A Love Story

If you are a man and are reading this blog, you may want to take a break today. Maybe you can look at ESPN’s website or check out Real Clear Politics. Today I’m going to talk about a part of the Bible that is really a chick story.

Last night in my bible class, we discussed the Book of Ruth. I’m sure I have read it before, but last night the beauty of the story really hit home. Maybe it’s because writing this blog has made me more aware of the love that God shows us each day. Or maybe it’s because we recently spent so much time with my mother-in-law following her fall and her heart attack, and I was reminded what my family means to me.

I think the Book of Ruth starkly contrasts with every other book in the Old Testament because it is a story of love, period. No other agenda.

Last night, after Bill finished reading our daily chapter of Acts, I looked at what that particular translation of the Bible said about the Book of Ruth in its introduction. Quite appropriately, it refers to Ruth as a love story. The introduction goes on, however, to talk about the love between Ruth and Boaz, who eventually becomes her husband, and the great-great-grandfather of David. What struck me while reading Ruth, however, was the love between Ruth and her mother-in-law Naomi.

After Naomi’s husband and sons die, she decides to go back to live with her family in Bethlehem. She suggests to her two widowed daughters-in-law that they return to their families where a new marriage can be arranged. One daughter-in-law takes the sensible route and agrees to return to her family. Ruth, however, in what I think is one of the most beautiful passages in the Bible, tells Naomi that she will never leave her and will remain faithful to her, even so far as to go with her to Bethlehem, a completely foreign land to her.

Ruth’s loyalty to and love for Naomi, of course, reminds me very much of God’s love for me. He will remain faithful to me through all time, no matter where I go or what I do. Naomi’s love for Ruth, however, reminds me of the importance of the women in my life.

There is nothing about which I can’t talk to my husband. Our almost 17 years of marriage have brought us so close that we know each other’s thoughts even before we say them out loud. He is a caring and loving husband.

But we women know that if we need complete understanding and nurturing, we go to our women friends and family. Women listen in a different way and generally respond in a way that is totally satisfying. Maybe not even with a suggestion, but perhaps just with a hug or a tissue. In fact, I have a particular devotion to the Blessed Mary because she is a woman and I trust that she will pray for me.

Naomi and Ruth both took risks, knowing that they were there for each other and that God would watch over them. This trust in ourselves, our friends, and God inspires me to love harder.