The Abundant Wife

Naomi: 28 weeks

Our dearest daughter,

Before Brad and I were pregnant with you, I spent most of the summer studying the story of Ruth and Naomi. I love the romance of Ruth and Boaz, the loyalty and reputation of Ruth, and the good character of Boaz. I also love the story of Naomi, a broken woman who finds redemption. It is in honor of this dear woman, that we have decided to name you, “Naomi Faith.”

Naomi: Naomi was a woman whose life was bitter after losing her husband and two sons in a foreign land. She went away full, and came back empty. She felt the Father had afflicted her and brought misfortune on her. But the Father gave her a loyal and determined daughter-in-law named Ruth who was “better than seven sons.” The Father redeemed Naomi’s life through Ruth and Boaz, who gave her another son, the grandfather of King David. The women said to Naomi, “Praise be to the Father who has not left you without a kinsman-redeemer…He will renew you and sustain you in your old age” (Rth 4:14-15). Naomi also means: pleasant, enjoyment, gratification, beautiful, delightful, lovable, my delight. Naomi, you are already a delight. Every day your presence increases the beauty, love, and joy of our lives.

Faith: “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” (Heb. 11:1). “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not of yourselves, it is the Father’s gift—not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are His workmanship…” (Eph. 2:8-10). We are saved through by grace, through faith, and not by anything we ourselves have done to earn it. Faith is also one of the three great virtues from 1 Cor. 13: 1-13. It also means: trust, loyalty, allegiance, covenant, commitment, dedication, consecration, complete confidence, belief in the Father and acceptance of his will. You may not yet be aware of it, but faith has brought your father and I together, faith has directed our paths, and faith has brought you into our lives.

Your father and I have experienced brokenness, bitterness, and hard times in our lives, and we know that you will too. It is inevitable. But we also know that you will never be left without a Redeemer who will redeem, renew, and sustain your life. Like Naomi, you can be assured that he will never leave you or forget you. Faith (or trusting the Father) is probably the virtue I struggle with the most, so I want to grant it to you as a gift. Faith is foundational to our lives and our calling, and it is our most precious hope for you. Even as I feel you kicking in my womb, it is my most earnest hope that you will have faith in our Father and in his great love for you.

Love Always,
Mom