“A life lived in kindness toward others is part of God’s special purpose for all of us. Self-sacrifice and putting the feelings and needs of others before our own are meaningful ways we can show real love.”

It’s easy to be mean. Well, it was for me. Once I learned that I could come off as strong and independent simply by putting others down, I found creative ways to do it. Sometimes, it was subtle; I walked with my nose in the air and threw snide comments around. Other times, it was direct. Every time, it was harsh, unnecessary, and damaging, to others and to myself. For a while, it was a choice. Then, it became part of a forged identity. Much more than simply a tough habit to break. 

Today, true friendship is a rare commodity. It’s not every day that you find someone who is both genuine and kind. Ruth was both.

She is The Belle Of Loyalty, and she represents what true friendship is: a gentle heart that offers help and support when it’s needed. Not because it’s convenient, not because you have something to gain, but because your heart perceives a need and is there to meet it.

That’s what Ruth did. Naomi was her family, and she was faithful in this friendship. "Don't urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.” (Ruth 1:16).

May the next generation of girls follow her example. May friendship and faith become more than habits. May they be sewn into the very fabric of their identity.