“For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me. Matthew 25:35-36 (NLT)
Always there for you – that’s the way I would describe Ruthie. She had an infectious laugh and a warm smile that made you feel instantly loved. Ruthie didn’t have an easy life but she had one that honored God. She went to be with the Lord recently and I am sure there was much rejoicing in Heaven as she went home.
Somehow I got in my mind that the only way you can do “real” Kingdom work and honor God is in some big huge stadium crowd type of way. Ruthie was a testament of just the opposite of that belief.
Ruthie lived her life in a simple, quiet manner and as a reflection of exactly what Christ calls us to do. Love! She had so much love in her heart and it just spilled out and splashed all over the rest of us lucky enough to have known her.
The depression era left its mark on many lives that came through it. Ruthie was one of those. She could find a use for anything. She was recycling and reusing before it was “cool”.
There wasn’t a soul in our small community that wasn’t blessed by Ruthie’s generosity. It didn’t matter that she didn’t have much she always gladly shared whatever she had with everyone she could.
The smell of Ruthie’s home cooked food around lunch time would draw crowds of people in who desperately needed fed. She never asked for notoriety or money but she would have people help with some of her chores so it wasn’t ever charity. She just loved like Christ taught her to love – unconditionally.
When I was fresh out of high school I worked with Ruthie as an aide at the hospital. It was amazing to see the genuine care she had for those who were hurting and sick. A smile, a laugh, a kind word here and there did more healing than the doctors that worked there most days. Her positive attitude quickly rubbed off on all those around her.
I was blessed to attend church with her and would often ask Ruthie how she was doing as she walked in for service. Her comment back was always, “Well I’m still here so I guess I can’t complain.”
I will miss her smile, her honesty, her quick wit and her genuine care for her fellow human beings. Until we meet again Ruthie. ❤️
Thanks, Laura, for the beautiful tribute to Ruthie! As I was reading this post, it reminded me of the Ruthie's I have been blessed to know who are at home with the Lord. Most of them would not have been considered significant and yet the simple but profound ways the Lord used them to touch the lives of others stood as a striking testimony of His grace and love.
Blessings and grace,
Pam
I’m blessed to be your neighbor over at #LiveFreeThursday this week, and I’m glad I stopped by! These are beautiful memories of someone who loved much. I have an elderly neighbor who has been so generous with her loving in many of those same ways. And like, Ruthie, she would say that her life was nothing special. But those who give love so freely touch our hearts so deeply! Thank you for sharing this! Blessings!
We definitely need more “Ruthie’s” in this world! I’m so glad you have loving neighbor in your life as well. Blessings to you as well.