Renegade Ruth: Her Life. Her Strength. Your Story

By Lauren Carroll

"Don't force me to leave you; don't make me go home. Where you go, I go; and where you live, I'll live. Your people are my people, your God is my god.......not even death itself is going to come between us!"

            &nbs

• Language: English
• Publisher: With A Word, LLC
• Release date: Nov 6, 2020
• ISBN: 9780578758473

Lauren Carroll

Dr. Lauren Carroll MD, MBA is a physician executive, author, and children's and youth advocate. She has nearly 20 years' experience of teaching Biblical truth to children and youth of all ages both domestically and abroad. She has had the privilege of conducting medical and faith-based missionary work in South Africa, Haiti, Tanzania, Peru, and Jamaica. Expounding Biblical principles in a way young people can understand and embrace is one of her deepest passions. Dr. Carroll continues her work with children and youth in her role as the Director of Children's Ministry at Faith Xperience Church located in Detroit, Michigan. Her mission is to motivate and encourage others to improve their health physically, mentally, and emotionally through the love and knowledge of Jesus Christ.

Book preview

Introduction

Although highly popular at the time of the production of this book, the word renegade does not only refer to a popular dance on social media! Throughout history, the label of renegade has been bestowed on individuals who have made their mark by standing out in very counter-cultural ways. While not many movies, television shows, or books in the past have shown women in this light, being a renegade has set apart some of the most famous women in history. The likes of Joan of Arc and Harriet Tubman represent women who would be considered renegades during their time. As a teenager, Joan of Arc convinced the crown prince of France in 1429 to let her lead an army to victory against the English¹. It was unheard of to have a teenager lead a garrison of soldiers, let alone a woman. Harriet Tubman was a woman born into slavery in the 1820s. She led many groups of enslaved African-Americans to freedom and was the first African-American woman to serve in the United States military. She showed extraordinary bravery and courage when facing death on many occasions for the sake of others. These women are prime examples of the benefits of standing out for a worthy cause, no matter how peculiar this stance or out of place. They were the true definitions of heroes in their day!

This book is dedicated to a renegade woman in the Bible, whose name was Ruth. Through her story, we can learn about the character of a renegade and the consequences of behavior that sets one apart from the norm. Ruth’s story also reveals foundational truths that can help us understand God’s ultimate plan for our own lives and our impact on the world around us. Some scholars may think that the Bible is just an antiquated book that displays archaic rules that oppress women. It is true that the Bible was written in a time in which women did not enjoy the same freedoms in society of today. But it’s important to remember that God’s ways are not dictated by the cultures of men. If anything, God calls us to conform to Heaven’s culture—one of equality throughout mankind, with dependence on Him alone—a culture in which we take bold steps to live out His will for our lives and submit to our fellow brothers and sisters in kindness and love. We see throughout Scripture God using dynamic women such as Miriam, Deborah, and Esther to accomplish His will in the earth. Ruth, in particular, is one of these chosen women. As we go through the elements of her story, let us take the time to think about our own. What would we do in her circumstances? What kind of strength is needed by us to forsake the past and dive into a new life? Are there some things in your own life which you need to leave behind to embrace a better future? All of us will encounter these questions sooner or later as we grow and develop. This book will help equip you with wisdom to make these choices for yourself. At the end of each chapter, there are Renegade Review points and questions to assist you along this journey of divine revelation. Go over these points regularly while you read, and even present them to a parent, trusted friend, teacher, or mentor. You are not conducting this journey alone. Many people are dependent on the greatness which lies inside of you to be introduced to the world. I challenge you to take a risk! Become the renegade and hero you were created to be!

CHAPTER 1

Wanted: Renegades!

Arenegade is defined as a person who deserts and betrays an organization, country, or set of principles.¹ A renegade is also described as someone who behaves in a rebelliously unconventional manner. However, being a renegade is not always a bad thing! In this present world, we need people to break free from the status quo that can sometimes cause insecurity, fear, and depression. God has called you to be a renegade in your generation!

Renegades are leaders, but at times, they may be called to stand alone in their beliefs. In our society, it’s very easy to follow the crowd and do whatever is socially acceptable, even though it may be the wrong course of action. You don’t make history by always following the crowd. History-making is not just reserved for those in the public eye. You can be the history maker in your family, your home, your school, or your neighborhood. All it takes is the courage to step out and do something different. Many of you may belong to families in which you’re expected to do the same things as your parents, grandparents, or even great-parents. Or you may be plagued by the mistakes of an older sister or brother. This unfairness may have caused others to write you off as someone who will not amount to great things. The first place you need to be a renegade is in your own thoughts. Your conventional way of thinking may not have suited you well, for you sense that a revolutionary change is needed in your life. You need the life-bringing change that redemption provides!

What does it Mean to be REDEEMED?

The word redeem means to gain or regain possession of something in exchange for payment.² For example, after gaining a certain amount of points in your favorite online video game, you may be able to purchase certain items within the game for your benefit during play. When you redeem those items, you have an advantage during gameplay. The redemption of those items may even give you a certain status so that you can go to the next level. The word redeem also means to fulfill or carry out a pledge or promise. Think of the last time someone fulfilled a promise that was made to you. It may have been as simple as that someone taking you to your favorite restaurant for your birthday or as complex as someone keeping your most private secret. When we know that someone has made good on their promise, it gives us a sense of happiness and, oftentimes, relief. That is the feeling of redemption.

The redemption that God has provided for us is so much more than we can describe in human terms. When we think of redemption, we should also think of the word chosen. We were designed with purpose and selected to carry out a specific unique task. Despite what others may have said about us in the past, we must remember that we were not a mistake. The circumstances surrounding our birth may have