The biblical narrative of Esther, a Jewish orphan who became queen and saved her people, continues to resonate as a powerful symbol for women and girls, embodying themes of courage, sacrifice, and purpose. Historical figures such as Sojourner Truth and Hillary Clinton have drawn upon Esther's story in their advocacy for women's rights and civil rights. Recently, prominent Black pastors have invoked her tale to rally support for Vice President Kamala Harris in her presidential ambitions. On Saturday, a gathering titled “A Million Women: an Esther Call to the Mall” took place at the National Mall in Washington, organized by a coalition of conservative and largely charismatic Christians. The event attracted hundreds of participants, aiming to mobilize conservative Christian women ahead of the upcoming election to advocate for a return to God and to promote issues aligned with former President Trump’s campaign, including opposition to abortion, transgender rights, and support for Israel. Laura Zavala Allred, one of the event's organizers, expressed a belief in a current crisis, stating that God has called modern-day Esthers “for such a time as this.” The event commenced with participants gathering for prayer, many displaying flags with messages such as “Don’t mess with our kids” and “Jesus.” The choice to hold the event on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in Judaism, was intended to emphasize themes of atonement. Despite the modest turnout, with only about a quarter of the reserved area filled, the event exemplifies the growing intersection of partisan politics and Christian worship. This gathering reflects the rise of the charismatic Christian movement, which interprets contemporary events as part of a larger spiritual battle. The women involved, representing diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, position themselves as significant players in the ongoing political and religious discourse. The story of Esther, which is unique in the Bible for being named after a woman and not mentioning God directly, has been embraced for its universal themes. Esther, who concealed her Jewish identity, ultimately intervenes to save her people at great personal risk, embodying the idea that hope can emerge from unexpected places. Interpretations of Esther's story vary, particularly among conservative Christians who view her as a model of female leadership. Organizers of the Washington event, identifying themselves as Esthers, aim to redefine feminism in a way that aligns with their values, particularly in light of recent mobilizations among progressive women. Dehavilland Ford, a pastor who led a study of Esther, emphasized the story's relatability for women, asserting that no woman is disqualified from God's calling. The gathering's focus on prayer and fasting intertwined with political and social issues, with local Republican groups promoting the event. Participants like Folake Kellogg expressed their desire for women to emulate Esther in advocating for family values, particularly in opposition to abortion and same-sex marriage. Lou Engle, a prominent activist and organizer of the event, has previously called for prayer and fasting for political outcomes, framing the current political landscape as a spiritual battleground. Mark Gonzales, another organizer, highlighted the role of men in supporting women’s activism, referencing the importance of figures like Mordecai in Esther’s story. Jenny Donnelly, also an organizer, reflected on the lessons of leadership from Esther's narrative, advocating for a movement that empowers both women and men. Donnelly's personal connection to Esther's story, particularly her own experiences with trauma, fuels her activism, especially in response to contemporary issues such as the increasing identification of Gen Z adults as LGBTQ and concerns over parental rights in gender transition matters. The narrative of Esther prompts questions about purpose and action in times of crisis, suggesting that individual stories can lead to broader societal change.