The desert was dry and barren. There was not a single cloud on the horizon. The day felt heavy and hot. As Ruth looked at her surroundings, she felt that it reflected the condition of her heart.

Several months ago, Ruth had lost her husband. She had felt that the world would never be the same again without his smile or laughter. He had been a good husband to her, but she had always seemed puzzled by his shyness in talking about his beliefs.

Ruth had knew before she had married him that he was an Israelite, one of those people who believe that there is one God. She had never seen him bow down to idols or call upon the names of her gods that required human sacrifice. She had always wondered why.

Now, she knew….