Dr. Catherine J. Johnson
Surely, history has not been as kind to Queen Vashti as it has been to Queen Esther. Queen Vashti has not been given her true merits. It is not the intent of this writer to compare these two great women of the Bible. However, this author will write on behalf of Queen Vashti so that others will come to view her greatness in life. Queen Vashti is mentioned in the Bible in the Book of Esther and she played a major role in the lives of the Jewish People. However, she was definitely not Jewish, but through her role, she aided the Jewish nation in their quest for freedom. In fact, it is truly believed by the author, although the Bible does not say it, that Queen Vashti was indeed a Black queen. The author also believes that Queen Vashti was a God Fearing beautiful Black queen.
Although Queen Vashti, was only mentioned in 15 verses in the whole book of Esther, which has a total of 10 chapters, the lessons taught are immeasurable. Bestowing upon Queen Vashti, the honor that is due her, this book will serve the purpose of presenting to the world, Queen Vashti’s lessons for living a good life, especially for all women, when circumstances are against us. Let the author mention here that although it is truly believed that Queen Vashti was a Black queen, the lessons left by her are relevant ones that any woman can use to make her life much better in this world. It seems as if Queen Vashti knew that we would need to hear from her on this subject. It is truly fitting at this time to say “Thank you, Queen Vashti, Beloved Black Queen.”
This book will aid anyone seeking a more productive, fulfilling and happy life.
Dr. Catherine J. Johnson grew up in Memphis, Tennessee, where she has a BS in Education from LeMoyne-Owen College in Memphis, Tennessee. She has her MS from SIU-Carbondale, Illinois and an Ed.D. from Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. She has worked at SIU-Carbondale, Memphis City Schools and presently, Atlanta Public Schools. She resides in Fairburn, Georgia. The author has recently turned in the finished manuscript for her new book: "Orpah Walked Ahead of Ruth"
Queen Vashti is indeed an eloquent queen and above all, it is the belief of the author that this beautiful woman was a Black Queen married to one of the most powerful Kings during this period in history, the powerful King Ahasuerus. It is also believed by the author that the beautiful Black Queen Vashti aided the Jewish nation in their quest for finding their Promise Land. In life, like Queen Vashti, we are here on this earth for a certain purpose and we hope that we will find our purpose before we transition from this world. Through her faith in God and in herself, Queen Vashti was able to make a decision that many would find difficult and almost impossible to make in order that she could find true happiness. Also, in making this decision, the queen was able to fulfill her purpose in life and that purpose in the author’s sight was to aid the Jewish nation in finding the promise land. If Queen Vashti had not made the decision to disobey her husband, King Ahasuerus, then Queen Esther would not have been the queen who helped her people, the Jewish nation, rid themselves of captivity; thus helping them reach the Promise land.
The queen left us ten wonderful lessons that we can use to enhance our lives when we have to make life’s decisions that will move us through this earthly world.
Although, the author sees Queen Vashti as a great beautiful Black Queen, the ten lessons that this queen left are relevant to all women of all races, classes, and nations, and more specifically to the entire world. We can use the lessons that this queen left us to better our homes, our schools, our communities, our nations, our world and ourselves. We know that much is not said about this great woman, but the Bible says enough for us to understand that Queen Vashti had a master role to play to help this world become the great place that we call home.
The author knows that one of the main purposes in her living here on God’s earth is to tell the story of this wonderful Black Queen, Queen Vashti, so that others will come to see her as the great lady and queen that she was.
