31 August 2010

Ruth: Defying Bitterness

“… For the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me.” ~ Ruth 1:20

Ruth the Moabite widow of a Judean, no doubt felt great sadness and grief. Yet, her mother-in-law Naomi, also a widow and left childless, moved through her desolation and loss by blaming her God. When we are in great pain, especially the pain of loss, we want to reach out and blame someone for that pain. And though we must have our grieving time, we must not remain there; lest we get stuck in a sea of bitterness.

In the throws of these moments of desolation, stop, take a breath and ask not why has this pain of loss come upon you; but ask what are you to learn from this time of great sorrow. Then continue to journey through the sorrow, receiving your lesson, your blessings, and your great strength and courage.

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