The young woman clung to her mother-in-law. “Don’t leave without me! Take me with you.”

What a testimony. Can you imagine, a young woman begging to be included in the journey her mother-in-law is about to take?

We all know the story of Ruth and Naomi – how Naomi’s husband had moved her to a foreign land in the midst of a famine. He moved his family because he wanted to provide for them. Maybe you have had to move in order to find better provisions, a more stable life, a secure future.

Once Namoi, her husband, and their sons settled in Moab the sons married local girls. Tragedy hit and all three men died. Life has always been difficult, hasn’t it? It is not just during our trying times today that life has presented challenges.

Namoi decided to move – again, alone. She wanted to return to the land of her people, her culture, her God.

Ruth, one of her daughters in law, wanted to go with her. She wanted what Naomi had. She couldn’t imagine life without Naomi as her mentor.

God has been moving this “older woman” – me! It has been nearly a decade since I last made a corporate move. That does not mean, though, that God has stopped moving me.

Recently a call went out from our church’s youth department. The youth minister has a team of older youth- young adults who walk alongside the teenagers in our congregation. Many of the young adults are single, far from home, engaged in the church, but still lonely, working all day, facing trials alone… Our brilliant and compassionate youth pastor contacted people in the church asking them to come along side his team of young adults.

Last week I met M---a after having e-mailed with her for over two months (only because I was out of town traveling). She is beautiful. So gracious and intelligent. Independent too. Oh, and she loves the Lord. She shared her dreams of becoming a missionary, told me a little bit about her family, gave me insight into her passions and announced her upcoming business trip to Puerto Rico.

I fell in love with her. Tomorrow night she is coming over for dinner.

M--a is such a godly young lady, I am not sure I have a whole lot to offer, but I can open my heart and my home to a young person whose family lives far away. I can listen to her thoughts and pray for her. And I can allow her insight into the youthful culture of today to move me to be more engaging of the young people with whom I come in contact. After all – both of my sons also live in that culture. Maybe next time I sit down with one of my children, they will take notice: their growing older mom understands them, is in touch with the new millennium, relates to the issues they face, is moving with today’s generation rather than retreating into her own comfort zone.

When I discuss mentoring with others I always say – “It’s a two way relationship: the wisdom of the older woman only goes so far because the youth and energy of the younger woman is a necessary part of understanding, openness, and a growing relationship."

Let me ask you a question? Are you the wisdom or the energy in your relationships? Is God moving you to be a Ruth or a Naomi to others?

I would like to encourage you to invest in the life of a young adult. We are entering shaky times and I know parents who live far away from their children wonder if they are secure. I am one of those parents My son and his wife live very far from me. I have one comfort, though. My son is surrounded by godly mentors. I can do no less. I can move into the life of one young person and offer to move with her as she navigates the waters of adulthood.

Your God will be my God

Joshua took over the land God had ordained for the children of Israel. Slowly the pilgrims settled in the Promised Land and began to call it home.

Then a famine came, creating some challenges amongst the Hebrews living west of the Jordan River.

A certain man decided that a move across the river to a place called Moab would offer a means of survival for his family, so he packed up his wife and two sons.

He moved his family to a godless and pagan place.

Have you ever found yourself in the midst of a godless people – a place where pagans lived? “Not in America,” you say!

Oh yes, right here in suburbia or uptown. Everywhere - - people need the Lord. They are just waiting for someone to step in and introduce them to the Father.

Why would God allow you to be planted in such a place? What could possibly be the reason?

Maybe He has called you to be light in the darkness. Maybe He expects you to reach out to your neighbors and show the love of Christ. Maybe He is calling you to start a Bible study.

What does it look like to bring light to darkness, to open eyes, to press into hearts, to bring Jesus to those who don’t’ know Him?

I have decided to ask a question this year, during this holiday season that is upon us. I am praying for courage and wisdom to ask a certain question encouraging others to consider Jesus and His life on earth.

This is my question: What does Thanksgiving/Christmas mean to you? I plan on asking family members, friends, neighbors, clerks in stores, kids behind counters… anyone with whom I might strike up a happy-holidays conversation.

I pray for that one person who doesn’t know God. I pray that time will pause for just a few minutes in time so I can explain the true meaning of Christmas.

I know that the man who took his family into a pagan and godless country affected at least one person. Her name was Ruth. Because a family traveled to Moab, one young woman became acquainted with God. Because she stepped into a relationship with the King of the universe God ordained that she become the great great grandmother of the King of Israel and the KING OF KINGS!

Dear move-her. Do you find yourself in a godless place? If so, don’t fret. God can use you to bring Light to those around you.

What question will you ask to start a spiritual conversation?

My Precepts Bible study fascilitator went straight to the Word of Truth last night. These are God's words of encouragement to us. We have our work cut out for us!

1 Peter 2:11-17 (from the Message)

Friends, this world is not your home, so don't make yourselves cozy in it. Don't indulge your ego at the expense of your soul. Live an exemplary life among the natives so that your actions will refute their prejudices. Then they'll be won over to God's side and be there to join in the celebration when he arrives. Make the Master proud of you by being good citizens. Respect the authorities, whatever their level; they are God's emissaries for keeping order. It is God's will that by doing good, you might cure the ignorance of the fools who think you're a danger to society. Exercise your freedom by serving God, not by breaking the rules. Treat everyone you meet with dignity. Love your spiritual family. Revere God. Respect the government.

God is never finished even when we feel at a loss.