Ruth Stays with Naomi

Naomi was so sad. First her husband died. Then her two sons died. She was left all alone in a foreign country with only her two daughters-in-law, Ruth and Orpah.

Naomi decided to go back to her home in Israel. 'You girls should go back to your families,' she told them. 'Find new husbands. I have nothing to give you.'

Orpah cried and hugged Naomi goodbye. Then she left.

But Ruth wouldn't let go. She held onto Naomi tight.

'Go on!' Naomi said. 'Your sister-in-law is leaving. Go with her!'

Ruth said the most beautiful words: 'Don't make me leave you! Where you go, I will go. Where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people. Your God will be my God. Where you die, I will die too. Only death will separate us!'

Naomi saw that Ruth really meant it. She stopped trying to send her away.

So the two women walked all the way to Bethlehem. When they arrived, everyone in town was excited. 'Is that Naomi?'

Naomi was still sad. 'Don't call me Naomi anymore,' she said. 'Call me Mara, which means bitter. I left this place full and happy. I'm coming back empty and sad.'

But Naomi wasn't really empty. She had Ruth! Ruth had chosen to follow Naomi's God and be part of Naomi's family.

Ruth was loyal and loving. She didn't know what would happen, but she trusted God. And God had wonderful plans for Ruth—plans that would bless the whole world!