Growing up in a Christian household I knew the story of Ruth at a young age. However, it wasn’t until recently that I truly began to comprehend its meaning.

You see Ruth’s story is much more than just a biblical love story. I’ve come to think of it as a biblical blueprint to becoming Mrs. Right and being able to find my Mr. Right.

As a woman, I strive to be more Ruth-like daily; celibate, humble, hardworking, nurturing, loyal, etc. I also recognize that for Boaz to notice me I must not hide myself. I must let my natural light shine and allow my character/reputation to speak for me.

While God prepares me for my Boaz, I truly believe that God is preparing a special man for me to play the role of Ruth. I often wonder how I will be able to identify him. Well today I got an epiphany.

Not every man is preparing to be Boaz. I repeat, NOT EVERY MAN IS PREPARING TO BE BOAZ. I say that because I have finally taken the time to learn the type of man Boaz was.

1) Boaz was a leader, not a follower;

2) He was a man of honor, not dishonor;

3) He was entrepreneurial, not lazy;

4) He believed in God, he did not hide from God, nor did he hide his love for God;

5) He was a protector of women, not an antagonist of women; and

6) Once he found Ruth, he had eyes for her and her alone.

These characteristics are the blueprint I seek in a mate, future husband and father to my children. That being said, I will continue my quest to become more Ruth-like while I check for the Boaz in men who come across my path.

What characteristics do you seek?