"Hurt Yet Handsome" by Kirk Hunt

And she said unto them, Call me not Naomi, call me Mara: for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me. (Ruth 1:20 KJV)

Naomi left Israel with two sons and a husband. Three funerals later, she felt God had allowed her to be lashed with harsh, hard strokes. The pagan widow-girl who walked with her, would have seemed as much a burden, as a benefit, back home in Bethlehem.

Despite her staggering loses and her own thoughts, Naomi's spirit remained bright and beautiful. Her daughter-in-laws were drawn to the strength and dignity that no darkness could hide. Hurt, yet handsome, Naomi represented as much safety and comfort as their own families and country could provide.

Despite hard and harsh times, Naomi lived up to her given name. Despite her own woes and wounds, Naomi concerned herself with the well-being of others. Orpah (v. 4) and Ruth insisted on following their mother-in-law, a woman with a name meaning beautiful or agreeable.

Your circumstances may indeed be harsh and hard, but that doesn't have to effect your mind or spirit. Despite tough times, your heart can remain a beacon of God's joy and grace to others. God's strength can work through you, wounds, tears and all.

The God of heaven sees you and your circumstances. Continue to let His light and love to work through you anyway. You may feel hurt, but you remain handsome in His Eyes and theirs.

Think: Even in dark circumstances, God's light can shine through me.

Pray: “Lord, help me remain an instrument of Your grace, despite difficult circumstances.”

Copyright © March 2008, Kirk Hunt