My God & My Protector

Over ten years ago, when I got my first apartment and moved out of my parents’ to be on my own, one of my dad’s friends commented rather wryly, about how I shouldn’t be moving out on my own and how I should live with my parents until I was married. After all, I would be without a protector, a single woman by herself.
For those of you who know me, you can probably imagine how that comment went over. I can be stubborn, strong-willed, and outspoken at times, and my thinking and his were not exactly on the same page. Part of my story before Christ was that I didn’t think I needed anyone, not even God, but especially not a man. (I like to distinguish here between need and want. Just, FYI.)

But years, later, with hopefully more wisdom and experience, I have a slightly different take on that comment from long ago. I have now been the one with outsider labeled on her forehead multiple times, and I have moved to four different cities in those ten years – Mt Holly, NC then Rock Hill, SC, then Columbia, SC, and now Waco, TX, all places where I didn’t know anyone. All those moves later, I now know how nice it is to have someone take me under their wings, to be that protector for me.

In Rock Hill, it was Susie, one of the most incredibly vivacious and nurturing and loving women I have ever met. She immediately proclaimed herself to be my Rock Hill mother – to look after me as she would want someone to look after her daughters if they were away from home. She became an incredible mentor in my life and someone who just invested time and love in me. I so want to radiate Christ’s love to others like she did and to show that kind of hospitality.

In Columbia, it was a guy friend that I met at church that introduced me to people and helped me get connected. He became like an older brother to me over the years, the one I could turn to with crises. And then it was other friends of mine, true community – we would look out for each other physically, emotionally, and spiritually – praying during tough times, or walking each other to our cars late at night, or speaking up on relationship issues, or changing tires. Many of us didn’t have family close by, so we became like family for each other.

I think those experiences give me an appreciation for that role of protector that I didn’t have before, the need for someone I could turn to when I needed help. Now, wherever I am, I try to identify a car trouble friend – someone that I can call if my car breaks down on the side of the road. I have roadside assistance, but it is that principle of knowing who I could turn to if I needed help in a vulnerable situation. It’s one of the first to-do’s on my moving list, seeking out an emergency contact. Wow – God has a way of changing us. It sounds a little different from ten years ago and my steely stubbornness of not needing anyone.

And as I read this 2nd chapter of Ruth, I am struck by Boaz reaching out to Ruth and putting himself immediately in that role. He could easily have ignored this strange girl. He didn’t have any obligation to her. He was already providing according to the law, by allowing her to glean from the leftovers of the harvest. But he went beyond the law, beyond what he was required to do. He immediately recognized her vulnerability and reached out to her as a father figure, making arrangements to ensure her protection, urging her not to go to other fields, instructing his men to leave her alone, and placing her in community with other servant girls, so that she wouldn’t be by herself.

I can imagine how many fears Ruth must have had going into those fields for the first time by herself – as a young, single, poor foreigner. I can only imagine how relieved and how much safer she must have felt knowing now that someone was looking out for her safety and wellbeing, providing for her thirst, and showing genuine concern.

And as any wise single woman, she knows to question the kindness – to make sure it doesn’t come with strings attached of a far more sinister nature. What a relief it must have been to realize that Boaz’ kindness was not just a random act of kindness to a stranger, but a kindness of heart with sound character. Boaz’ kindness to her was with recognition of the sacrifices and kindness that Ruth herself had shown to Naomi. His kindness is not just hospitality to a stranger, but a way of recognizing and honoring Ruth’s kindness, one that could easily have been overlooked by others. I have a hard time picturing the people of Bethlehem giving Ruth a pat on the back for coming back with Naomi. I picture them instead much more likely to be saying – what on earth was she thinking? In light of her sacrifices though, how much more beautiful is it to have Boaz say, I see what you did and I think it is amazing. And just as you have taken care of Naomi, may God look over and protect you. And I’ll do my part as well.

That’s pretty amazing. My God, and my protector…