The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18
In loving memory of Robert Beach.
Recently, my landlord, Bob, passed away after a very brief illness, which has left my heart shattered. My landlord wasn’t just my landlord; he was like extended family. I have rented my home from him for almost 12 years. He was also my neighbor.
THE STORY BEING WRITTEN
But as much as grief is complex and the sadness can be overwhelming, I have seen God’s beautiful story being written in this situation. My landlord’s sister, Ms. Ruth, is also my neighbor. She relied heavily on my landlord, who almost 10 years younger than her, took care of maintenance on our property.
I have seen others step up in big ways to help Ms. Ruth. People have checked in on her almost daily, family came from out of state to stay with her, flowers have been delivered, and the yard has been mowed.
GOD’S STORY
It’s been comforting to see God working, but it is a reminder that my landlord is, in fact, gone. I think this is how Bob would want it. People who loved him also are loving on his sister. It doesn’t remove the fact that he is gone, but it shows a beautiful community coming together to show support and kindness in such a needed time. God has a magnificent story.
BOAZ AND RUTH
All of this makes me think of Boaz from the Bible. He provided for Ruth during her time of need. Ruth lost her husband, and Naomi, her mother-in-law, lost her son. The two traveled back to Naomi’s homeland, Judah. While there, Ruth needed to provide food, so she collected grain. While collecting grain, she met Boaz. Boaz allowed Ruth to gather bonus grains from his field and allowed her to drink from the jug. He also warned the men not to bother her.
Later in the story, Boaz marries Ruth and takes care of her mother-in-law, Naomi, a relative of Boaz. Boaz declares, “I have also acquired Ruth the Moabite, Mahlon’s widow, as my wife, in order to maintain the name of the dead with his property, so that his name will not disappear from among his family or from his hometown. Today you are witnesses!” (Ruth 4:10)
CLOSE TO THE BROKENHEARTED
Even though grief is hard, God’s beautiful story is seen throughout Ruth’s story. God’s wonderful story is exhibited in the care of my landlord’s sister, Ms. Ruth. Bob made such a wonderful impact on so many people’s lives including mine. I can see God’s hand as “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all” (Psalm 34:18-19).