Lessons from Ruth

Today the message at church was from Ruth.

It's one of my favorite books in the Bible. It truly has anything that a reader would want in a story. Drama. Death. Long, arduous journeys. Romance. Redemption.

It's also part of a study that I'll be working through with Proverbs 31 Ministries starting tomorrow. I love when God keeps bringing things up... it usually means I need to stand up and take notice.

Ruth had to choose to leave a familiar country and go somewhere that she wasn't familiar with... with her mother-in-law.

A mother-in-law who was self-described as "bitter".

Not my idea of a great trip, y'all.

But Ruth was faithful.

And Naomi was rewarded for her faithfulness.

Because Ruth chose to follow her, she was cared for.... and she was blessed.

Blessed with a new family line...

Blessed with a kinsman redeemer...

Blessed to nurse her grandbaby.

All because Ruth decided to take that unknown step.

Ruth means friend in Hebrew.

It can also be translated as a vision of beauty.

A true friend is a vision of beauty.

It's a beautiful thing to have someone in your corner.

I've been reading a lot about friendship and community and I am seeing the importance of having someone who you can relate to. Even though they were different, and ages apart, Ruth and Naomi could relate to one another. Ruth was a true friend, a companion to the end.

And because of this beautiful friendship, Naomi's bitterness turned into pleasant delight, just as her name had always indicated.

Tonight I'm reminded of several things from Ruth.

Don't be afraid to step out.

Love those around you even when it is hard.

If you don't have community, seek it out. As an introvert, I get that this is hard... but making yourself vulnerable and allowing others to be vulnerable with you opens up a true heart connection that can't be replaced.

Don't buy into your feelings. Don't allow what you don't have or what you can't do be your identity... instead, embrace who God says you are.

Be a friend in action. Be present. Walk with them.

And never think you're too old to see your redemption.

He's got a greater plan... and He's working it out for your good.

(For another take on this story, read this this blog from January 2016