A few years ago Erika’s mother passed away from cancer. Erika’s mother was a sister to Stephanie, so Stephanie is Erika’s aunt. Despite their loss, Erika and Stephanie share a bond that is exceptionally close for an aunt and niece. They cook together, share meals, and travel from Michigan to Chicago nearly every Sunday for worship.

On the Sunday when Erika and Stephanie became members at our church, we read the story of Ruth and Naomi, focusing on the line “Where you go I will go. . . . Your people will be my people and your God my God.” Ruth and Naomi experienced deep grief together; Ruth’s husband, who had died, was Naomi’s son. Yet they chose to embrace one another and face the grief and unknown together as they sought community in Bethlehem, Naomi’s old hometown.

Grief and hardship can leave you looking around and realizing, “This is it; these are my people. And I can remain bitter, or I can take a step toward healing with the ones God has given me.” Some losses cannot be replaced, and yet opportunities and blessings can emerge as new gifts, offering comfort, hope, and companionship. I’m grateful to God that Naomi and Ruth had each other, and that Erika and Stephanie do too.

Whom has God brought into your life, offering gifts and companionship to help you?