The First Principle of Boaz

We are starting a new series in preparation for Valentine's Day and my book release, "The Boaz Factor: When You Are Ready for the Right One!"   In the book I talk about how to recognize Mr. Right, we call him "Boaz", when he enters your life. We will go through all Seven Principles of Boaz on Monday's and Wednesday's between now and Valentine's Day.

Principle  One – He never looks like what we think, nor does he sound like what we are accustomed too.

The Bible takes the time to tell us that David was good-looking.  It also makes sure we know that Saul was in the same category as David, wonderful eye candy to look at.  But it never mentions that for Boaz.

We spend a lot of time on something that can change from moment to moment.  But don't spend nearly enough time on the character of a person.  That is how you miss Boaz.  He is not Mr. Muscle man, or pretty hair man, or any other fantasy we have dreamed up from looking at pictures of models. He is the real  man who may be average  height, average build but is about something and trying to go somewhere.  By no means am I saying that your Boaz can not be the best looking man this side of Heaven.  What I am saying is that if that is the only criteria that has to be met.  You get what you get.

Example, someone I know has a major requirement that has to be met by ANYONE she dates.  He must be dark-skinned.   She has others as well, but this one requirement beats them all. She will not give them the time of day if he is not as dark as the night.  When the relationship fails, there is always a question as to why?  It was doomed to start with when the only real requirement is his hue.  Although he filled the requirement, as with everything, skin color does not measure the character or mindset of a person.

Your Boaz has a different  conversation.  He is actually interested in and listening  to everything you say. When I look at the dialogue between him and Ruth… he is not asking her about her measurements, and he is not asking her about hair.  He wants to know about HER.  Her history, her story, her life.  What she is doing and what is her plan for the future?  He has encouragement and blessings in his mouth for her.  Not condemnation or harsh criticism.  That can throw you when you are accustomed to someone who does not care anything about your history, your story, or your life.  If he is just trying to get with you for a minute, why would that be important?

This deeper interest in your life may not manifest itself in a first date conversation.  However, if you have been seeing each other for a while and you nor he has any more information about the other than you did on your first date… you more than likely do not have your "Boaz".