There is a very short book in the bible. It’s only four chapters and eighty five versus.
The book tells the story of a woman from Bethlehem called Naomi, who is married to a man named Elimelech.
Naomi and Elimelech are caught in a famine, so they take their two sons, and move to a city called Moab.
While they’re in Moab, Elimelech dies, and Naomi’s sons marry Orpah and Ruth.
Ten years later, both sons die, leaving all three women without husbands.
Naomi decides it will be best for her to go home to Bethlehem.
She encourages Oprah and Ruth go home and live with their families too.
Orpah tearfully kisses Naomi and returns home.
But Ruth beggs Naomi to let her stay. Naomi doesn’t think it’s a good idea. There are no more sons to marry.
But Ruth insists. She loves Naomi so much, she can’t imagine living without her.
This part gets me every time. I just can’t help but think about what kind of mother-in-law Naomi must have been.
I’ve often wondered, “Of all the stories that could have been told in the Bible, why this one?”
But I think I know why.
It’s because this story tells us that deep, meaningful relationships with the people we’re related to through marriage are possible.
Listen. I’ve heard all the mother-in-law jokes. I’ve heard hundreds of stories about how this relationship has gone awry.
But it doesn’t have to be this way.
Just imagine it.
A new generation of mothers-in-law.
A revolution, of sorts.
Mothers-in-law who are wise, and loving, and loyal.
Mothers-in-law who know exactly who they are, what their role is, and can be a life changing influence for good in the lives of their married children.
Will you join me in this crusade?
Will you be a chain breaker and create a new story for your family, and generations that come after?
One if the things I love most about this story is that it’s subtle, much like our own story.
Ruth doesn’t have a great power or position in her life. She’s a widow from an enemy nation with no prospects.
But Ruth stays with Naomi and she eventually meets Boaz. Ruth and Boaz have a son named Obed. Obed has a son named Jesse, and Jesse is the father of King David, who is of the lineage of Jesus.
God moved mightily in this ordinary story, and He can move mightily in your story too.
I’ve created a life changing, 6 week course, for mothers-in-law who want to make a mighty change.
Read more about my course [HERE]
