Then [Ruth] fell on her face, bowing to the ground, and said to [Boaz], “Why have I found favor in your eyes, that you should take notice of me, since I am a foreigner?” But Boaz answered her, “All that you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband has been fully told to me, and how you left your father and mother and your native land and came to a people that you did not know before. The Lord repay you for what you have done, and a full reward be given you by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge!” Then she said, “I have found favor in your eyes, my lord, for you have comforted me and spoken kindly to your servant, though I am not one of your servants.” And at mealtime Boaz said to her, “Come here and eat some bread and dip your morsel in the wine.” So she sat beside the reapers, and he passed to her roasted grain. And she ate until she was satisfied, and she had some left over. When she rose to glean, Boaz instructed his young men, saying, “Let her glean even among the sheaves, and do not reproach her. And also pull out some from the bundles for her and leave it for her to glean, and do not rebuke her.”

Ruth 2:10-16

There are so many take away’s from this passage, depending on your need and want. This is the set up to an incredible love story as we anticipate upcoming obstacles and the imminent rescue. This is a parable of God’s provision and goodness demonstrated with such swoon by Boaz. This is a reminder that we are but a character in a more magnificent story of moving parts and cast members. This is proof of hope that what we do in secret will come to light. (Or warning if you’re doing nasty things in secret.)

What struck me reading this was the difference in how Ruth saw herself and how others saw her. Ruth identified herself as a foreigner. That was her leading understanding of herself. Boaz, on the contrary, saw a brave and loyal woman. He was moved and inspired by Ruth, and she didn’t even know it. Then again, part of Ruth’s appeal and beauty is her ability to not lord all she’s done on others. She doesn’t walk around with a chip on her shoulder, like she’s entitled to goodness.

From this short encounter, I ask you, how do you see yourself? Don’t be so quick to judge whatever you come up with! Be gentle with how you see yourself. When does that identification lead you with humility and when does it hold you back from taking up space? Remember, humility requires confidence. It demands that you know your worth without needing to prove it. Trust that when you lead with character, it inspires and it impacts those around you and those far away. And even when you don’t feel it, God is watching and looking after you. Your story and journey are not experienced in vain.

Prayer: God I pray for a bravery to see myself clearly. God I pray that you would provide compassionate and kind people to reflect parts of me that I don’t dare think about myself. God I pray to live humbly, a moment at a time.

Character: Where am I not trusting who God says I am?

Grace: What former ways of seeing myself have been redeemed?