Dear Ruth

Dear Ruth
“Your selflessness won’t go unnoticed.”
[[Based on a True Story: Book of Ruth]]

Dear Ruth,

Listen here lady, not too many women have their own book named after them in the bible, not even the mother of Jesus. By not too many, I mean there is only the two, you and Esther. Talk about making a name for yourself. Job well done. You have paved a beautiful road for us today in how to treat our mother in laws. Losing your husband left you with tons of unknowns. Unknowing if you will eat or be taken cared of. Unknowing if you will ever be married again. One thing that you knew and affirmed of, you weren’t going to abandoned Naomi, your mother in law.

I admire your disposition to remain with Naomi. Amongst other things you were servile to her, showing her an excessive willingness to serve and attach to her. Firstly, not too many mother and daughter in law have a good rapport. Mother in laws has this credence, “I am and will always be first lady in his life.” They get possessive, overprotective and critical about the way we, daughter in law cares for her son. Meanwhile, daughter in laws can be unwavering in their cooking, ironing abilities and unwilling to let “this woman” meddle in her affairs with her husband. Frictions between mother and daughter in laws aren’t uncommon. In fact, this beautiful bond between the two of you is considerately rare. Adding to you resume, you obeyed her. The broadcast is that you “were better to Naomi than seven sons.” Your abstinence to leaving her has showcased your love and loyalty to her. This sacrifice has authored you in a great genealogy.

You are the grandmother of King David, the one after God’s own heart. In Matthew chapter one, three women are highlighted in the lineage of Jesus. Tamar deceived and slept with her father in law. Rahab, a prostitute and yourself; you surpass them all with your virtue.

Modern Day Ruth, care for your mother in law as if she was your dearest mother. Glean as much wisdom as you can from her. Obey her. If your husband was to journey on upward, you take care of his mother. Protect and nurture her, even if it requires a special grace to deal with her and even if she never liked you. Don’t use his death as an opportunity to escape, don’t abandon her. Cherish her. Honor her. Have her back. Pray for her and… remove the title “in-law” and simply call her MOM.

Strongly together & Inspired by,
Friend

 Is this “your story?” Can you identify with Ruth? Do you empathize with her? Is her issue your issue? Here is the call to action: Share this post to help other women who need this. Please, use the hashtags #MyStoryIsInTheBible #IAmRuth.