March 10, 2011

• There is a fine line between boasting and simply stating facts. I am certain of one thing–my subjects of this writing would not like anyone boasting about them. So let’s get it straight: I’m stating facts, plain and simple. And maybe, to keep me out of trouble, you won’t tell them I wrote this. Let’s just keep it between us, okay? 

         

  I’d like to introduce you to the women of the Prayer Shawl Ministry in my church. If you like to sit and knit or crochet or embroider or quilt, then you’d fit right in with them, for that is what they do when they gather twice each month. They also manage to squeeze in a little visiting, eating, praying and world-problem-solving while they’re at it. But those activities are secondary to the serious business at hand, which is what they are creating.

          

  Prayer shawls are why this group was begun and they were the first order of business when the women began meeting last spring. Patterns were procured, yarn was rounded up, purchased and donated, and needles began to fly. Soon, the women learned an amazing thing. As soon as a shawl begins to take shape, someone–someone–needs it. And then the race is on to finish it and get it wrapped around the shoulders that need to feel the warmth of its embrace. Newborn babies, cancer patients, those grieving…the reasons to give a prayer shawl to someone are limitless. And without exception, the recipients feel the love and prayers that go into the making of these items.

              

  When the holidays rolled around, the women decided to broaden their outlook. They created hand-sewn Christmas stockings, filled them with all sorts of goodies, and then made warm, soft scarves, hats, slippers and other things for more than thirty senior citizens in our area who are home-bound.

  

  Since the new year began, a new focus appeared on the horizon. And today more than two dozen sweet knitted or crocheted hats, to warm and lovingly bless the heads of little ones, were delivered to the local health department, for the nurses to distribute to families who participate in their programs.

  

  Also, two handmade, hand-quilted baby quilts, a lovely crocheted baby blanket and a darling little hand-sewn dolly will go to…just the right ones who need them. We don’t know who…and we don’t know why. We just know it will be right.

                  

  When I look into these faces, I see angels. I see selfless love. I see kindness and character and goodness.

                  

  I’m not boasting, remember. Just the facts, ma’am.

  • 6:47 pm
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