We Don’t Go It Alone

In our scripture passage this week, Ruth, a recent widow, rejects the advice of her mother-in-law, Naomi. Instead of aligning herself to a new husband to find safety and security within a patriarchal landscape, Ruth instead aligns herself with Naomi, saying, “Where you go, I will go; where you stay, I will stay.” Ruth chooses power with Naomi, stepping into a partnership of shared resilience and interdependency, recognizing the safety found in mutual relationships.

Together, they navigate their vulnerability, sharing their burdens, gifts, and resources. As their chapters unfold, Naomi, who begins the story feeling bitter and empty, finds hope through Ruth’s presence. And Ruth, now cut off from her people, finds belonging and support. Their very survival is subversive, a quiet and crafty rebellion within a system that oppressed them.

Through Naomi’s wisdom and quick thinking, Ruth ends up with Boaz, and together they secure a future not just for themselves but for their children and the generations to come. Ruth becomes the great-grandmother of King David and part of the lineage of Jesus Christ. 

Like Naomi and Ruth, we live in unsettling times. Some of us have lost spouses and children. Some of us live far from the land of our birth. Many of us are unsettled by financial, political, and global dynamics outside of our control. Sanctified Art reminds of this fundamental truth: We don’t go it alone. Through this story of Ruth and Naomi, we are reminded that shared vulnerability leads to mutual empowerment, interdependence helps us navigate unjust systems, and God is stitching at the edges of power, gathering the pieces of our lives into God’s beautiful design. Even in the face of overwhelming adversity, we find the power to begin again as we, too, piece together quilts of belonging and relationships of mutual support. 

Deep peace and blessing,

—Anne

Rev. Anne Baxter Smith
Pastor, Southpoint Church

New to Southpoint?

At Southpoint, it all begins with God’s love. Just as a plant grows, it receives sunshine, so we grow as we receive God’s love. At Southpoint, we are growing in our capacity to love God, ourselves, one another, and Creation.

We seek to be a community of grace that is intentional yet organic, spacious yet authentic, grace-filled yet accountable. * We are fully welcoming. *

We encourage relationships rather than run programs, yet we recognize the importance of intentionality and structure as we nurture life together.

As a community, we seek to put our love in action. We value helping out on Sunday mornings, sharing food, and showing up in hard times. We keep our church life simple so folk have time to build relationships with family, friends, and neighbours. We encourage folk to serve in tangible ways within the wider community. We rent space rather than own a building, allowing us to do more with less, supporting missions at home and abroad.

Curious to know more?

These six slides express what motivates our ministry (best viewed on a monitor). Here’s the bio of our Pastor, Rev. Anne Baxter Smith.

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