You Stayed

Today we have the tendency to applaud those who take the plunge, the jump, start something new, or discover the next new thing. Those who shake things up. Bold and brave enough to take a leap of faith and leave. Then there are those who took a leap of faith and stayed . Many times, not celebrated or even admired. I found that these are some of the unsung heroes of our time.

Often overlooked as they stood as giants in obscurity. Wearing the labels faithful coworker, partner, parent, spouse, friend, congregant, sister, brother, and child. They chose to stay. Stayed even when it was tough. Stayed when everyone thought they should have left. Stayed when it didn’t make sense to those looking on. Stayed when others questioned their sanity or judgement. They stayed when it wasn’t financially profitable. At times it appeared as if you were committing professional or academic suicide – still you stayed. I salute you!

Such was the story of a girl called Ruth. After losing her husband, she chose to stay with her mother-in-law [ Naomi] rather than returning to her family and people. No one would have faulted her if she did. Naomi encouraged her to go back to her people, but Ruth responded with unswerving loyalty – ‘ Where you go I will go’. One wonders why she stayed. Naomi had nothing to offer her. Actually they returned to Naomi’s people with nothing. She had to go out into fields to pick up grains after the reapers cleared the field. There was nothing promising about living that way.

For many who chose to ‘stay’, that’s their story. Nothing glamorous to the naked eyes. However, the truth is many times we never live long enough to see results of the decision to ‘stay’. It is highly likely that Ruth didn’t live long enough to see her great-grandson David rise to become one of the greatest kings in Israel. She had no idea that her decision to stay would eventually result in her being in the blood line of Jesus. Who could have imagined that? When God led or designed- there is always purpose in ‘staying.’

No one can tell us to stay or leave. That is not always an easy decision. Sometimes the best decision is to leave. Other times the answer lies in staying. I do pray that if this is your current situation, you’ll choose from a place of peace. I find that the One who is Omniscient. He who sees way ahead into the future is always willing to guide us accordingly. In reference to God’s will, my pastor often reminds us – ‘ Many times it doesn’t makes sense, but it does’.

And the Lord will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail. [Isaiah 58:11]

**Thanks for reading. If you chose to stay- be at peace.