Not Just for Warmth

By Marilyn Bohlender, ODW President

Quilts are more than something to keep you warm. Many are displayed as works of art. Some quilts were made to pass a story or convey beliefs. A simple quilt of scraps is not just for warmth; it also brings comfort.

I look at a box of scraps saved for another; don’t gasp, I know I am not alone. These pieces of material brings memories of a favorite shirt or an Easter dress. Some bring memories of people close to us who wore them.

The memories don’t stop there. My grandmother’s love for me in creating a quilt becomes a treasured memory. We make quilts individually or as a group. Let’s look at our groups making quilts. I want to think there are memories in making the quilts. Togetherness and fellowship are added to the creation of the quilts. There are also quilts with prayers said over them; the uplifting this brings for the creators and receivers is immense.

Know there are many quilt groups involved in our churches as I will mention a few examples. At First Christian Presbyterian in Pryor near Tulsa, a group creates a quilt and Rev. Darlene Martinez prays over the quilt made specifically for a member to comfort them. In southwest Oklahoma, FCC Duncan prayer quilts are made for their children; a prayer is made with each knot tied. Again these bring much uplifting.

Recently, while attending the CADW meeting, I saw a quilt at FCC El Reno displayed in their hallway with many blocks in it. The photo above is a Quilt Show held at FCC Lawton.

Years ago a quilt created the same way hung in the Regional Office. The blocks came from churches across Oklahoma. I have that quilt and displayed it a FCC Lawton quilt show. My goal is to take the quilt with me as I visit churches. It can easily be draped across pews. Contact me if you would like a visit. Maybe your women would be re-energized over quilts.

With prayer and God’s hand at work, the possibilities are endless.

But let all who take refuge in you be glad;
let them ever sing for joy.
Spread your protection over them,
that those who love your name may rejoice in you.

Psalm 5:11 (NIV)