To make a long story short, we’ve all heard the saying, “Don’t judge a book by its cover”. These figurative; also referred to as metaphorical, sayings like these are called English idioms, which are defined by Merriam-Webster as: an expression in the usage of a language that is peculiar to itself either in having a meaning that cannot be derived from the conjoined meanings of its elements or in its grammatically atypical use of words. Examples of other English idioms are, ‘barking up the wrong tree,’ or when someone is about to head into a big meeting and we give the helpful reminder to ‘break a leg,’ or when we simply forget to ‘not judge a book by its cover.’ An idiom is a literary device that has a meaning that is seemingly obvious to its native speakers but not to everyone else, it’s almost like a secret code. Let’s put on our detective hats and we’ll see if we can use some clues to decipher the code within the song “God Is In This Story” by Katy Nichole & Big Daddy Weave!
We know the Bible as a book that obviously describes some instances when God performed actions and even spoke to people; and maybe some not-so-obvious times, too. Think of the times when Jesus spoke to people. I’d say those were very clearly obvious times that God was speaking directly to His followers, persecutors, and even people past the present day. However, when I think of the Book of Ruth, God’s presence may be slightly more hidden; so hidden, in fact, that God is only mentioned a few times by the characters but the narrator doesn’t mention God doing or saying anything directly. So, is God even present in this story? If we look closer into the story or, ‘read between the lines,’ as someone who uses English idioms may say, we might be able to recognize God’s presence throughout the entire story! The Book of Ruth is about how the main characters, Naomi (Mara), Ruth, and Boaz are all loyal to each other, even after hardship, and we read how they come together as a family. Let’s not forget that Ruth’s son, Obed, is grandfather to King David, who we know is in the lineage of Jesus Christ! I think by the end of the story we can very clearly, ‘see the light,’ that is God’s work in action!
While the song doesn’t mention Ruth, it does have the title, “God Is In This Story”, which raises the question; even though we may not always actively see God working in our own story the way or the time we want to, do we still know that God is in our story? I think especially in times of addiction, disease, imprisonment, pain, and general brokenness it’s easy to feel like God’s presence is absent and it’s easy to feel like we are alone. In the story of Ruth, the reason Naomi changed her name to ‘Mara,’ which means ‘bitter’ in Hebrew, was because when she became widowed she had felt alone and lamented the tragic loss of her family. However, with Ruth by her side, Naomi was able to have her family restored through Boaz and his loyalty to Ruth and also through Ruth’s powerful loyalty to Naomi.
Sometimes it may look like we are alone, to other people looking at our story, but more importantly to us, the main character living the story out. This song raises the question, but also gives the confirmation that, even though some pages might be torn, and there may even be some dust on the ripped cover of the story of our own personal lives, God still is definitely in your story and mine, through the highs and lows. This song of healing is written in scars; and if you watch the music video you may understand this part of our code a little better! Pay attention to the ink on the actors’ and actresses’ hands and imagine it being depicted as their brokenness and pain from their own stories. Watch what they make collectively by the end of the video!
Well, that looks like that’s another code cracked and another case closed with the use of our literary devices, some biblical help from our friends, Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz, complete with a great soundtrack to go with it. I would call that some great & groovy work, detective! With the beginning of summer starting I hope you’re all able to hang up the detective hat and enjoy the great weather ahead, wherever you find yourself! And if life should give you lemons, I hope with those lemons you make lemonade!
References:
The Bible Project. “Book of Ruth Summary: A Complete Animated Overview.” YouTube, 15 Oct. 2015. Accessed 29 May 2024.
“English Idioms.” EF United States . Accessed 29 May 2024.
“Idiom Definition & Meaning.” Merriam-Webster. Accessed 29 May 2024.
“Katy Nichole & Big Daddy Weave – ‘God Is in This Story’ (Official Music Video).” YouTube, 6 July 2022. Accessed 29 May 2024.
Mueller, Laura. “What Is an Idiom and How Do You Use It? | Skillshare Blog.” Skillshare.Com, 22 Sept. 2022. Accessed 29 May 2024.
“Read between the Lines – Idiom, Meaning and Origin.” Grammarlist.Com, 11 Oct. 2023. Accessed 29 May 2024