Ruth 1:16-18

But Ruth said, “Do not press me to leave you or to turn back from following you! Where you go, I will go; Where you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Where you die, I will die— there will I be buried. May the Lord do thus and so to me, and more as well, if even death parts me from you!” When Naomi saw that she was determined to go with her, she said no more to her.

The story of Ruth is amazing. Her determination and faith carry her through tragedy, turmoil and change. What we call determination in the adult we often call “stubbornness” in the child. I wonder what the differences between the two are? Perhaps determination has an element of self awareness that is not found in stubbornness. Priorities are established and boundaries are drawn.

To play on a word… Determination on its own can be ruthless.

Ruth’s determination to stick with Naomi though also has strong elements of faith, love and compassion. She loves Naomi and will not desert her in her time of need. Her faith in God is bound to her love for Naomi.