Ya’el Ariel Ruth

Ya’el – Hebrew meaning “mountaint goat” (In Hebrew culture, the mountain goat is a symbol of agility, bravery, and independence)

Ya’el…boo as many of you know her by, Ya’el, my not so little mountain goat is 11 today.  I watched her walk up to her Naani last night and listened to amazement at how Ya’el is looking at her at almos eye level.  

I had to remind Richard recently when the selective listening, the glossed over eyes when being told to do something for the 40^x or just the rapid changing of emotions Ya’el can display in a day…we have a tween on our hands.  I had to remind him and yes me too, that we have done this 3 other times and we CAN do it again…

The mountain goat – is known for its agility.  Now I have never had the chance to be up close to see a mountain goat’s agility, bravery & independence,  but I have been able to see them through binoculars one time Richard dragged me up a mountain.  

1. Agility – the ability to move quickly and easily

Over this last year, I watched my girl gain more and more confidence in her favorite sport.  Her coachability as well as her innate God-given insight to move quickly, has garnered her lots of respect from other coaches.  There were a handful of times I would hear the group of dads and others who have their eyes on her groan, cheer, challenge the refs calls and stop her after the game and tell her “good job!”.  There is something about watching this young girl in motion

2. Bravery – courageous behavior or character

I once heard someone say that the bravest people they know are the ones that deal with anxiety on a regular basis…I didn’t know that would be something I needed to start reminding myself of.  To watch a child that conquered the steepest waterslide in the Bahamas (before her dad or older siblings) all of a sudden not be able to play soccer or go to school or no longer want to eat at a restaurant this last year has been challenging.  Yet, as we have been using all the tools, prayers, mindfulness & therapy.  I have been challenged to see that it was in her BRAVERY to be honest with her Dr & therapist about the things she can’t control thinking or feeling…that she is one of the bravest people I know.  How many times have you adults…not been honest about your struggles?  I watched her state her needs and I watched her bravely start going to therapy.  Be still my heart.

3. Independent – free from outside control

Oh boo…independent is definitely a word I would use for you.  My child who isn’t afraid to not need the crowd.  Who can see when friends aren’t loving well and decides to not get involved.  My child who when she is peopled out will go and disappear in her room, filling her song book with more and more songs to sing on her ukelele or just sitting in the quiet play by herself.  Ya’el knows the importance to know herself – before she tries to know others.  Because Ya’el is an empath…she is going to need this skill to know when to tuck away, after caring for others and their needs.

Ariel – Hebrew definition “lion of God” (signifies being a strong, powerful, and courageous individual who defends their beliefs and is a protector of the righteous)

If you want to know what it feels like to be protected by boo.  Just stand in her presence.  God has gifted her with discernment & mercy.  This are Holy Spirit empowered gifts and when she uses them, watch out.  Cold hearts will melt when she holds your hand as you grieve bitter tears.  Wounds of abandonment and neglect start to be tended with healing oil as she hugs you tight.  Her prayers – remember, “The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results” (James 5:16), they go straight to the Father.

Ruth – Hebrew definition “friend” or “companion” (The term “friend” in Hebrew is often associated with concepts of loyalty, affection, and mutual support).

1. Loyalty – loving kindness & faithfulness.  If you have earned a spot in Ya’el heart.  She will carry you with her.  She doesn’t let others get in the way.  Even if she sees others doing the opposite.  She remains loyal to those she loves.  She also doesn’t leave you behind if you’re in her pack. 

2. Affection  – if you haven’t yet received her hugs…then you are missing out.  If you want to know what a snuggly boo is like, just create space for her to lean up on you and she will be in your face in a matter of seconds.  Personal bubbles are just a suggestion until she knows that you will receive her affection. 

3. Mutual support – you are not alone when you’re with Boo.  She doesn’t sit back and watch others struggle.  It’s in her very DNA to show up and give what she has.  She will hold your busy child so you can talk after church with your friends, she will come and rub your back after a long day and say “thanks for all your hard work”.  

Somehow, my 4^th born has entered in into the tween years.  You will see her hanging at the ball field with her friends and not her family, you will see her trying all the current styles until she finds her own and you WILL watch her flourish and grow this next year as she cotinues to be the person we have known her to be.

Ya’el Ariel Ruth, I pray a blessing over this year to come, that you will continue to walk in the paths of righteousness that God has for you, sure footed in all that He directs.