Weaving Redemption: My Journey in Writing Strength Like Ruth

By Lydia LaBelle

When I began writing Strength Like Ruth, I thought I was simply retelling a story I already knew well. What I discovered was that in the process of weaving words, God was also weaving something new in me.

Writing from Emptiness to Redemption

Like Naomi returning to Bethlehem with empty hands, I started this project with an empty page and a trembling heart. How could I bring to life one of scripture’s most beloved stories without diminishing its beauty? What sustained me was the same thing that sustained Ruth and Naomi: faith. Every chapter became an exercise in trust, a reminder that God works in the unseen threads of our lives.

Research, Imagination, and Prayer

The historian in me poured over customs of gleaning, inheritance laws, and Hebrew poetry. The storyteller in me leaned into imagination—wondering what Naomi felt burying her sons, or how Ruth’s hands must have trembled as she reached for leftover grain. And the believer in me prayed over every scene, asking God to reveal His heart in the silences between the verses.

A Mirror of My Own Journey

As I wrote about famine, exile, loyalty, and loss, I couldn’t help but see my own story reflected in theirs. Writing this book was not just a creative act—it was a spiritual journey. Ruth’s vow of faithfulness and Naomi’s restoration reminded me that God’s plans extend beyond our present grief. He is the Unseen Weaver, redeeming what feels broken.

Why This Story Matters Now

Ruth and Naomi’s journey is not just about ancient Israel; it’s about us. It’s about every person who has faced emptiness and yet dared to hope again. Their story teaches us that faithfulness in the shadows can ripple into legacies of light. That’s why I wrote Strength Like Ruth—to remind us all that redemption is always closer than we think.

If you’d like to walk this journey with Ruth and Naomi, you can find the book here: Strength Like Ruth on Amazon.