Many years ago Edwards Church began a prayer shawl ministry. There were about 5 of us who began making them. For me crocheting these shawls was when I had long conversations with God – and sometimes I complained to God about things, and even argued with God. Our conversations were often quite deep. After awhile people moved away and new things began and one day I was the only one left crocheting prayer shawls. But that was okay.
Now, when I first began crocheting these prayer shawls, I wasn’t even sure that they made much difference to the people in crisis that they were given to. Then my 21 year old grandson died in an auto accident. I was devastated. Pastor Debbie came over and she placed a knitted peach-colored prayer shawl around my shoulders and it was like a hug from my church. My husband has one that Pastor Debbie knitted and he puts it around him every night. Now he doesn’t remember who gave it to him but it makes him feel cared for. Prayer shawls are hugs from the church.
One time I was visiting somebody in the hospital. She had a 91 year old roommate who was partially blind and very upset since this was the first time she had ever been in a hospital. My friend had to go for tests so I remained in the room and talked to this woman. She lived in a nursing home and had no family – everybody had gone before her. Her fear was that she would die in the hospital. I felt so bad that somebody at the age of 91 should be so upset. That night I decided I’d go back the next day to see her and bring her a prayer shawl. And, that is what I did. She was so thrilled with it, she couldn’t see the color (rust and yellows) but she said it made her feel warm and she just knew she was going to get better and go home. And, she did. I visited her once more in the nursing home and she had the prayer shawl around her shoulders. “Thank you for this reminder that God is hugging me”, she said. Tears streamed down my face.
Over time, I’ve had people from church tell me how much they enjoy their prayer shawl and most of the time I didn’t know they had gotten one. I put them in the pastor’s office and she takes them to people who need that “hug”. I am so glad that members started doing prayer shawls because when I am stressed or upset, you’ll find me sitting in a chair crocheting prayer shawls and talking to God. And, believe me we have some wonderful conversations. God is good! Amen.