By Chad Browne
The name of the man was Elimelech and the name of his wife was Naomi, and the names of his two sons were Mahlon and Chilion. They were Ephrathites from Bethlehem in Judah. They went into the country of Moab and remained there. But Elimelech, the husband of Naomi, died, and she was left with her two sons. These took Moabite wives; the name of the one was Orpah and the name of the other was Ruth. They lived there for about ten years, and both Mahlon and Chilion died, so the woman was left without her two sons and her husband.
Ruth 1:2-5 ESV Emphasis mine… https://bible.com/bible/59/rut.1.2-5.ESV
The Pain and Grief- Yet God…
Around March 2023, My mother would have passed away from a minor stroke. I received many dreams telling me that my mother’s condition was becoming worse. It was worrying me as I watched her almost as customary because I didn’t want to lose her. On that day, I was asleep when the call came that she died. I accepted God’s will.
A week after, at church, I broke down in tears after holding strong because I felt I had to. I was hit hard, my confidence was gone and I felt like nothing good could come in my life.
Behold, let that night be barren; let no joyful cry enter it. Let those who curse it who curse the day, who are ready to rouse up Leviathan. Let the stars of its dawn be dark; let it hope for light, but have none, nor see the eyelids of the morning, because it did not shut the doors of my mother’s womb, nor hide trouble from my eyes. Why did I not die at birth, come out from the womb and expire?
Job 3:7-11 ESV
God told me that He would take me through the funeral. I receive thoughts about the songs and trusted God to provide. The cost of everything was 26K… At this moment I wish that the so-called prophet declared that I would run a funeral home.
The Provision of Favour
Wondering where this money will come from. Family members and church families stepped in to help with the cost and I was well supported by other groups of organizations. I only have a bit left to pay. I was not expecting the many supporters who attended the funeral service and committal to provide so much support and love. Whether by words or by contribution to wreaths. Many of my church friends asked how I can assist you.
Then she fell on her face, bowing to the ground, and said to him, “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!”
Ruth 2:10-12 ESV
Thank you, God, for your grace and mercy and all that has been done and will be done.