Are you allowing someone else’s broken mirror to define how you see yourself?

In this episode of The Broken Mirror, we explore the story of Ruth (Ruth and Matthew 1:5)—a woman who experienced deep loss herself. Ruth’s husband, Naomi’s son, had died, leaving both women grieving. But while Naomi’s sorrow turned inward and shaped how she saw the world, Ruth chose not to let Naomi’s broken perspective define her future.

Naomi’s grief distorted her ability to reflect hope, casting shadows of bitterness and despair. Ruth could have absorbed that reflection, but instead, she stepped away from Naomi’s broken mirror and looked for her identity in God’s truth.

Ruth’s story reminds us that other people’s pain—no matter how real—can distort how they see us. And sometimes, healing begins with recognizing that their reflection is not our reality.

ABOUT THE SHOW

Friendly Discourse is a faith-based podcast, co-hosted by former Judge Judith W. Hawkins and Attorney Neibra C. Williams. Designed for women seeking spiritual and personal growth, each episode invites honest reflection on real-life issues like identity, self-worth, and relationships. In this season, the focus is on self-esteem through the lives of the five women in Jesus’s genealogy: Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba, and Mary. Their stories still speak today, offering insight, strength, and truth in a world full of distorted messages. If you’ve ever questioned your value or struggled to see yourself clearly, this series is for you.

ABOUT THE HOSTS

Judith W. Hawkins is an inspirational speaker and author with a deep love for God and a heart for service. She was the first Black woman elected judge in Leon County, Florida, where she served for 18 years. Before serving on the bench, Judith owned her own family law practice, where she hired and mentored Attorney Neibra C. Williams early in her career. She founded Gaza Road Ministries and GRM2, leading international mission work through preaching, teaching, and humanitarian service. Judith continues to inspire others to grow in faith and purpose. She is a widow with an adult son, beloved daughter-in-law and two granddaughters.

Neibra C. Williams is a family law attorney with more than 30 years of experience. A native of Quincy, Florida, she earned her B.S. in Criminology and Juris Doctorate from Florida State University. Early in her career, she worked alongside her cohost former Judge Judith W. Hawkins. Neibra now runs her own law practice, concentrating on divorce, custody, probate, and guardianship cases. Neibra is married, with two adult sons and two granddaughters.