A Daughter-in-Law Named Ruth

In celebration of International Women's Month, I was inspired to blog about women who were my life inspirations...    

One of my favorite women in the Bible is Ruth.  She was known for her love and loyalty as a daughter-in-law.  Despite the death of her husband, Ruth chose to be with her mother-in-law and committed to stand by her no matter what.  These were her very lines:

Ruth of the Bible

"Wherever you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay.  Your people will be my people and your God my God." Ruth 1:16

(more on the story of Ruth thru this link: Ruth Bible Story Summary)

The story of Ruth is very close to my heart.  You see, I know a woman named Ruth and I believe it's no coincidence that she was given that name for like Ruth of the Bible, her life was all about love and sacrifice as a daughter-in-law. 

A modern-day woman named Ruth

Ruth got married at a young age.  Despite a promising life ahead for her as a young woman, she embraced her role as a wife and mother.  But never did she expect that she will be called to fulfill a more challenging role - as a daughter-in-law.  Starting a young family was tough enough, but sharing this new chapter of her life living with the in-laws made it even tougher.  She had to deal with the pressures of living up to expectations, fulfilling her role as wife and mother, and becoming the obedient, "ideal" daughter-in-law as best as she can. 

Her relationship with her mother-in-law was quite extreme.  They can be as close as best of friends but they can also be the worst of enemies.  Their "on-off" relationship got worst when a series of tragic events happened in her mother-in-law's life.  These were too tough for her mother-in-law to handle that she became very difficult to deal with.  With Ruth's husband being the only one left in their family to care for his mother, she chose to stand by her husband in his responsibility up until the death of her mother-in-law. 

I didn't need to ask how she managed to deal with all that for 35 years of her married life...  I know her as a very prayerful woman.  Prayer is her inspiration and her devotion to the rosary is her strength.  

I witnessed how she selflessly loves her family.  Standing up for her children, proving her love and loyalty to her husband when things get tough.  In silence, she would sometimes bear all the insults and emotional stress from her mother-in-law just to keep the family together.  And like any other person, I have seen her in her weakest moments, times she was close to giving up.

Ruth is not a perfect woman, but I admire her sacrificial love and faith.  She teaches me that family is everything and that each member is worth fighting for.  She inspires me to love with a humble heart (which is sometimes difficult for me to do).  She encourages me to embrace my role as a devoted wife and loving mother.  Her sacrifice as a daughter-in-law is definitely a very tough role to follow. 

My mom and bestfriend!

But beyond all these, Ruth is my mother.  She never fails to remind me that things happen for a reason even if life seem tough and difficult, for in the end, it is God's plan and His plan is always for the best.