Naomi Annointing[ Test Article]

 Hello, before you read this article. This is a test article. This means some errors and adjustments will be made to it and revised at a further date.

Naomi is now left alone with her two daughters-in-law in a foreign land. After a period of grieving, Naomi gets herself together and decides to return to Bethlehem. In transition, Naomi conversates with Orpah and Ruth to convince them to leave back to their lands and Gods. Initially, Orpah tells Naomi that she will stay with her wherever Naomi goes. Then Ruth 1:11-14, Naomi stands firm and means to the ladies of her daughter-in-law that she can no longer produce a husband and or offspring. Even if she could produce offspring, the daughters would have to wait until the child is of marrying age. Orpah kisses Naomi and le while Ruth chooses to stay.

THE DAUGHTER-IN-LAW HAD TWO DIFFERENT SETS OF VALUES. Ruth honors Naomi by staying with her, and Orpah chooses to find another husband.

               In Hebrew culture, men were the primary breadwinners of their household. At the same time, the women maintained the families and were responsible for the development of the children. In the Middle East, the main jobs granted today are labor jobs for women. Their belief is that woman is more naturally gifted with such work than men. This point can be argued to be the four corners of the earth, but this is the world's system. Mosaic law states that they must take care of the widows and poor. They would receive the remaining leftovers from the crops. The story shows that Ruth received favor while on the plantation due to her faithfulness and devotion toward Naomi. Boaz tells Ruth that she will get the best of his crops and have enough to bring it home to Naomi. As Ruth continued to be faithful to Naomi, Naomi gave Ruth sound wisdom to get Boaz's attention. There were three things Naomi taught Ruth.

1.      Position

2.      Protection

3.      Serving

In the book of Ruth, it talks about her Boaz was at a party. Ruth attends the party and Is told by Noami to serve Boaz and not leave his side. Ruth stays with Boaz the entire while he is intoxicated. Ruth supporting Boaz at his most vulnerable point changed Ruth's position in Boaz's heart. Ruth has now gone from widow to wife. The story goes unto say that Boaz meets some influential men and gains the support of the men to marry Ruth. By Ruth choosing to serve Naomi, she gained access to motherly wisdom that eventually earned her spot as the first lady in the field and guaranteed a better quality of life for Noami in her latter days. . If Noami did not give Ruth such sound advice, then Ruth would have done took the same approach as the other females competing for Boaz attention or would have just lived out her days alone feeding off of the scraps given due to obligation.

Now you be saying, Rykeem, How does this story provide relevance today? Ruth's traits are missing in foundational training for the majority.[ Disclaimer: Some families teach these values, but ultimately it comes down to the choice of the individual]

PROTECTION: Believe it or not, the reality is that males need protection too. The security I am referring to is not physical or financial protection. In the story of Ruth, Boaz could have protected himself if a fight had broken out. But Ruth saved Boaz from being emotionally taken advantage of at his weakest point. Boaz is what we call today a High-Value man. Imagine if Boaz had committed an act of adultery with a woman of the town. This event could have tarnished Boaz's reputation, business, and future in modern times. Ruth Protected Boaz from his innate desire to procreate the earth. 

               Moreover, there is this stigma that men do not have feelings in today's society. This is further from the truth; I would debate that men are more emotional than women if you look at the emotional maturation between males and infants. The boys are typically more expressive than the female infants. But as the boy infants become men, society has trained their expression of feelings unnecessary. That little boy should not cry. The reality is that emotionally speaking, many men walk into caves and rarely return.

I would even stick my neck out and say that Men do not feel emotionally safe expressing their feelings to the opposite sex?

I know this is a bold statement, but here are some signs of what a modern man exhibits.

1. Agree to what you say even though he does not agree. ( The woman may say he wants me to shut up.)

2.      Having short conversations with you but can be on the phone with others for an extended period

3.      Spouse labeling him as dull, unmotivated, and or insensitive. You will see him become quiet or unresponsive

4.      Immerse himself into activities that do not require partnership or conversation for extended periods.

5.      Decrease in a desire for sex. (Him not wanting sex does not always equate to him cheating)

The goal for the next generation of women is to meet the man at the cave entrance. Not to be the one pushing him into the cave. As the old saints say, you need to be his peace, not the burden. When humans feel safe, they can get the best version of themselves.

Position: In the story, Ruth puts herself into a position to be seen. She went to the place that Boaz was at. Ruth did not stay home in her inside attire, hoping for the man she wanted to show up to. A rule of thumb is that for you to Receive, you must be Seen. This does not imply that a woman wimsly travels everywhere to all locations. I am indicating that you must be strategic in where you look. There is a saying that people who fail to prepare have a plan to fail.

 Moreover, the individuals (Grandmothers) who are meant to teach these virtues to our women are either dying, dwindling, or having strained relationships with the woman of their families. This sound wisdom can sometimes be the difference between creating a generational of families or generational cycles of broken families.

Before I end this chapter, It would be unwise for me not to explain how these above traits are used for your competitive advantage. The reality today is that when a woman walks in these three traits, she operates in her superpower. Can you guess what it is? Yes, it's the most hated word in today's society.  

Just as gentleness for men can be viewed as weakness, femininity can be considered a weakness for women. Let's look at multiple definitions and true meanings of the two words.

Gentleness

1.      A sensitive disposition and kindness prompted by Love.

2.      Is to live in sync with God

3.      Is never self-important but is considerate, courteous, and modest, yet willing to try when a job needs to be done.

4.      Restraint coupled with strength and courage

Femininity:

1.      Deals with the inner characteristics of a female

2.      Is to have access to a component of self that the Creator put inside you

3.      Is between excessive emotionalism and indifference

4.      Is boldness coupled with humility and peace

When a woman walks into her true femininity, she can command anything she wants from the world. This superpower can start wars or be the reason for its stoppage. This superpower can build empires or tear them down to the right people. This superpower can be the antidote for pain or poison that accelerates death. Femininity is the missing piece to many puzzles. Femininity deals with the expression of both Genders. Femininity is needed in our society, and without it, you will start to see a very heartless generation. We have seen that attention is our current currency in the world. I also believe transparency and vulnerability are a currency that is necessary for this modern era.

Thank you for your time.

P.S There are many lenses to this topic. I will love your insight let's grow together