The story of Ruth in the Old Testament is definitely a favorite. We can't read her story without asking ourselves if we would be so selfless. After losing our husband, would we really choose to stay with, take care and provide for our widowed mother-in-law versus going home to our own family for comfort and support? Certainly we would want to grieve and deal with our own loss. Would we really reach out in such a moment of loneliness and despair?
Needless to say, that is exactly what Ruth did. Even after Naomi encouraged her to go back home, Ruth insisted. She gleaned the fields in order to provide and take care of Naomi and herself.
Basically she put her mother-in-law's needs above her own, and that is why we marvel at the story of Ruth.
She found herself in "Holland" after the loss of her husband, and the moment she landed, she got busy attending to the needs of others.
Do you know a modern-day Ruth? I do!
Her name is Kia Sjuli Smallcomb. I have been friends with Kia since we were roommates many years ago. I knew then that she had a heart of gold, as I had watched her come to the rescue of her family members and so many others, but I did not know the depth of her kindness until recently.
Fortunately, but not coincidentally, two years ago Kia took a year off of work to go to China to help her sister who had three little children with a fourth on the way. The entire family was doing the best they could to acclimate to a new country, job, etc., but Kia's sister really needed some help. Kia is single, so she was able to make arrangements with her job and travel to China to assist in any way she could.
During that time, her sister gave birth to her fourth child, and Kia proved to be a lifesaver.
At the end of that year, Kia came back to California, where she resumed her job as a school teacher. Less than a year later, Kia received a shocking call that her sister had suddenly died of heart complications, leaving a 7-, 5-, 3- and 1-year-old.
When their father asked the children if they wanted to continue to live in China or go back to the States, they responded that they wanted to be where Kia was. Of course, they couldn't travel to California and move in with Kia. So without hesitation, Kia left her job and moved to China so that their dad could continue to provide, and their lives could be relatively uninterrupted for the moment.
Each time I talk with Kia, she speaks of the blessings that have come into their lives. She speaks of the confidence that they have in our Heavenly Father's plan for each of us. She shares the remarkable understanding that these children have of where their mom is. She testifies of the importance of family home evening and family prayer, as she sees the effect it has on these children, heightening their understanding and peace. She feels the closeness of her sister, and I am sure that her sister will be eternally grateful for Kia. I am guessing that not a day goes by that her sister doesn't cry tears of joy that Kia is there loving her children like her own.
Like I told Kia, hopefully there is a Boaz just around the corner who sees her goodness and comes and sweeps her off her feet!
To willingly leave what is comfortable and secure and to put all our needs and wants on hold is selflessness at its best. Kia is a modern-day Ruth.
Kia is proof that you do not need to bear children to know true selflessness.
Kia is evidence of the miracles that happen here in "Holland." It is people like Kia who make "Holland" such an amazing place to live.
It is people like Kia who remind us that the Lord has a plan and that we are instruments in the Lord's hand in fulfilling the purposes of that plan. Kia is being helped by the Lord in raising some of his most special spirits, ones who were preserved to come at this time. He knew they would lose their mother, but that Kia would also be preserved to step in to compensate somewhat for their loss.
Gratefully, Kia never became bitter for having to live in "Holland" for so long, but nurtured a giving heart. Had she become hard and bitter, she would not have been able to play this most crucial role in the plan.
I have my own modern-day Ruth whom I look up to and admire. I bet that many of you know a modern-day Ruth as well. I would love to hear about her.
Thank you to all the Kias of the world. You are such an inspiration.