The Tale of Four Women

Ruth and Naomi - Carmen and Ana:  4 women miles and years apart, yet similar in some important ways

Ruth (from Moab a bitter enemy to Israel) and Naomi (Ruth's mother in law and native of Israel)- both part of Jesus' ancestry - lost their husbands to death and were widows at a time when survival depended on male family protection (Ruth 1: 1-18).  Deciding to return to Bethlehem, Naomi urges Ruth to remain in her own country of Moab to better her chances of finding a husband to care for her.      Instead, in lines famous for their poignant loyalty, Ruth declares to Naomi:  "Do not press me to leave you or to turn back from following you!  where you go, I will go; where you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God my God." (Ruth 1: 16)

Ruth and Naomi's story is one of possibilities that emerge when we dare to live beyond the walls that might define us and confine us.  As foreigner, stranger, lowly woman, and widow, Ruth dares to risk herself in faithful loyalty to Naomi and commit herself to Naomi's God - our God who is the God of ALL people.  The story concludes with Ruth marrying Boaz and giving birth to Obed, the father of Jesse, the father of King David - whose lineage led to the birth of Jesus.  This is a story of "hesed" - steadfast, loving kindness that won't be restricted by either religious or ethnic boundaries.

Carmen and Ana live in 21st century El Salvador - a country torn apart by 12 years of civil war from 1980 - 1992.  Carmen and Ana's devotion and loyalty is to the families of Los Talpetates, El Salvador.  While I know little of their personal history, they both live out "hesed" - steadfast loving kindness - in their call as El Salvadoran "sisters".  Carmen is a leader in the community and is a counselor in the primary school.  Ana teaches computer to the K-9th graders at school.  Carmen has provided stability, direction, vision, and principled decision making as the Talpetates community re-invented itself after the devastation of war.  Working with other leaders in the community, Carmen and the others set goals of education for the children and medical care for the families.  Ana represents a standard of computer literacy for the children, preparing them for high school - a standard that could hardly be dreamed possible 10 years ago.

Carmen and Ana are 2 women whom God uses to turn death and dislocation into new life.  Instead of dwelling in a post-war plight of suffering, loss, hardship and pain or choosing flight to the city or to another country, Carmen and Ana act in ways that allow God to strengthen the community against oppression and poverty.

Four women - centuries and countries apart - who turn the tide of history through their struggles and their faithfulness.

Grace and Peace,
Pastor Shelley