“Ruth’s Famous Pies”

The Story Behind It

I know most of you have heard of Ruth in the Bible. She was known for her faithfulness and loyalty to her mother-in-law. There was another Ruth, my mother, “Ruth Mae Love,” who was also faithful and loyal to her family and her neighbors and community. Let me tell you a little about her. She was a mother of 10 children; she gave birth to three stepchildren. She also took care of a brother who had a disability. You would think Ruth had enough on her plate and had nothing else to give to others. No, Ruth feeds the whole neighborhood every week. She also feeds people hanging on the corners. She would randomly approach them, asking them if they needed food. I remember thinking as a young child, why is she doing this? We barely have food that lasts because our family is big. Why is she always inviting extra people to breakfast, lunch, and dinner? I remember pouting about running plates to Seniors on our block. My mom would say, “You ready?” I'm like, ready for what, Mom? I just got home from dance or band practice. “Ready to run these plates to Mr & Mrs, or Ms, Mr So in So. She would say to hurry up before it gets cold. I didn’t understand my mom then. Why did she take adults and families in when they had no place to go or when she took her grandchildren because the parents were unfit? I despised all of it. One memory that stocks with me so clearly is during the Thanksgiving and Christmas Seasons, when my mom would cook so much food and make at least 60 pies for the entire neighborhood and the local church. I remember running with her all day before Thanksgiving and Christmas, dropping off food and pies. The pies stuck out to me the most because I remember my mom's words when I asked her: “Mom, do you have to make everybody in the neighborhood pies? They work, have jobs, and can buy and cook their own food.” She stopped packing the food and said, “Just because someone works hard, that doesn't mean they do have needs, and most of the time, we as adults will pay our bills to keep a roof over our family heads and scrap up money for food.

Having a desert is a luxury.” It's called surviving.” Then, I still didn’t fully understand, but I know now that my mom was doing ministry—seeing a need and meeting it. My mom, Ruth Mae Love, transitioned from Earth to Heaven over 31 years ago. The “Working Families N-Need” is dedicated to her memory. I pray that just like she was faithful and loyal to the needs of people, we will open our hearts and do the same. There is a need!

 

1st Lady Christine Robinson

Director Of Outreach

Transforming Life Kingdom Church