The Courage to Go

Reflection

In the Hebrew story of Ruth we see the courage of a young woman who, having lost her husband, follows her (also widowed) Mother-in-law, Naomi to her homeland of Israel rather than listening to Naomi's entreaties that Ruth return to  her homeland of Moab. Ruth stays with her beloved Mother-in-law, despite having no idea what they will face when they arrive in Israel. 

The story is a beautiful, and hopeful, romantic tale which may or may not be literally true but is a testament to the strength and resilience of women in a patriarchal world. These widowed women have no value in the society they inhabit - no husbands or sons to give them worth - but they face their world with courage and boldness, willing and able to stand for themselves. 

The words which Ruth says to Naomi are often read at wedding services, and are a lovely, poetic expression of faithfulness and resolve.

Scripture

Ruth said,
‘Do not press me to leave you
   or to turn back from following you!
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.
May the Lord do thus and so to me,
   and more as well,
if even death parts me from you!’

Ruth 1.16,17 

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Artwork: Blake, William, 1757-1827. Naomi entreating Ruth and Orpah to return to the land of Moab.  https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:1795-William-Blake-Naomi-entreating-Ruth-Orpah.jpg