023 from a 2 1/2 year program. I find myself in a place where I have gone from finding “Esther” to finding ESTHERS. I look for women of God to unite in prayer, worship and intercession. I’m not looking for perfection and neither is God. God is looking for women who say “I surrender, finish what you started Lord, and write my story for your glory”.
Questions:
- How has becoming an Esther and following Jesus changed my life? I know my purpose, identity, and authority in Jesus. I pray diligently for my children and husband and study the word of God daily. I’ve learned to pray effectively as I’ve realized that God is in control of every situation and circumstance in my life. This gives me peace and overflowing joy.
What do you do to stay an Esther? I repent of my sins and change. It’s a process of daily self-reflection. I understand that the process of sanctification is a life long journey. I also guard my heart and set boundaries. What do I recommend? Seek God’s presence in the secret place. You must be intentional about your time with God. I’ve learned to not share my dreams with everyone and to be silent. There’s a time to speak and a time to remain quiet. There’s 2 things that are absolutely necessary to walk in right standing: 1. pray daily 2. study the Bible because if you’ve got these 2 things, repenting, forgiving, and changing just come natural. Oh and don’t forget to Worship!!!!! blast that worship music and tell the devil to get OUT in Jesus name!!!!!
Much Love XOX,
“Karly”
Karmarie Polleri
Founder of finding ESTHERS
Social Media:
Instagram: @findingesthers
@esthers_apothecary
YouTube: finding ESTHERS
email: karmarie@findingesther.org
Education:
Bible Institute Graduate at Better Life Worship Center ~Global University
Awards: Summa Cum Laude Honors; Most development in Chapel, 2023
Certified Speech-Language Pathologist
Master of Arts in Education, Communication Disorders
New Mexico State University, 1999
Bachelor of Arts in Communication Disorders
University of South Florida, 1996