Unshaken by Francine Rivers Read Free Book Online

leaning her head back against the cold stone. “We will reach Jerusalem tomorrow.”
    Naomi said nothing. She was breathing heavily, her eyes closed, her face pale with exhaustion.
    Ruth rose again and unrolled the bedding. She broke the last raisin cake in half. “You’ll feel better after you’ve had something to eat.” Naomi took the food and ate slowly. Ruth saw the sheen of tears in Naomi’s eyes.
    “God willing, we will be in Bethlehem early tomorrow,” Naomi said, folding her hands in her lap. “It is only a short distance beyond Jerusalem.”
    Ruth smiled and put her hand over Naomi’s. “You’re almost home, Mother.”
    Naomi closed her eyes, but not before tears slipped down her dusty cheeks. Ruth sat closer and put her arm around her mother-in-law. Naomi leaned her head against Ruth’s shoulder, and within moments was asleep.
    Lord, Lord . . . Ruth didn’t know what to pray anymore. She was too weary to think but not to fear. Thank You for bringing us this far. Please do not leave us now.
    Ruth knew the real trial of her strength was only just beginning. With each day of travel, Naomi had become increasingly dependent upon her. Ruth did not mind, but she was plagued by worries.
    What would become of them when they reached Bethlehem?

WITH Bethlehem so close, Naomi became eager to reach home. Rising before the sun, the two women set out on the final leg of their journey. Naomi’s strength was renewed. Ruth didn’t have to urge her on as before. “It’s not far now. Not far at all,” Naomi said. With the rising sun, they followed the road past Jerusalem. It was still morning when they entered the town of Bethlehem. Women were gathered at the well in the center of town, talking and laughing as they drew up water for the day’s household needs. They noticed Naomi and Ruth, and drew in closer together, lowering their voices. Ruth could feel Naomi’s tension. “Come, Mother. Perhaps there will be someone you know, and I need to fill the skins.”
    One woman, older than the rest, separated herself from the others. “Is it really Naomi?” She frowned heavily, tilting her head as though she couldn’t see clearly.
    Ruth touched her mother-in-law’s arm gently. “You aren’t forgotten. You still have friends in Bethlehem.”
    “It is Naomi!” She came toward her, arms outstretched. “Naomi, you have returned!”
    The women cried out in excitement, hastening toward her mother-in-law. Ruth stepped back to allow them room, giving silent thanks to God that Naomi was remembered and welcomed so warmly. Perhaps the enthusiastic greeting of these women would raise her mother-in-law’s spirits.
    “Naomi, you look as though you’ve traveled hundreds of miles!”
    “Where have you been all these years?”
    “We heard you went to Moab.”
    “What’s happened to you?”
    Ruth saw Naomi’s distress growing. Her mother-in-law looked this way and that as though seeking an escape from this throng of interrogators.
    “I remember the day you left with mules loaded down with your possessions.”
    “What’s happened to you?”
    Ruth could only imagine what her mother-in-law was thinking. Naomi was home in Bethlehem, but she was destitute. She was among friends but was clearly the object of their pity and curiosity. Aching for her, Ruth was uncertain what to do. Should she press her way into the center of the circle and try to rescue her? Or would that only make matters worse? The women had made a tight circle around Naomi, while presenting Ruth their backs. In fact, no one had given her more than a hostile glance. The women made no effort to hide their shock at Naomi’s appearance.
    “Where is your husband, Elimelech?”
    “Such a tall, handsome man.”
    The women pressed in upon Naomi from all sides, asking questions that would only stir up the grief of recent tragedies.
    “You had sons. Where are they?”
    “Surely they haven’t remained in Moab!”
    “Where are Mahlon and Kilion?”
    They were