The reality of decisions.


Day 9

Ruth 1:19

So the two of them went on until they came to Bethlehem. And when they came to Bethlehem, the whole town was stirred because of them. And the women said, “Is this Naomi?”

I can only imagine that trip after their rather heated conversation. All 50 miles. All 7 to 10 days. Silence. Reflection. Thoughts of what it was, what could have been, what will be. One woman looking to the past; the other one to the future. The heaviness of heart for both as they now face an unknown future that neither of them had planned or even imagined. “What was I thinking? I should have insisted more; I should have just ordered her to go back to her family and her gods. After all, what has my God really done for me? Look at me. I am on my way back home, dressed in shame. A widow, with no inheritance to show. What will they ever think of me? And on top of that, now I bring with me the constant reminder of things past in the person of Ruth, who will not let me go.”

And sure enough, they arrive in Bethlehem, and the town is stirred. The looks, the pointing of fingers, the bowed head. Yes, the gossip. “Is this Naomi?” Another version says, “Can this be Naomi?”. Grief and shame take a toll. The face, the walk, the countenance. People notice. It is hard to come back to the place where you were considered the life of the party, only to face scrutiny, stigma, and disbelief. Surely, many were well-intended, others, maybe not so much. Regardless, many things had changed, and it was time to face reality.

I had not seen my best friend from childhood in more than 50 years. We were both twelve when we separated. Not long ago, she found me on social media and contacted me. I saw her picture… could this be her? She looked so old and worn out. She has been through quite a lot. Then, frankly, so have I. The years and the trials of life have taken a toll on both of us. Can this be her? Can this be me? “Can this be Naomi?”

Are you burdened by the shame of your own decisions, or maybe the decisions of others? Are you ready to come back to Bethlehem, but you are bringing Ruth with you? A constant reminder of what was? Don’t despair. It is a good thing to remember your past, so it can catapult you to the future. Ruth doesn’t have to be your burden, but rather your hope for the future. A gentle reminder from God that you are not alone, that He is with you and will not forsake you, that He is there to give you a hope and a future. #getittogethergirl

Father, I want to cling to that hope. I want to trust that you have placed a Ruth in my life to free me from my pain and bitterness of past mistakes, and just like Ruth, please don’t let me go. I don’t want to carry burdens that you already carried for me. I need you to remind me always of the good things that can come even from painful past experiences. Help me move on in confidence, knowing that you will take away my shame and clothe me with joy and gladness. I want to go back to Bethlehem unashamed and with my head high. Help me, Lord. In Jesus’ name, amen.

My reflections:

“In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33

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