Chapter 1 of the Book of Ruth tells how Naomi, her husband, and two sons go from Bethlehem to the city of Moab to live because of a great famine. While in Moab her husband dies and her sons marry, Orpah and Ruth. Her sons then later die and the women are left alone with nothing.
Their fields are yielding crops and with little money Naomi decides it is time to return home to Bethlehem. She had heard that God had blessed his people there and thought it was time for her to return. As they set out Naomi realizes that her daughter in-laws need not follow her. They are Moabites and if they stay they can have a chance to remarry and have children.
So Naomi tells them to turn back and return to the homes of their mothers. They cry and tell her no they will go with her. After more tears Orpah obeys Naomi and returns to her mother. Ruth however is steadfast and will not return. She is determined to follow Naomi and God. Even though she only knows of God through Naomi. Ruth tells Naomi wherever she goes she will follow.
Seeing Ruth’s determination Naomi allows her to come with her to Bethlehem. When they get there people are overjoyed to see Naomi but because of her despair and bitterness Naomi tells them to call her Mara.
I can relate to both Naomi and Ruth. I relate to Naomi’s despair and hurt. She has lost everything and has returned home with nothing but Ruth to show for her life. For me Naomi hits home. As I said though I can relate to Ruth as well. Her determination to follow and of what Naomi and God asks of her.
She wants to be good and do the right thing. She is following her heart and in doing so is blessed later on. She could have easily returned home, married, and had children. She knows that the road ahead is long and hard. There is no money, no food, nothing. Yet she chooses that path willingly. What sort of strength and courage must she had to do this.
Can you relate to Ruth or Naomi? Maybe both?
I live in a small Georgia town that you most likely have never heard of and I LOVE it! My house is more than full as I am a single mother of four & caregiver to my aging mother and uncle. Lover of all things Outlander. Goes to the beat of her own drum woman.
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I can relate with Ruth as she wants to stick it out with Naomi. I find that I stick with things for a long time. Not always but often I refuse to give up.
I think it relates to friendship and love for each other. I have been through a hard time lately with my daughter’s medical issues where I wanted to go home to Maryland but I was urged to stay put by a support group and for me even though its the opposite of what Naomi and Ruth do I feel friendship and love are what make people follow.
It is a story where love and friendship go together and I relate to Ruth because I’m very friendly and I like to help people who need my help no matter what situation do for love!
I can relate to both in some ways. I am very strong willed and not one to give up on people or things. I am a firm believer that sometimes you have to take the hard road in order to do the right thing. You really do have to follow your heart. which is what I think Ruth choose to do, instead of taking the easier road and returning home.