Today Dot and Cara kick off a new series exploring the book of Ruth through Naomi’s eyes. Reflecting on Ruth 1:19-21, they discuss how grief, if left unchecked, can spiral into bitterness. They remind us that gratitude is a powerful tool that helps us move through grief and guards our hearts against bitterness. Pull up a chair and join this insightful conversation!

Got a question about today’s episode or something else you’d like to hear us talk about on the show? Let us know!

• Start by writing down Ruth 1:19-21 (0:13)
• At some point in our lives, we can all relate to Naomi (3:03)
• Grieving is natural when life doesn’t turn out the way we expect (5:20)
• If we don’t deal with what’s in our hearts, we’re going to end up bitter (8:50)
• Bitter individuals are consumed by themselves (13:27)
• When you’re in a dark place, community helps (17:00)
• Naomi and Ruth both had a choice to make in their grief (21:04)
• Gratitude helps pull us through grief (28:25)
• In pain, it is difficult to see a way out of our difficult situations (33:06)
• Ruth is being the hands and feet of Jesus to Naomi (38:04)
• Ask God, “Am I bitter?” (41:44)

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Scripture Verse:

Ruth 1:19-21 (ESV) “So the two of them went on until they came to Bethlehem. And when they came to Bethlehem, the whole town was stirred because of them. And the women said, “Is this Naomi?” She said to them, “Do not call me Naomi; call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me. I went away full, and the Lord has brought me back empty. Why call me Naomi, when the Lord has testified against me and the Almighty has brought calamity upon me?”