While ultimately a story of hope and redemption, the book of Ruth starts off with tragedy. As Pastor Bill explains today, the book begins with events that lead to the death of Naomi’s husband, leaving her a widow. Her two sons go on to marry, but eventually, both sons die as well, and she is left with no one. Furthermore, she is living in a foreign land, at a time when widows were absolutely dependent on their community. Naomi is helpless and heartbroken, but in that pain, God creates a beautiful story.