Girls To Grow

Nurturing moms in their walk with God

3 Ways We Might Be Vain (and it doesn’t have to do with how you look)

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What comes to mind when you hear the word “vain?” We might picture a teenage girl (or a middle-aged woman, for that matter) primping in front of a mirror. She’s making sure her hair looks just right or that her outfit is perfectly arranged. Her focus is totally on her outward appearance.

It could also be a conceited co-worker who’s constantly telling you how great he is. Or that mom on social media who posts every. single. detail. about her perfect child.

But there’s another definition of the word vain and that’s what I want to explore today.

In 2 Kings 17:15, we read about the children of Israel.

“And they rejected His statutes and His covenant…and His testimonies…and they followed vanity, and became vain, and went after the heathen that were round about them, concerning whom the Lord had charged them, that they should not do like them.“

According to this verse, these people had two issues. They rejected God’s way and they followed the way of the world around them.

It’s pretty plain what it means for us to reject God’s way. His Word tells us what we need to do. It’s up to us whether we choose to obey or not.

But I was a little bit intrigued by the second part of the verse. It says that the Israelites “followed vanity, and became vain.” In this case, some good synonyms for vanity are fleeting, empty, worthless, useless, meaningless, having no real value, and foolish. So they followed after these types of things…and then that’s the type of people they became.

I doubt we want any of those words to describe us! But do we ever follow after vanity? I would have to admit that I do. I allow myself to get caught up in things that are a waste of time.

As I considered how I might be vain, I came up with three specific areas. It’s interesting that in all three of these areas, we can look great on the outside, but have nothing of value on the inside. There are certainly more ways I may be vain, but these make a good place to start evaluating myself!

Here are three areas of our lives where we might be doing what looks good, but be empty on the inside.

1. We are empty in our words.

Psalm 12:2 says, “They speak vanity every one with his neighbor: with flattering lips and with a double heart do they speak.” There are three issues in this verse – foolish talk, insincere praise, and speaking with a hidden motive. How often do we find ourselves in conversations that include one of these?

There are many verses dealing with how we should use our tongue, but Proverbs 31:26 is one of my favorites. “She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.” How happy I would be if that’s how my speech was characterized!

2. We are empty in our thoughts.

According to Psalm 94:11, “The Lord knoweth the thoughts of man, that they are vanity.” I have thoughts swirling around in my head all the time. How many of them fall into the “useless” or “worthless” category? This could certainly include those that center on criticizing others, worry, or fear.

We can follow God’s way and replace those thoughts with better ones. Remember Philippians 4:8? “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.“

3. We are empty in our worship.

Matthew 15:8-9 puts it plainly. “This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” What a description of how we don’t want to be – making our worship only an outward show and living according to what men teach that is outside of what God’s Word says.

Instead, let’s be true worshippers. “But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.” ~John 4:23 We worship God not for outward show, but from a place of love and gratitude for who He is and what He has done for us.

The children of Israel became like their idols. They lost their relationship with God and had no power against their enemies. Let’s ask God to help us keep our words, thoughts, and worship focused on things that have eternal value.

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Saturday Salutes ~ Knowing Your Child’s Heart, Recipes I’m Trying, and the Books I Read in August

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We’re settling into a new rhythm here at home. Our daughter seems to be adjusting well to college, and I get excited when we receive little updates from her.

Here are some helpful posts I’ve found around the Web lately.

Lori shares 10 Ways to Dial into Your Child’s Heart.

Susan gives advice on How to See the Sweetness in the Stress of Caring for Two Generations.

Ayanna lists 5 Simple Steps to Becoming a Better Wife.

I’m always looking for a new recipe to take to breakfast for our Sunday School class. This Croissant Breakfast Egg Casserole is what I’ll be trying next!

I also want to try more sheet pan dinners. Both this Sheet Pan Pasta Bake with Chicken and Kale and this Sheet Pan Pesto Chicken with Asparagus, Tomatoes, and Walnuts will be on our menu soon.

I read one non-fiction book in August, but it was fairly long. First: Sandra Day O’Connor by Evan Thomas was a very interesting read. Now that I have this author’s perspective, I’d like to read a couple of other books about the first woman appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court.

I finished two fiction books, both by Laura Frantz. Lately, I seem to find an author I like and read all his/her books in a row. Both The Colonel’s Lady and Courting Morrow Little were excellent reads.

We’ll be getting lots of house projects done this weekend, including updating and rearranging our younger daughter’s bedroom. Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

This post may contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on a product link and make a purchase, I’ll receive a small percentage from any sales.  This does not affect your price in any way.

What Should We Do When God Answers Our Prayers?

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You know the story.

Last weekend, we dropped our oldest daughter off at college.

I’ve been praying for months that she would have just the right roommates and that the transition to college would be an easy one for her.

Just last week, I started praying about move-in day on Saturday. There were some facts I knew.

  • It would be hot. It’s Florida in August after all.
  • There would be a lot of stuff to move from our vehicle to her dorm room.
  • Since this was our first ever college drop off, none of us knew exactly how this process of check-in/move-in/registration was supposed to go. (And three of the four of us in this family are very BIG on knowing exactly how things will go.)
  • Our daughter, my husband, and I would likely have different opinions on things as the day wore on. Just based on past experiences…

I had low expectations.

Yet God answered prayer.

I couldn’t have asked for the whole process to go more smoothly. Our daughter met two of her roommates right away. We also got to meet them, as well as the parents of one of them. Seriously, they were all just very nice people.

Our daughter got her room set up, my husband helped her pre-register for her classes online, and we made a final trip to Walmart. (Still trying to figure out how we spent so much when we’d already unloaded a truckful in her dorm room.)

By the end of the day, I was so relieved and so very grateful. God answered my prayers. And it wasn’t just my prayers. I knew other family and friends had been praying for us over the weekend.

Now please don’t think I’m promoting my praying abilities over here. It’s not about me. It is about a God who cares about every detail of our lives. And He listens when we pray.

“Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath done for my soul. I cried unto him with my mouth, and he was extolled with my tongue. If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me: But verily God hath heard me; he hath attended to the voice of my prayer. Blessed be God, which hath not turned away my prayer, nor his mercy from me. ~Psalm 66:16-20

I sometimes hear about how we should respond when God doesn’t answer our prayers. But what are we to do when God does answer prayer? Here are four ideas.

Four things to do when God has answered a prayer for us.

Praise Him directly.

 “Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:” ~Psalm 103:1-2

Go to God in private and praise and thank Him for what He’s done.

Give Him the glory.

All glory goes to Him. Don’t rationalize it as “Well, this would have happened anyway, even if I hadn’t prayed.” Both privately and publicly, give all credit to God.

Share your story to encourage others.

It’s not bragging if you’re giving Him the glory. God doesn’t answer our prayers because we pray the longest or the hardest or read enough Bible verses. He answers prayer because of His love and His grace.

I do know that, according to the first Scripture passage above, He won’t hear my prayer if I harbor sin in my life. Nor will He answer my prayer if I’m asking with the wrong motives, just to consume it on my lusts. [James 4:3] But if I seek to pray in His will, He will hear and answer. [1 John 5:14-15]

Be motivated to pray more.

“I love the Lord, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications. Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live.”~Psalm 116:1-2

You’d better believe I’m continuing to pray for my daughter at college…for her to find good friends, for her classes to go well. I’m also praying for my other daughter, the list of people for whom I pray daily for their salvation, and many other requests.

Are all my prayers answered in the way these particular college-related ones were? No.

I’m not sovereign, so I don’t know and can’t explain why God answers some prayers in the way we’ve asked, while in other situations He lets us ask Him over and over again for our request…and sometimes says no.

But I do know that I can trust Him to always do what’s best for me. His ways are not mine…they are much better. [Isaiah 55:8-9]

What prayer do you need to be answered today? Keep praying, my friends. Remember Ephesians 3:20 tells us that He “…is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us…”

And what does the following verse say? “Unto him be glory…”

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In the Midst of Change, Here’s Who God Is to Me Today

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Why would I be talking about change today? Because our younger daughter started 11th grade on Monday. And this weekend we’ll drop our older daughter off for her freshman year at college.

This will be a big life change for us. But whether we’re experiencing a major change or a minor one, we tend to want something comforting and familiar to hang on to. Situations like these are when all that I know about God theoretically needs to become really practical in my life.

What I believe about God colors everything. And there’s only one way to know what to believe about God and that’s by learning about Him through His Word.

Recently I started going through the Psalms and writing down characteristics of God I found there. Since I’m adjusting to change this week, I’ve chosen a few of the ones that are encouraging me to share with you.

God is omnipresent.

“Am I a God at hand, saith the Lord, and not a God afar off? Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the Lord. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the Lord.” ~Jeremiah 23:23-24

God is here at home with me, and He will be there, nine hours away, with our daughter. When either one of us is hurting or lonely – or happy and excited! – He will be there to guide us through all of those moments.

While I may think that my physical presence offers her protection or makes her immune to hard things, it doesn’t. But God’s presence can provide all she needs.

God is sovereign.

“Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:” ~Isaiah 46:9-10

God knows and does what’s best. He will accomplish His purposes in our daughter’s life and in mine. Only He can write the story that will result in a life that brings glory to Him. She is in far more capable hands with Him than she is with me! All that happens to her is orchestrated by God.

God is good.

“O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.” ~Psalm 34:8

God is good. Because I know this to be true, I can trust that what happens in our daughter’s life is ultimately good…even when it looks hard from here. And I know that it’s best for me to step back and see what good things God will do in our family as we move on into the next stage of life.

God is faithful.

“Know therefore that the Lord thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;” ~Deuteronomy 7:9

Every promise that God has made He will keep. I won’t be as available to help our daughter as I have been in the past, but God will be faithful to her. We can both grow in our faith by learning to trust and rely on Him more.

God is our refuge.

“He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.” ~Psalm 91:1-2

In spite of knowing all that is good about our daughter leaving home, I’m going to have moments when I need a place of safety, shelter, and comfort – more in an emotional sense than a physical one. God can give me those, along with peace in the midst of these changes.

God is love.

“The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.” ~Jeremiah 31:3

God loves me and my daughter. As much as I love her, His love is even greater. He empathizes with my situation. After all, didn’t God make the greatest sacrifice of all when He sent His Son to die on the cross for our sins? That same amazing love extends to each one of us.

What characteristic of God do you need to be reminded of today? God is so much more than I’ve listed here. He is holy, righteous, and just. He is all-powerful, all-knowing, and unchanging.

Whatever trial you’re in – a broken relationship, illness, a financial burden, or just a season of life change like mine – God can meet our every need.

Related Posts:

6 Quotes About Friends for Our Teenagers

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As I go through the process of parenting two teenage girls, I’ve found something I often heard to be true.  Friends play a big part in their lives. 

While I believe that the most important influence continues to be us as parents, their friends can either help or hinder what we’re trying to teach our children during these years.

As with every area of their lives, the most important thing we can do is to pray over their friendships.  I pray almost daily that our girls will have wisdom and discernment in their relationships.  I desire for them to have strong, life-giving friendships with those who will be loyal, honest, and loving.  Most of all, I want them to be surrounded by peers who will encourage them to grow in their relationship with Christ.

Below are six quotes, wisdom from others, that I want to pass along to my daughters as they consider how to be and how to find good friends.

Here's wisdom we can pass along to our teenagers as they evaluate their friendships.

1.  “A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.”  ~Proverbs 18:24. 

With our oldest daughter heading off to a college where she doesn’t have close friends, she’ll be in a position to reach out in friendship to others.  And if/when loneliness starts to creep in, I want her to realize that Jesus will always be her closest friend.  In fact, He can meet needs in her that no friend, no matter how close, ever can.

2.  “My best friend is the one who brings out the best in me.”  ~Henry Ford  

A true friend makes us a better person. It’s good to ask, “Am I blessed and encouraged when I’m with this friend, or do I feel ‘less-than’ or discouraged after we’ve been together?”

Conversely, ask “Am I able to help my friend grow and shine through the way I treat her?”

3.  “Friendship is always a sweet responsibility, never an opportunity.”  ~Khalil Gibran  

View friendships through the lens of what you can give to others, not what you can get from them. Be the friend you would like to have.

4.  “Be courteous to all, but intimate with few, and let those few be well tried before you give them your confidence.”  ~George Washington  

It takes time to build trust, so be careful who you share your deepest thoughts and feelings with. Be just as careful to keep the trust that is given to you by a friend.

I’ve heard it said that you will only have a few truly close friends throughout your lifetime. Treasure those people with whom you can build lasting relationships!

5. “Never do a wrong thing to make a friend or to keep one.” ~Robert E. Lee

A true friend will not ask you to do anything that he or she knows goes against your beliefs. Don’t let peer pressure cause you to act foolishly. Remember Proverbs 13:20. “He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.”

6.  “When you choose your friends, don’t be short-changed by choosing personality over character.”  ~W. Somerset Maugham

Value those who are true to themselves and who live in a way that is God-honoring. It’s easy to be attracted to those who are popular or funny, but make sure they are also good, kind people.

I think it goes without saying that these truths apply to our adult friendships as well! Good friends can be a blessing in the lives of our teenagers and in our lives, too.

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Saturday Salutes ~ Planning for the School Year, College Drop Off, and Beloved Picture Books

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Our daughters and I are making the last trip of the summer to spend a few days with my family out-of-state. We’ll be back for the girls to have a few more “sleep-in” mornings before our youngest starts school on August 19th. I know it’s cliched, but seriously, where has the summer gone??

Some weeks I have to dig for posts to share here, but this week I found some really good ones just in my regular blog browsing.

You know this post is right up my alley – College Drop Off: How to Handle this Gut-Wrenching Milestone.

Lisa shares A Mom’s Guide to a Great School Year.

Elizabeth writes Who You Are Is Not Outside You…and 17 Other Things I Want My High School Daughter to Know.

Jennifer has a great list of books in her post Every Child Will Treasure These Beloved Picture Books.

Arleen tells us Why You Should Stop Hitting the Snooze.

You might be surprised by what Jennifer says is The Homemaker’s Best Friend.

Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

8 Ways to Know if We Have Godly Wisdom

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We’ve all learned (hopefully long ago!) that there are plenty of things money can’t buy. I mean, I think we’d rather have money than not! But no amount of cash can purchase real love, more time, good health, lasting peace, or a host of other things.

The older I get, the more I value wisdom. Parenting teenagers has shown me more than anything else how valuable wisdom is! It’s something that’s so important to have, yet it can’t be bought.

As Christian moms, we desire Godly wisdom. But how do we know if the wisdom we have is actually Godly wisdom? I think James 3:17 defines it well.

“But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.”

I thought it might be helpful if we examined each of these characteristics a little further. If our wisdom is Godly, it will have these eight traits.

1. Pure

True wisdom lines up with what the Bible says. It doesn’t have any sinful thinking mixed in. It’s faithful to the truth found in God’s Word.

2. Peaceable

True wisdom isn’t contentious or angry. We know from James 3:14, 15 that those are characteristics of earthly wisdom. Instead, Godly wisdom is willing to sacrifice – not the truth – but our own preferences and strong opinions.

3. Gentle

Does the wisdom we believe we have manifest itself in kindness? Godly wisdom is calm and rational. I would say that it always has the best interest of others at its core.

4. Approachable

The phrase originally used here is “easy to be intreated.” In other words, true wisdom isn’t stubborn or unyielding. Rather it’s characterized by meekness and patience.

5. Merciful

It should go without saying that wisdom that comes from God will be full of mercy. How blessed we are to have a merciful God! And just as He has pity and compassion on us, Godly wisdom will lead us to have the same for others. No grudges are held; instead, forgiveness is offered in abundance.

6. Fruitful

It makes sense that Godly wisdom would produce good fruit. Wisdom is generous, not selfish. Just like fruit, real wisdom is constructive, helpful, and worthwhile.

7. Impartial

True wisdom doesn’t discriminate. James already dealt with this in chapter 2, verse 9. He says that if we have respect of persons, we’re in sin. God’s wisdom applies to everyone equally, regardless of their wealth, race, gender, etc.

8. Sincere

This seems like a simple one to grasp. There’s no place in wisdom for hypocrisy. Rather, it should be transparent, without a hidden motive or agenda, not deceitful.

We need wisdom in every area of our lives. Thankfully God promises to give it to those who recognize they need it and ask for it in faith. [James 1:5]

Since I referenced parenting earlier in this post, let’s see how these eight tests could apply in a specific situation. Maybe my teenager asks to do something, and I’m not sure whether to allow it or not.

First, I look for a principle in God’s Word to give me guidance. I believe as we pray and ask for the Holy Spirit’s help, He can direct us.

Then I talk through my decision with that child calmly, whether it’s a yes or a no, allowing them to ask questions and express an opinion as long as it’s done respectfully.

And if the answer isn’t what they wanted, I can empathize, without changing what I’ve decided. I let her know that I want good things for her life. And if I’m expecting her to live up to a certain standard, I’d better be doing the same myself!

God is the author of all wisdom. If we want that wisdom, we need to fear Him [Proverbs 9:10], ask Him for wisdom [James 1:5], and believe that He will give it to us.

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Five Thoughts to Encourage the Mom (aka Me) Who’s Sending a Child Off to College

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When August 1st arrived, I knew it was real. The countdown to dropping our oldest daughter off at college was on and moving fast.

I’m processing lots of feelings and emotions over here…which I’m sure is delightful for everyone around me! In the midst of that, I’m gathering encouragement for when that day arrives.

These five thoughts are helping me so far. And while my situation deals with college separation, it could also apply to a child starting any new phase of life.

1. God’s not done with your child…and He’s not done with you.

We see our children the way they are today, 18 and 16-years-old, in my case. And while much about them might be wonderful, they still have a lot of maturing to do. When I think back to how I was at 18, I’m glad I’ve grown up some more since then!

I love the words of Paul in Philippians 1:6. “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.“

Not only will God continue to perfect His work in our children, but He will do the same for us as parents. This change in our family situation will give me more opportunities to trust Him and grow my faith – especially since our daughter will be almost 600 miles away.

2. It’s okay to feel sad about the “lasts,” but make time to celebrate the “firsts.”

Process the feelings of sadness. They’re natural and okay. But also have fun buying for and decorating her dorm room (or book bag or school locker). Put together a care package with some of her favorite things and be ready to send it at the first sign of homesickness.

Endings usually lead to new beginnings. One of my favorite verses about the changing seasons of life is Isaiah 42:19. “Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.“

Even when change is hard, there’s always room for God to do a new thing. Let’s look ahead to the good things in store for us and for our child.

3. Remember that God never fails.

Change doesn’t mean that God leaves you or walks away. In fact, sometimes we recognize Him more in the difficult times.

“My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.” ~Psalm 73:26

I remember the season of new motherhood. I had no idea what to do with a baby. Yet through the sleepless nights, high fevers, terrible-two tantrums, middle school drama, and teenage disappointments, God has guided me as a mom to this daughter. He will continue to do so.

Not only will He not fail me, He won’t fail my daughter. I’m excited to think about the lessons she will learn about God’s faithfulness in the coming months.

4. This too shall pass.

My husband and I have said this about several stages in our children’s lives!

At first, I’ll cry when I drive past the Chick-fil-a where she’s worked for the last 2 1/2 years. I already dread walking back into the house after college drop off and seeing her empty bedroom. It won’t ever be the same again, but there will be a new normal.

“But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.” ~1 Peter 5:10

I might not classify this situation as suffering, but I do know that God can use it to continue to grow us. We’ll learn lessons through this adjustment, and move on to what God has for us next.

5. Other moms are walking this same road.

There’s comfort in shared experiences. I have a number of friends who’ve either just come through this stage, are in the middle of it, or are beginning it just like me. We all experience it differently, as do our kids, based on personalities and expectations. However, it’s reassuring to know that I’m not alone in this.

“Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man’s friend by hearty counsel.” ~Proverbs 27:9

If any of you have already passed this milestone, I’d love to hear what advice was most helpful to you!

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Saturday Salutes ~ God’s Plans, Calming Psalms, and a Reading Update

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Much has happened in the last couple of weeks! My husband and I celebrated our 28th anniversary on July 27th. Our daughters have been away at camp all this week, so we took a quick overnight trip to Kiawah Island. It’s been nice to have time for just the two of us!

Now I’m ready to welcome our girls back home this afternoon. It’s only three weeks until we drop our oldest off for her freshman year at college. I’m trying to process all that while preparing our youngest for her junior year of high school which starts on August 19th.

Here are some helpful posts I found over the past few weeks.

Jennifer asks Are Your Deadlines Flexible to God’s Plans?

Briana lists 4 Questions to Ask Yourself to Prune Away What Hinders Growth.

Danielle gives us 7 Psalms to Help Calm Anxiety.

Chelsia shares 5 Ways to Be Supportive of a Spouse Who Travels for Work.

And if you plan to travel with your children, Cori has Our Favorite Things to Do in NYC in the Summer with Kids.

Here’s an update on the books I’ve finished lately.

Both of my non-fiction books were re-reads. The Next Right Thing by Emily P. Freeman and Give Them Wings by Carol Kuykendall and Krista Gilbert were just what I need for the month ahead!

I read two fiction books. Effective Immediately was the third book in The Agency Series by Chautona Havig. I really enjoyed Love Starts with Elle by Rachel Hauck.

Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

This post may contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on a product link and make a purchase, I’ll receive a small percentage from any sales.  This does not affect your price in any way.

Who Knows Your Name?

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I was in Starbucks recently, and after taking my order, the cashier asked for my name. I told her it was Tracey, and she asked, “Is that with an ‘-ey?”

Surprised that she guessed correctly, I told her yes, and mentioned that most people just spell it “Tracy.” Having it misspelled, especially by people who don’t know me, is not a big deal. However, it’s nice when someone does take the time to find out how to spell it right.

When it comes to the names of Bible characters, there are many we know well. Even non-church-attenders recognize names like Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, and Jonah.

While reading the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew chapter one, I found an interesting person mentioned in verse five.  It says, “And Salmon begat Booz [Boaz] of Rachab [Rahab]; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse;”

Rahab, Boaz, Ruth, and Jesse are all names with which I’m familiar. But never before had I noticed Salmon.  The more I considered this man, the more I realized what an interesting person he must have been.

You don't have to be a VIP to be noticed by God.

Salmon married Rahab, a known harlot from the city of Jericho. She wasn’t one of his people, the children of Israel, but a foreigner.  We have no details about the circumstances surrounding their marriage. It makes me wonder what emotions, if any, were involved. Was it love, sympathy, kindness, or some sense of duty that prompted him to take this unlikely woman as his wife?

Secondly, he was the father of Boaz.  We know nothing about Salmon’s character, but we’re told a good bit about Boaz in the book of Ruth. Boaz was a “mighty man of wealth” (Ruth 2:1), one who knew the Lord and showed compassion for those in need.  He was willing to take his rightful place as kinsman-redeemer and have Ruth for his wife.  Surely he learned some of these admirable traits from his father.   Like his father, Boaz married a woman who was an outsider.

While some Christians, today and in the past, have highly recognizable names, how many countless others have stories that are not recorded in history, yet have had a great impact for the cause of Christ? 

We know about David Livingstone and Amy Carmichael, but how many missionaries are faithfully serving in foreign countries in relative anonymity? Men like Billy Graham have been well-known, yet there are plenty of wonderful preachers who have never spoken to a large crowd.

Whether it’s an elderly widow who prays unceasingly for others, a young mother who spends her days pouring into the lives of her children, or a Christian businessman who has a vibrant testimony at work, God knows all about each one of them.

I’m thankful for the reminder Salmon is to us. We know so little about him, yet he’s listed in the genealogy of Jesus. In the same way, you and I don’t need to be well-known or full of talent to fulfill our place in God’s plan.  We don’t have to score hundreds of likes on Instagram or maintain a large platform to share the message of the gospel.

There’s nothing wrong with those things if that’s where God has put us. But our task is to surrender to His will, trusting that He knows how to work in our lives what is best for His kingdom. We just need to be faithful to do what He has called us to do.

So if you think that what you’re accomplishing today is small or unimportant, be encouraged by Salmon. None of us go unnoticed by God.

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