Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Taking Refuge (chapter 15)



AUTHOR NOTES
Read Ruth 2:21-23
 
excerpt from Postcards, pp. 139, 141...
 
Let’s face it, when we’re grieving, we are vulnerable.

"We know of a woman whose husband died just like yours did," a visiting missionary couple told me after church one Sunday. "The death was sudden, unexpected. She never got a chance to say ‘goodbye’ either. Everyone thought she was doing okay. She kept working full time as a hair stylist. She had some life insurance money and was taking time to think and sort through her options. Last we heard, though, a man had come into her small town and gotten a job at the same salon where she worked. He gave her some special attention, and she fell in love. She got swindled. All her money is gone now, and so is he."

....This doesn’t mean we need to be so afraid that we lock our doors and never come out; it only means we need to be careful. We need to know our surroundings. In addition, we need to find a Naomi or Boaz of our own, someone who knows the neighborhood. A Naomi is an experienced widow who can guide us through the roller coaster ride of grief. A Boaz might be any man or woman who can provide practical help with their network of business contacts and personal resources.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
(chapter 15 of Postcards, and Ruth 2:21-23)

Who are the people in your life who play roles similar to Ruth, Naomi and Boaz?
What are you most afraid of? What sort of practical help do you need to face that fear? What one step can you take today to help yourself with this problem?

PRAYER
Dear Lord,
Please protect me from danger and help me not be overly fearful. Keep me alert, help me listen to advice as if it’s straight from you, and open my eyes to other women who would be good mentors or housemates for me.
Amen.

3 comments:

  1. "Dear Lord,
    Please protect me from danger and help me not be overly fearful. Keep me alert, help me listen to advice as if it’s straight from you, and open my eyes to other women who would be good mentors or housemates for me.
    Amen."

    I love this prayer that you posted and it's a good one to read every day.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Trusting for me is the biggest thing. Almost on every corner someone's hand is out give me this or that. My husband was so trustworthy. There is just so much scam out-there. I try to walk with all eyes and ears opened, asking God to be my refuge, shelter, my wisdom and guide. I don't have a Boaz in my life not even a Naomi. This website has been my- Naomi-Ruth-and Boaz. I have gleaned much wisdom, truth and strength. Thank-you ~

    ReplyDelete
  3. There have been many promises in God's word that has given me security & refuge. But one that really put it's arms around me and blest me was from (Prov. 15:25) God says he will secure and establish the border and boundaries of the widow. He promises those who are weak and unable to defend themselves he will protect them. .
    Prov. 8:29 tells us He gave the sea it's boundaries that the waters may not overstep his command. So has he established the boundaries for the widow, what a wonderful refuge.

    dodi

    ReplyDelete

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