Today Dot and Cara kick off a new series exploring the book of Ruth through Naomi’s eyes. Reflecting on Ruth 1:19-21, they discuss how grief, if left unchecked, can spiral into bitterness. They remind us that gratitude is a powerful tool that helps us move through grief and guards our hearts against bitterness. Pull up a chair and join this insightful conversation!
Got a question about today’s episode or something else you’d like to hear us talk about on the show?
Let us know! Episode recap:
- Start by writing down Ruth 1:19-21 (0:13)
- At some point in our lives, we can all relate to Naomi (3:03)
- Grieving is natural when life doesn’t turn out the way we expect (5:20)
- If we don’t deal with what’s in our hearts, we’re going to end up bitter (8:50)
- Bitter individuals are consumed by themselves (13:27)
- When you’re in a dark place, community helps (17:00)
- Naomi and Ruth both had a choice to make in their grief (21:04)
- Gratitude helps pull us through grief (28:25)
- In pain, it is difficult to see a way out of our difficult situations (33:06)
- Ruth is being the hands and feet of Jesus to Naomi (38:04)
- Ask God, “Am I bitter?” (41:44)
Are you interested in having Dot come and speak to your community? Email us at
hello@dotbowen.com.
Scripture Verse: Ruth 1:19-21 (ESV) “So the two of them went on until they came to Bethlehem. And when they came to Bethlehem, the whole town was stirred because of them. And the women said, “Is this Naomi?” She said to them, “Do not call me Naomi; call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me. I went away full, and the Lord has brought me back empty. Why call me Naomi, when the Lord has testified against me and the Almighty has brought calamity upon me?”
What is Write this Down! with Dot Bowen?
Bible teacher, author and founder of Cup of Joy Ministries, Dot Bowen, teaches listeners what it truly looks like to know, love and follow Jesus. Each week, Dot invites you to sit down with her and her daughter, Cara, to have an authentic conversation about Biblical Scripture and God’s Truth. Their honest and thought provoking conversations are full of wit and wisdom which will have you diving deeper into God’s Word.
Whether Dot is teaching, speaking or simply grabbing coffee with a dear friend, she can often be heard saying with excitement, “Write this Down!” Her heart for the listener is to take the things she asks you to write down before the Lord and ask Him to open your eyes to His Truth and love. John 8:32 says, “and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free.”
By the end of each episode, you’ll find yourself grabbing a pencil so that you can Write this Down! with Dot Bowen.