- Ruth Roberts (82) reflects on her life in her new memoir, The Truth Behind My Smile.
- From her mother’s death at a young age to her strength through heartbreak and faith, Roberts shares a message of resilience.
- Her book launch is scheduled for 14 December.
You are never too old to tell your story and inspire others. This is the story of Ruth Roberts (82) who takes one on a journey through her life in her first book called The Truth Behind My Smile.
Ruth Roberts was the eldest daughter and the second oldest child in her family. When she was 14, her mother passed away, and Ruth took on the responsibility of looking after her four siblings so her father could keep working to support their grieving family. With her mother’s death and the sudden burden of responsibility, Ruth had to leave school, and her teenage years were put on hold.
Over the years, she experienced deep heartache – that started with the introduction of her stepmom and then deception by her first love, shortly after their twins were born. That betrayal led Ruth into a deep depression, she made plans to end her life together with that of her toddler boys. However, on the day she intended to do the act, God intervened and the thought of taking her life left her mind. As a single mother, the author faced an insurmountable number of challenges and just when she thought that her life would be better, married life presented her with years of emotional abuse and toxic unfaithfulness.
Despite these hardships and abuse, she remained strong in her faith and focused on honouring God with her actions. She also dedicated her moments to care for and protect her children, doing all things, as unto God.
Her knowledge of God’s faithfulness
The book explores the complex details of her life, uncovering the truth behind the front she put up as protection for her children and herself.
Ruth has lived a full life devoted to her three children, and now she relishes the role of granny to her five granddaughters and two great-grandchildren.
Ruth’s daughter, Chantal, from Thornton, says she was deeply inspired by her mom’s response to her hardships, as she had first-hand experience of what life in their family home was really like. She was the one who encouraged her mom to write her story.
The title, The Truth Behind My Smile, captures the essence of Ruth’s journey, as it shows the contrast between how happy she used to appear on the outside and the inner struggles she went through. Now, her book represents her knowledge of God’s faithfulness and protection throughout her years of hardship.
Preparation for the book started in November 2023 and the writing started in February 2024. Ruth knew that she wanted to launch her book before her 83rd birthday.
She was dedicated to her project timeline and completed her book in six months. Her manuscript was submitted to the editorial team in August this year and the launch will be on the 14th December.
Ruth celebrates the milestone of publishing her first book at 82 years old with great joy and gratitude. The truth behind my smile reminds us that hope, when rooted in faith, is unyielding and eternal.
