Mother-in-laws

Mother-in-laws are world wide painted in a bad light. Whether it is in China , India or America they are a source of much tension and unhappiness. Was it Voltaire who said “Behind every successful man stands a surprised mother in law!!.”

When one is burdened with a lot of problems and does not have any realistic support to lean on, then how does one stay encouraged? What can give us the strength to go on? Our mind is so fragile it can easily be swayed by even the small things in life. There are some who vent over small issues because they have no solution for there larger problems at hand.

The words of Ruth to Naomi continues to give strength to many who read them over and over again. "And Ruth said, In treat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goes, I will go; and where thou lodges, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: Where thou dies, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me. When she saw that she was steadfastly minded to go with her, then she left speaking unto her. (Ruth 1: 16-18)”

Do you see the grace of God, working through Ruth as she vows to stay by the side of Naomi until death parts them? Do you see the grace of God working through the support of an alien? Do you see the promise of God for a Messiah being fulfilled through one of the descendents of Ruth?

In their sense of hopelessness they find comfort in one another’s companionship. It is a beautiful story where in their complete loss, they continue to stand firm in their love for God and their intense desire to be in a loving and faithful relationship. As they return to the promised land, they return with the only hope that God will continue to be by their side as support and strength.