The story of Ruth is one of my favorite stories of the Bible and one that provides us so many good nuggets of wisdom for the single woman, in my opinion. Ruth and Naomi, her mother in law, found themselves in a very dire situation.  Naomi’s husband, Ruth’s father in law, had died. Naomi’s two sons, the husbands of Ruth and Orpah, had died. This left all three women with husbands and without heirs. They all shared one thing in common now: they were all widows and single…again. The state of a widow in the ancient Bible days was deplorable to say the least. Without a male authority to provide and protect, life was very bleak for a widow during these times.

       When the time came for Ruth and Orpah to say their goodbyes and go their separate ways to find “resting the home another husband,” we see a very remarkable choice that one of the daughters- in- law makes. Both young women were Moabites, from the land of Moab.  Moab was a pagan nation, where the people worshipped and served idol gods. Because they both came from a background that did not worship God Almighty, it would have been easy for Ruth to go back to her idolatrous ways. But, the Bible says “Orphah kissed her mother-in-law goodbye, but Ruth clung to her.”(Ruth 1:15).

     First, I believe that throughout her few years married to Naomi’s son, Ruth saw the God in Naomi and that did something to her heart. This was a GOD CONNECTION that Ruth knew she could not let go. She could have left like Orpah and no one would have blamed her! This was the expected thing to do. However, Naomi’s life as a woman of God resonated something inside Ruth that made her “cling” to Naomi. Ladies, who are you “clinging” to during your single years? Are you clinging to the type of people that will push you closer to your destiny? Or are you clinging to friends who are hindering the work of God in your life? Ruth made the choice to cling to Naomi and that catapulted her into her destiny. Who is your “Naomi?”

     Secondly, I really commend Ruth because her choice demonstrated another quality that we should all strive for: LOYALTY!! Here we have two women who are not blood related, but one woman would not allow the other to go through that tough time, ALONE. That is so powerful to me!

     Last but not least, upon returning to Bethlehem, Ruth tells her mother-in-law, “Let me go to the fields and pick up the leftover grain behind anyone in whose eyes I find favor.”(Ruth 2: 2). This woman was not consumed with the thought, “When am I gonna get another husband?” We see this woman is a go getter, doing her part to provide for herself and her mother-in-law. And if we read on down a little further, Boaz found her working. Your Boaz needs to find her working in the vineyard of Lord, being busy about your Father’s business. He needs to find you working on the plans, dreams, and purpose He has specifically for your life.  A dear friend of mine and sister in the Lord made this observation that really made me think! When Boaz took notice of Ruth, it wasn’t because of her looks or outward appearance! Looks have their place in a relationship to a certain extent, but this man of God was attracted to the purpose and plan of God on her life!! Even Ruth was shocked! She could not believe that this man of standing would take notice of her, especially since she was a foreigner. But this is the key: Boaz had heard of her reputation of being a virtuous woman and all that she had done for her mother in law. Let your reputation of being a virtuous woman of God, speak for you! In time, your Boaz will hear of it and take notice of you!