Episode 21

full
Published on:

20th Apr 2023

Before Austen's Emma, There Was Naomi

Long before Jane Austen's Emma Woodhouse, there was Naomi.

But this is no 19th century England with ladies in ball gowns and men in top hats. This is a millennium before Christ, and the couple is more akin to Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre and Edward Rochester than Austen's Mr. Darcy and Ms. Bennett. Yet this Biblical story is a marvelous story unveiling the heart's innate desire and capacity to give and receive love.

And we can see Naomi's got some romance savvy in her! Maybe she's a foreshadowing of Austen's Emma!

But this isn't a fairy tale. This is real love shown by three people in three unique ways.

Naomi loves by looking out for others in spite of her own suffering. She uses her understanding of men on Ruth's behalf.

Ruth loves by respecting Naomi and Boaz, even proposing in private!

Boaz loves through kindness, integrity, and generosity.

This story will cheer your heart, whether you relate most to Ruth, Naomi, or Boaz.

You can turn this podcast into a complete Bible study for yourself or your family! Subscribe to Hi(Lights) and receive three days of reasonable reading assignments between episodes with insights, discussion questions, and references to children's Bibles you can read to little ones and older children can read for themselves.

Sign up at https://www.stephaniepresents.com/

Remember, my friend, you have an impact that is immeasurable, eternal, and irreplaceable.

#biblestudy

#familydevotions

#christianfaith

#christianfamilies

#christianparenting

#christianwomen

#familybiblestudy

#biblestudyforkids

#biblestudyforchildren

#bible

#faith

#stephaniesmithpresents

Next Episode All Episodes Previous Episode

Listen for free

Show artwork for Godly Impact

About the Podcast

Godly Impact
Grow good intentions into godly impact
You want to be the best possible person, parent, or spouse. Yet sometimes it can be confusing how to do this. The "Godly Impact" podcast helps you grow your good intentions into godly impact. Your good intentions are like seeds that need soil, water, and sunshine. You will cultivate rich soil by learning how God designed people through Biblical principles and modern research. You will discover good insights on how to apply this knowledge to your specific situations.
You have an immeasurable, eternal, and irreplaceable impact. The "Godly Impact" podcast will help you make it count for good. You will appreciate the combination of depth and winsomeness, authority and vulnerability of your host, Stephanie Smith. A wife, mom, mother-in-law, and Nana, Stephanie is a speaker and writer who loves helping others flourish.
Learn more at her website, https://www.stephaniepresents.com/

About your host

Profile picture for Stephanie Smith

Stephanie Smith

Stephanie knows from experience good intentions aren't enough to be spiritually strong, emotionally healthy, and relationally smart--or to raise kids who are. She shares powerful Scriptural principles and science-backed insights into human behavior to equip people to grow good intentions into godly impact.

Stephanie's authenticity creates immediate connection with audiences both virtual and on the stage, while gracious authority provides clarity and confidence for listeners. Her leadership experience includes being a certified Primal Question coach, Christian school founding board member and teacher, homeschool cooperative founder, and Teen Theater Director.

Stephanie is a wife, mother of five grown sons, mother-in-law of four, and Nana to a growing tribe of awesome grandkids. She is committed to Psalm 17:17-18, proclaiming God's power to generations through wisdom forged in real life.