Unconditional worth

written by Reese Carlton

     It isn’t possible for any child of God to be worthless. A fact often forgotten in society as material
wealth is viewed as the solo indicator of value. This false narrative that is perpetuated in so many
facets of life is corrected at Haywood Street Congregation. The work site I have the privilege of
spending time at this summer is a church that is called to serve those living on the margins. It
was founded by Rev. Brian Combs who took the time to listen to the voices often silenced and
“what he heard was, ‘Offer me a congregation of absurd grace, a meal of scandalous abundance, a
kingdom glance of heaven on earth.’”
     As a 19-year-old girl, I find that I cannot offer my community all the many things I wish I could,
however, I find Ruth 1 has helped me to open my eyes to the abundance of comfort I can offer by
giving my time every week.
     In Ruth’s story, her mother-in-law, Naomi, has lost both her sons and her husband. Aside from
grieving the loss of her family, Naomi must also confront having nothing of value to offer society - as
a woman with no attachment to a man wasn’t worth much. Ruth feels alone and that God is not with
her. As she must journey to Bethlehem, Naomi tells her daughters-in-law to leave her because she
can’t offer them anything: “Turn back my daughters. Go. I am too old for a husband.” Despite
Naomi’s wish for her daughters-in-law to leave her, Ruth does not. Ruth says, “Do not urge me to
abandon you, to turn back from following you. Wherever you go, I will go. Wherever you stay I will
stay. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God.”
     Naomi feels worthless because of what the world around her deems valuable. Ruth can’t change
society in this moment or how Naomi feels God has betrayed her or Naomi’s grief. Ruth proves that it
isn’t giving a material good or saying the right thing that will change someone's perspective. It’s
simply sticking around long enough to show someone that they aren’t alone in their most challenging
moment that can keep them going.
     At Haywood Street, I have shared meals with folks similar to me and so very different to me. I have had days when I feel worthless as I know many folks living on the margins have felt as well. But every day I show up to Haywood Street to participate in that community, I am reminding myself and my neighbors we are all God’s child. The unconditional worth and value all of us hold.