March 20 - Ruth

Ruth 3 can be seen as a story of subversive spirituality. Ruth was married to Naomi's son, but he died, along with his father and brother. This left Naomi and Ruth as widows, making them vulnerable in a society where male protection was crucial for survival. Instead of accepting their fate or waiting passively for their situation to change, Naomi came up with an unconventional plan. Their plan challenged societal norms; Ruth was a foreigner and a woman taking initiative in a male-dominated world, and her bravery put her at risk of embarrassment or harm. 

I imagine that Naomi and Ruth were deeply sad about the loss of the men that they loved, and that they were feeling really scared. I love that they found a way to oppose the system that they were placed in and try something creative instead of just giving up. I also admire the loyalty that they have for each other. Their story is an important reminder that even when we are feeling helpless and the systems that surround us feel impossible to change, there are ways for us to stick together and challenge the status quo. Ruth shows us that we can resist injustice wisely, use our tools creatively, and trust God's timing. We do not have to sit and passively wait. Change is possible. We just have to be brave enough to try!

Link to Bible verses: Ruth 3