Brief summary, reflection, and lessons learned from "The Story of Ruth"

   THE STORY OF RUTH

BRIEF SUMMARY

        According to the Book of Ruth, Ruth, and Orpah, two Moab women, married two sons of Elimelech and Naomi, Judeans who had settled in Moab to escape a famine in Judah. All three women's husbands die; Naomi intends to return to Bethlehem and advises her daughters-in-law to do the same. Orpah does so, but Ruth refuses to abandon Naomi saying, “Where you go, I will go; where you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Where you die, I will die—there will I be buried.” Ruth travels to Bethlehem with Naomi and subsequently marries Boaz, a distant relative of her late father-in-law. She represents unwavering loyalty and dedication.

 

REFLECTION AND LESSONS LEARNED

    The story of Ruth enables us to reflect on commitment, love, and sacrifice. She was an example of a great daughter-in-law who never leaves her mother-in-law even if they are already both widows. In our society today, widows are viewed as pitiful to the extent that we forgot that the life they had is not an unfortunate life. The kindness, bravery, faithfulness, and endurance of Ruth during trying times reflect the attitude of Christ too. As a woman, I was able to appreciate the power of woman can give to herself and to the people around her. Therefore, we can tell that regardless of gender, everyone can do the act of kindness and selflessness.

Here is the list of lessons we can garner out from the story:

• There is always hope even if we are at the lowest point of our lives.
• Our journey is not over just because we lost our loved ones if we have God.
•  It takes courage to sacrifice when we do the right things.
• Even if no one is watching, be a person of character
• Have faith, for faith move Mountains.
• Do not discriminate based on a person’s background.
• God is a forgiving and loving God therefore, redemption is for everyone.