Naomi is Back - Not Just to Bethlehem-Judah, Back to her Real Self

In seven chapters, the author discusses the central movements of Naomi's experiences in returning to her homeland with the assistance of Ruth, God's gift to Naomi. Naomi's return home is necessary because of three significant family losses--the deaths of her husband, Elimelech, and both her children, Chilion and Mahlon. More than just her physical return, insight is given into Naomi's psychological transition from states of pleasantness to that of bitterness and the move from bitterness back to pleasantness. Further, Naomi's bitterness shows as an expression of her self-perception, which was affected by her misperception of God's dealings with her. In the concluding chapter, the author presents that everyday life events and experiences affect most people depending on the person's response. These events and experiences will lead to adaptive or maladaptive behavioral and mental paths.