The Ruthie Project
Loss, Love, Life
by
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- Knock knock!
- Who’s there?
- Loss, and I brought my friends Recession, Sickness, and Bereavement.
- Do you have an appointment?
- Nope! But we’re coming in anyway.
Loss is inevitable. Even when we try to evade it, financial issues, relationship problems, strains on physical, emotional and mental health, and the death of a loved one can be cruel reminders of our human frailty.
The story of Elimelech and Naomi starts off in a town named Bethlehem, ‘The Place of Bread.’ Elimelech’s name means My God is King and Naomi means Pleasant. Elimelech and Naomi have two sons, who they name Sickly (Mahlon) and Weak (Chilion). Since Jewish children’s names are typically inspired by the circumstances surrounding their birth, it is intriguing that these boys are given such odd names. Did Naomi have terrible labour pain? Did Sickly and Weak struggle with ill health? We never really find out, and then tragedy strikes.
There is a famine in Bethlehem, and Elimelech and his family decide to relocate to nearby Moab. Soon Elimelech dies. About ten years later, his sons die too. And Naomi is left alone without her husband and sons.
So where do you think God is when everything is falling apart?
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About the Book
Terrorist attacks. Economic downturn. Refugee crisis. News headlines in ancient Israel were not very different from what they are today. Yet, in the middle of these challenging situations, there were ordinary people like you and me, dealing with everyday issues.
In this fascinating project, Sotonye and her friends encounter Ruth (Ruthie) and her mother-in-law, Naomi. Through food, travel, photography, art, poetry, and prose, they discover what it means to walk through life with hearts totally surrendered to God.
I loved it! So inspiring and thought provoking. Paula Gooder, Author and Theologian in residence, Bible Society
A glorious surprise, full of unexpected insights presented in even more unexpected ways. David Ingall, Rector, St. Sepulchre’s Church, London
A precious labour of love and creativity. Amanda Jackson, Executive Director, Women’s Commission, World Evangelical Alliance
About the Author
Sotonye Odugbemi relishes finding God in the everyday. She creates and curates stories, and is passionate about music, languages, and gorgeous shoes.
Sotonye has a PhD in Francophone West African literature and culture from University College London. She teaches French and Spanish, and lives in London with her husband and their two beautiful children.