I was recently reminded of a favorite scripture from the book of Ruth. “Where you go, I will go and where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.” Being only one of two books named after women in the Bible (along with Esther), it’s always been a favorite story, one I’ve read hundreds of times. Ruth is loyal to her mother-in-law Naomi, even after the death of her husband. Her kindness is rewarded, her journey and faith bring her to find love once more and to become a mother later in life and eventually, the great-grandmother of King David.

While the story has been beloved to me, it took on new meaning not so long ago when I learned of a Ruth in my own family tree. Even more wonderful, I had grown up admiring her but never knowing her name. Her portrait hung in my Aunt Vivian’s home. There was a sense of mystery to her, as if she had a story to share. As a little girl I would whisper to her, hoping she’d speak to me in return. Growing up, I assumed it was my aunt in her youth, it wasn’t until years after her death that I learned it was her mother.

Ruth.

I don’t know much about her, she lived in a small Kentucky town all her life and died at the young age of 32, when my aunt was a little girl. Though she’s only related to me distantly through marriage, there is something in her spirit that continues to speak to me. Especially all these years later, as I search for my own sense of truth. Perhaps I might never discover Ruth’s full story, but I know that somehow, she encourages me – that I may find strength in the rich heritage of her name.

“May you be richly rewarded by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge.” Ruth 2:12