What you hold in your hand is a tool to guide you through unknown seasons with the Word of God as your compass. Written during the first long global lockdown in 2020 for our newly scattered sisterhood, this study proved to be a powerful lifeline, not just among the sisters who joined us in online discussions but, more importantly, among the individual souls and their creator.

Over and over, dear friends shared that they heard God's voice for themselves with new clarity, and that is our deepest prayer for you. In the spirit of Ruth and Naomi, we recommend journeying with an accountability partner, but should that not be available to you, Jesus himself will fill that gap.

Though often applied to waiting for our earthly Boaz, the book of Ruth is much more than that. From famine, death, and bitterness to the layers of friendship and longing, these ancient themes reveal profound relevance. And their author is inviting us on a journey with him that is simultaneously individual and interdependent.

The timeless Word of God is so rich in its own right, guiding the reader back to himself. Much of this study simply unpacks Hebrew definitions and cultural contexts to better attune our hearts to the nuanced intentions of its author. By allowing the Word to speak for itself, the goal of this study is to create a space where our hearts are prepared to receive him.

But while the seed of the sower is incorruptible, the soil of our hearts varies. One way or another, every soul has been shattered, and every human mind has a filter through which we perceive him.Each day begins with preparing our garden. We connect to our honest thoughts and emotions, and through different exercises engaging soul through body, we break up the fallow ground to receive the Word.

Elisabet's weekly thought-provoking questions draw one to meditate, be still, examine, and savor the revelatory insights that are gained about oneself and our relationship to our living creator. The greatest gift of this study was how Elisabet made space for my faith, Scripture, and much-needed introspective work we all so desperately need. The Book of Ruth is none other than a gentle slow dance toward our heavenly Father, Abba, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit--while engaging the whole of ourselves in this holistic experience. (Sambra Zaoui, LCSW, CCTP, EMDR)

--Elisabet Fountain

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