Boaz, the Kinsman Redeemer, symbolizes our own Kinsman Redeemer Jesus. Ruth, the Gentile, symbolizes those who need a redeemer – each…

Rahab the Harlot and Salmon, son of Nahshon, head of the tribe of Judah gave birth to Boaz. What was it like growing up as Rahab’s son…

When we look back at these stories, we recognize that God intentionally included Tamar, Rahab and now Ruth, all women “outside the camp” of the Israelites. What did they have…

Naomi left Bethlehem full but came back empty. As poverty bangs on their door, Naomi tells Ruth that she can glean in the fields of the farmers during…

“Some years ago, I was visiting a place known for making the best wedding saris in the world. They were the producers of saris rich in gold and silver…

We meet Ruth as the daughter-in-law of Naomi. Elimelech, Naomi’s husband was a prominent Israelite from the tribe of Judah, but when famine hit Bethlehem he packed up his family…

“Is this really my country?” I ask myself as I glance at the terrifying headlines that shout racism, nuclear bombs, hatred, abuse, betrayal. Recent national events…

Grace flows through Tamar’s story. God includes Tamar, a Canaanite woman whose moral judgment appears deeply flawed, in the legal bloodline of…

After God killed Er and Onan, Judah feared giving his youngest son to Tamar. Instead of looking inward or recognizing God’s sovereignty over the deaths of his…

For years Tamar lived with the knowledge that Canaanite and Jewish law required Judah to care for her. When her mother-in-law died, Tamar concluded she had no hope…

Soap operas have nothing on Scripture and Tamar's story is no exception (Genesis 38). Through his father, Jacob, God promised Judah that the…

At the last minute, my friend couldn’t accompany me to the event where I was speaking but the two hours passed quickly as I drove and listened…

The pastor asked the elderly, childless widow, “What can I do for you?” Her simple response: “Don’t forget me.” I heard the same cry in…

This week Tamar joins us on our Journey to Christmas. Tamar’s story rivals any soap opera for drama and evokes emotional empathy for a sister who experiences…

What should we do while we are waiting for the Lord to “make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert?” Elisabeth Elliot, author, speaker and spiritual mother to…

“I was sitting behind you at the Thanksgiving Eve service and I am so glad I got to see how ornery your boys are! It gives me hope as I raise our sons!” I smiled weakly, remembering…

Throughout the Psalms, we read the lament, “How long, oh Lord, how long?” Many of you whisper or shout that question every day, numerous times a day. A prodigal child, an abusive husband, too many…

Our kids call Chuck’s mother, Situ, Lebanese for grandmother. Situ is with Jesus but laughter often fills the room when family gathers and we share Situ memories. Every Christmas, someone reminds…

Between now and Christmas, we are pulling back the curtains on the lives of five women: a wounded widow, a professional prostitute, an indomitable immigrant, a bathing beauty and a…

I was about fifteen years old when my very talented, artistic mother coached me to sing All I Want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth for a holiday talent contest. Seconds before I was to perform, my…