This question truly resonates with me, as it’s one of the most profound my friends have posed. The Bible is filled with so many remarkable women, each with their own struggles that touch my heart. However, I feel a deep connection with Ruth. She embodies the spirit of an outcast and a widow, yet her faithfulness shines through. Her humility, kindness, and strength are awe-inspiring, showing us the beauty of hard work and the power of being given a second chance.

As babies, our parents often make significant decisions for us, including our religion. I found myself in that position when I was baptized Catholic as a newborn, following a cherished tradition in my family. Yet, even though my parents made this choice, we were never the kind of family that regularly attended church. I always felt a deep fascination with religion and a longing to learn more, but it wasn’t until now that I finally had the opportunity to explore those interests.

I have always held an unwavering belief in God, sensing His presence in my life as a constant source of support. Those intimate conversations I had with Him were priceless; He was the father I could always count on, second only to my beloved grandpa. Growing up in a divorced family, I lacked the autonomy to attend church, so I created my own sacred space in my room, where I could freely pour my heart out to God. My faith has been a steadfast anchor through the years, even amid my doubts and struggles. Yes, I questioned Him, and yes, I wandered away in my stubbornness during my youth! Navigating a marriage with a non-believer was no easy feat, yet it ultimately led me to a defining moment: choosing to get baptized in my church as an adult, reclaiming my faith and making a pivotal decision for myself.

All in all, now that I find myself alone, I am passionately growing in my faith, and my relationship with God has flourished beyond measure. Each day, I fervently dive into my Bible, yearning to draw ever closer to Jesus and His powerful words. When I encountered the story of Ruth, it struck a profound chord within me. As a widow and an outcast from my family, I have wholeheartedly embraced my faith and surrendered to my Lord. I give all that I am, without asking for anything in return; I labor diligently, shunning praise and reward, and in return, God has blessed me with a magnificent second chance at life, walking hand in hand with Him by my side.

It’s an incredibly profound experience to absorb the awe-inspiring wisdom gifted to us by the elders who walked this earth before us. The prayers, psalms, and songs, crafted by those who came before, resonate with the depth of human experience. We are reminded that we are not isolated in our struggles; countless souls have faced suffering akin to our own. Many have bravely given their lives, standing for their beliefs, while others have sacrificed everything for the ideals they held dear.

Everything happens in His time, and let me tell you, learning patience is like trying to teach an Ostrich how to stick it’s head in the sand—it’s your biggest challenge! (FYI an Ostrich has the brain the size of a walnut! That’s a myth by the way! They have a nest and use their heads to rotate the eggs!) OK, let’s get back on track. You’ll find yourself pondering if He’s just chilling up there, pondering your existence like, “Did HE forget about me?” or “Is HE still mad at me for that one time?” Just a heads up, that nagging voice in your head? Yep, that’s Satan trying to trip you up! Trust me, I’ve been there, and I can assure you, life’s challenges come at you faster than a CHEVY can beat a FORD! You might feel like you’re in a boxing match with life, but hey, don’t throw in the towel yet! That’s when you need to put on that Armor of God because it’s time for spiritual WWE! Strap on that shield, helmet, boots, and sword like you’re gearing up for a cosplay contest! Get ready to go to BATTLE by spreading His fabulous words everywhere, and who knows what blessings might drop into your inbox! Remember, the struggles aren’t fights, folks; they’re just pop quizzes for your faith! So, be strong, be faithful, and surrender your life to Him because He’s the only one who can truly let you binge-watch eternity in freedom!