"He who has a 'why' can bear any 'how.'" These powerful words sustained Or Levy during unimaginable captivity as a hostage. Levy, recently freed, discovered his beloved wife Einav had been tragically murdered on October 7, 2023. Throughout his captivity, surviving on one pita a day and gripped by uncertainty, Levy clung fiercely to the hope of returning to their two-year-old son. Now home, Levy bravely shares his journey, advocates passionately for the release of all remaining hostages, and tenderly keeps Einav’s memory alive by telling his son stories of his mother.
How do we endure the unbearable? How can our voices rise from the shadows of silence? Like Levy, we must find our "why"—our God-given purpose and calling—and anchor our hearts deeply there.
Right now, in Syria, the Druze community faces horrific violence, humiliation, and persecution. While much of the world remains silent, Israel refuses to look away. In solidarity born of shared sacrifice and mutual respect, Israel intervened to protect and defend the vulnerable Druze. Israel heard their silent cries and responded decisively—proving that silence, when it is complicity, must always be broken.
Yet, as Modern-Day Esthers and members of Christian Women for Israel, we recognize another dimension to silence—one that is sacred, intimate, and necessary. Scripture teaches us through Samuel’s life (1 Samuel 3:1-19) that it is precisely in quiet solitude where God often speaks loudest. Samuel first heard God’s voice clearly when he was alone, removed from distraction, and open to surrendering fully. How often do we actively seek such silence, patiently listening for divine direction?
Perhaps in times of distress and heartbreak, like those endured by Or Levy or the Druze community in Syria, our hearts ache loudly. We yearn to speak, advocate, and act immediately. And indeed, we must. But before rushing forward, can we pause to clearly hear God's voice—to gain the wisdom and courage He provides in silence?
Today, as Christian Women for Israel and Modern-Day Esthers, let us stand visibly united—perhaps by wearing our yellow ribbon or Esther 414 lapel pins—in powerful solidarity. Let us draw strength from those who bravely find hope in the darkest hours. Let us embrace moments of sacred silence to listen to God’s quiet whispers. And when the moment comes to break silence, let us boldly speak, advocate, and stand with those who cannot speak for themselves.
Reflect on this:
How can your "why" help you endure your current "how"?
Are you creating moments of quiet solitude to clearly hear God's voice?
Today, may you courageously embrace silence to hear God, and then boldly break it to champion hope, justice, and freedom.
