Stories and Inspirations

Shawl Stories

February 2008 - Dear Janet& Vicky, I was approaching yesterday with some trepidation. That afternoon, 

my breast-cancer surgeon was to remove the bandages covering a recent mastectomy, 

he result of cancer which appeared, after 16 years, on the site of a previous cancer. 

At 8:30 a.m., the doorbell rang. My husband flew down the stairs to greet the UPS delivery man 

holding a soft package which was clearly not a gift of flowers, food or books, Imagine my surprise and pleasure

 to find this beautiful prayer shawl sent from Florida by former students and loving friends. 

Yesterday turned out to be a fine day. The sun shone, the weather was warm(er) 

and I wore the shawl to the hospital and later to the home of friends for a fish-chowder supper. 

I, who have knit only potholders in my day and do not crochet, am now looking forward to 

knitting a shawl for a friend who may benefit from all the love and well wishes knitted and 

purled into every stitch. Thank you for founding this wonderful prayer shawl ministry. 

With warm regards, Carole A. Hartzman - Bedford, Nova Scotia 

January 2008 - Yesterday, my husband picked up a parcel from the post office. Upon opening the box, 

my first response was total surprise and then as I opened the envelope inside I was quickly set to tears which

 came from deep inside. Tears of warmth, love and joy - not unlike the same tears that flowed when I saw the face

 of my first born child. My reaction surprised me. I don't know why the effect felt of the same strength and dimension 

until I finished reading my friend's enclosed note. It was a gift of love, prayer and friendship that I hadn't realized possible 

for a very long while. Times have been so very tough for such a long while and the latest illness seemed to be yet 

another endless road to travel and admittedly pure exhaustion was setting in. In the scheme of things, it is all barely 

nothing compared to what other's most assuredly endure BUT the importance of my friend's caring shone like a beacon

 and filled me up with such 'joy' that there are no words that can describe the warmth, the love, and the 

gratitude that was immediately flowing through me. The closest I come to repeating those feelings is when I wrap 

the prayers shawl around me....which is quite often during the day! My cup indeed runneth over with unexpected 

things and the GIFT of friends like Carol that God has bestowed upon me. THANK YOU Carol and all of the 

women of Our Lady of Divine Love Church in Pendleton for being 'you'! God Bless each and everyone for 

the support, love and prayers that they continually bestow upon others. Charlotte Belland - Prescott, Ontario, Canada

A VERY SPECIAL NEED

by Laura Berglund

Member of Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church - Afton, MN

I looked at the bags of yarn we had brought home from great-grandma's house 
after we moved her to a nursing home. Even though we had given some away, 
there were several bags still sitting on the guest room floor. I didn't know why 
I had saved that yarn for myself -- mostly baby yarns; they were so soft, so 
fine and delicate in their pastel baby colors. Why did I keep them? I had 
not knit since my sons were little; I had not crocheted since I was in high 
school. Through the years, I had even been too busy to knit anything for our 
grandchildren. I decided to leave the yarn sit in the corner and think about it 
another day.

Three weeks later I had an email from a church member. She and another 
friend planned to attend a seminar to learn how to start a Prayer Shawl Ministry. 
The email was an invitation to join the ministry by attending a meeting when 
they returned.

The wheels began to turn -- I had all this leftover yarn, I had some knitting 
needles and I needed to make better use of my time! But could I remember how 
to knit? Could I actually make a shawl suitable to be given to someone in 
need -- someone ill, depressed, grieving or otherwise hurting? I dug out the 
knitting book and made some "practice runs". Actually, it was a little like 
riding a bicycle, "once you learn . . .".

I did go to the meeting where we were given the pattern/s for the shawls. 
There were several knitters/crocheters at the meeting; they were enthused and 
happy to be a part of the ministry. They were not concerned that I was "out of 
practice" and they shared what they knew regarding the prayer shawl ritual by 
telling "how it can touch the heart and warm the body of the receiver". You 
see, as the shawl is being knit, many prayers are said for the ultimate 
recipient. Even though the knitter does not know who will get the shawl, prayers are 
said in advance for that person. It was suggested to play soft music and/or 
light candles while knitting, as well.

So I started a shawl; I thought the pastel yarns might be suitable for a 
young girl who needed hospitalization or comfort for some other reason. The shawl 
was done in white and pastel stripes and was knitted on large needles which 
gave it a "lacy" effect. I did sometimes play soft music and light some 
candles while knitting. One of my petitions asked that God would find a special need 
for this shawl because it was not "typical". When it was done, it was very 
soft and I felt a gentle warmth when I held it in my hands. I thought it 
really looked more like a baby shawl than a girl's shawl, and I took it to the 
next meeting with some fear that it would never be used. Shawls made by the 
other ladies were heavier and sturdier; they had used colors suitable for adults. 
Actually, I thought my shawl looked a bit anemic next to the others on the table.

A friend from the group showed me how to fold the shawl and tie it with 
pastel ribbons; we attached a pre-written prayer including: "that this shawl would 
warm the body and heart of this Child of God for whom we pray. . ." and "may 
the soul find rest in Your arms. . .". Then we covered the folded shawl with 
a transparent plastic bag to keep it clean and intact. I thought it surely 
would be a long time before that shawl was needed by anyone.

Just over a month later I received an email from a leader of the Prayer Shawl 
Ministry. They had requests for two special needs prayer shawls -- first, 
they chose a violet one for a mother who had delivered a stillborn child; the 
second request was for the stillborn infant -- a soft shawl of white and pastel 
stripes made of baby yarn and tied with pastel ribbons; a shawl in which to 
wrap the stillborn baby boy for the funeral! "May the soul find rest in Your arms"!  Fall 2007

Fall 2007 - Excerpts from a letter we received: "I wanted to 

write to tell you of an unexpected way of prayer shawl knitting. 

A friend of mine has a bad tremor  in her right hand 

and finds it difficult to 'be still' when she prays because of the tremor.

 But now she has started knitting a shawl and is able to 'be still' as she knits 

and so her prayer life has been enhanced." Helen C. Nonington, England

 

A letter of 'thanks' from a mom who recently attended the ISMRD Family Conference held in Ann Arbor, Michigan - July 2007

Thank you to all who contributed shawls to the children and their families.

To learn more about ISMRD and Glycoprotein Storage Diseases please visit: www.ismrd.org

 

"Not only meeting everyone today was amazing, but what happened at the end of the dinner -- all of the affected kids with storage disorders that are here as well as their siblings received presents. This was so emotional - every child received a prayer shawl "which was lovingly crafted especially for the children affected by glycoprotein storage diseases knitted by the Prayer Shawl Ministry and blessed with the prayers of the parish family of St. Michael's Cathedral in Boise Idaho". Attached to the shawl was a prayer card which says: "Dear children of God, as you are wrapped in this shawl of comfort, may the spirit of compassion enfold you in all encompassing love. May this shall be a refuge from all that appears too much to bear, a shelter in times of grief, and be sustaining during times of unimaginable loss. Take comfort in the prayerful presence of those who love and support you. And be strengthened in the Holy Spirit." These prayer shawls have been passed through praying hands and have been blessed by the loving hearts of the family at St. Michael's Cathedral on June 19, 2007. It also had a Prayer of Blessing: "May God's grace be upon this shawl...warming, comforting, enfolding and embracing. may this mantle be a safe haven, a sacred place of security and well-being. May it sustain and embrace in good times as well as during difficult ones May the one who receives the shall be cradled by hope, kept in joy, graced with peace, and wrapped in Love. Amen. (prayer by Janet Bristow).
Ok, you can cry now -- I did....
Much love, Trish"

I was 43 years old. My life was a shambles--kids on drugs, indifferent
and sometimes abusive husband, and I had no self esteem. I chose
not to believe in God. After attempting suicide, and hearing a voice
say "no", I was completely broken. I am blind and I felt trapped in a bad
situation with no hope for a way out. As I stood in my kitchen,
I felt a presence come up behind me, and I felt something light and
warm being draped across my shoulders and around my body, and 
I was shaking with sobs. It was "peace". It enveloped me completely.
I said, out loud, "God! I know you are there and I thank you."

That peace has never left me since that day in early 1993. I have wanted to write a poem
or do something to express what happened to me that day. I have always
told people that I think of my experience as a "Shawl of Peace". I
was thrilled when I saw your web site and programs. I am not a
needleworker, but perhaps my story might be useful to someone
sometime. Once that shawl was placed over me, I left the marriage
Moved to another city. Got a job as a secretary in a rehab center for the blind.
Moved into a teaching position at that center. Moved into a Braille 
transcription position at that center and, then into my current position
as statewide Braille consultant.
I have been a million times blessed with unimaginable opportunities, 
and it all started with the Shawl of Peace placed over me
by the hand of God. Ann F.

My name is Ann "Bennett" Merideth. I lost my father 

James A. "Jim" Bennett in the 

Sago Mine Accident in West Virginia on 1/2/06. 

I just want to say thank-you to all of the ladies that are in the shawl ministry. 

I think it's such a wonderful thing for you alls to be spreading such joy and hope to our nation. 

I suffered a great loss when I lost my father. He was a great man of God. As being a 

Christian myself I know that every little thing that a person does to mind the Lord is a 

great reward not only for them but for others as well. There's not a day that goes by that my 
family and myself don't think of my dad. I have relied on my faith in the Lord 
to get me through this terrible tragic that my family and 11 other families has 
gone through. As each day goes by it gets a little easier to deal with things 
but there will always be a great emptiness due to the loss of my father. 

He lived his life for the Lord and for his family. If you might have some words of 
wisdom or something to help me get through this please let me know. And again 
thank-you for what all of you ladies are doing. God bless and be with each of you. 

Thoughts and Prayers, Ann "Bennett" Merideth

I recently completed a prayer shawl for my 94 year old great-aunt Helen, who is in a nursing home. Aunt Helen and I were never close. 

I always felt she disliked and disapproved of me, and I rarely visited her. Our only communication for years had been 

Christmas cards. Then Aunt Helen's husband, Uncle Ed, was diagnosed with inoperable cancer 

and I drove sixty miles to see them. The first thing Aunt Helen said as I walked in the door was

 "I never received a thank-you note for the flowers!" She was referring to my mother's death 

earlier that year, when she and Uncle Ed had sent flowers. But I was positive I had written them a note! 

I kept a careful list of who sent flowers, and had checked off each name as I wrote thank-you notes. 

I tried to explain this to Aunt Helen, but she ignored me. Several other people were in the room, and

I felt humiliated and embarrassed. I burst into tears as I drove home, not because of Uncle Ed's impending death

 but because I felt like a naughty child who had been scolded. I hadn't saved the flower list, so I could only assume 

my note had been lost in the mail, or perhaps Aunt Helen had forgotten she received it. 

Not knowing what else to do, I wrote another note to Aunt Helen and Uncle Ed, thanking them for the flowers 

and apologizing profusely that they had not received the original note.

After Uncle Ed's death, Aunt Helen lived alone for several months before she fell and broke her hip. 

Her recovery was slow and painful; her children moved her to an assisted living facility and later t

o a nursing home. I sent her several cards, but did not visit again. My own life turned upside down when I was 

downsized from a job I'd held for 17 years. I felt angry and betrayed, and it was then that I turned to knitting. 

I knit my way through many sleepless nights. When Aunt Helen's son sent me an email about his mother's declining health, I instantly 

decided to knit her a prayer shawl. I chose a self-striping yarn of creamy pastel shades of blue, beige, and taupe in a wool blend that 

would keep her warm as she sat up in bed. As I knit, I thought about Aunt Helen. 

She had always been outspoken and blunt, but she had a kind heart. I remembered the delicious 

molasses cookies and spice cake she made at Christmas. I remembered how, as a child, 

I had cried when the cat caught a bird and she held me in her lap and comforted me. 

And I realized I had loved Aunt Helen all along. 

When I finished the shawl, I put a card in that said "with much love". Her son told me she was delighted 

with the shawl and asked him to pass along her thanks.  Judy T.

Post Script: From Judy T: March 2008 - "Aunt Helen passed away quietly at age 94, in the nursing home where 

she had lived for the last year. I hope that she enjoyed her prayer shawl. She is in God's Presence, free from pain and suffering."

Eliza Jayne

6 months old - July 2006

June 2006, We just are beginning to experience the powerful working of the Spirit as we deliver our first shawls. The first went to a little girl Hayley, 

with Infantile scoliosis, only 42 pounds at 9 years. (not child in above photo).  The surgery was very delicate. She slept with her shawl and made her mom promise 

not to wash the prayers out while she is in the hospital. The second came last night when I was on the way home from our meeting and 

had 2 shawls. I saw a couple out walking and she had lost her mom only 5 days ago. I apologized that we had not delivered one to her mother 

and she asked to see it and reached out to take and hug it close. She said I will treasure this all my life. Then today a lady came by to audit 

a service club’s books here and told about the serious cancer surgery she is having next Monday. Well I knew where the last shawl would go. 

She hugged it and said it would be with her at the hospital. What a powerful ministry!! Carol D. for St. Michael’s CWL Cudworth SK Canada

Post Script: There is a happy next chapter to the story. Hayley had surgery in Stollery Children’s Hospital, Edmonton and it went so well that doctors removed

5 ribs before putting her in the traction bed. After 3 weeks the curvature was less than 40% down from 120%. 

The second surgery released 7 more ribs and the bone was used to strengthen the spine. The doctors had never done

 such a severe case before. Did you know that ribs will grow back again? Hayley is now 6 inches taller, 

her hunchback is gone, she can see her toes and her smile is wonderful to see. She is at home after 7 weeks in the hospital. 

Her prayer shawl is important to her.

In January 2006, our 16 year old son died by suicide with no warning. In my profound grief I have 

been held in prayer by spiritual friends throughout the world. One of the most tangible ways I have experienced 

consolation is through the gift of not one, not two, but three prayer shawls. Each is unique, arrived from a different 

part of the country, at a particular time of need. The interwoven connectedness has astounded me. 

A friend from Denver gifted me with the first one--tangerine oranges with long fringe, and a card with a prayer by Cathy Murtha.

 I stood in my kitchen weeping, amazed at how the Spirit of God consoled me. She had no idea I knew Cathy, and had 

been in CT the previous fall. The second is large, white, and big enough to hide under or wrap me 

completely in a pure, soft embrace. The friend that made this one showed up at my door, unexpectedly, on a day 

when the grief seemed beyond measure. I received the third one at Denver airport heading to CA, 

wrapped in a beautiful package. It was knitted by a friend from Indiana, and had been mailed to my office in Denver. 

Midnight blue, it is a triangular shawl with shimmering strands of pink, white, silver and turquoise tied throughout 

the shawl and fringe. The woman that gifted me with this shawl wrote in her card that it is the first she made, and that she was 

beginning a prayer shawl ministry in her church. It is my “cosmic” prayer shawl, and wrapped within this one I know 

the broad, deep mystery of God’s presence in new ways. I knew that in time I too wanted to pray my appreciation, love and 

compassion into prayer shawls for others suffering an unexpected grief. I trusted the right time would make itself known. 

I haven’t knitted since I was a little girl, but have blankets from both my Grandmothers, and learned to knit 

many, many moons ago. This afternoon, a group of spiritual directors gathered in my home. Two women suggested that 

we begin gathering together to pray for the high rate of suicide in our state. Before I knew what I was saying, I offered

 “perhaps we could contemplatively knit prayer shawls….” The next thing I knew everyone was fingering the 

three shawls I have. I shared their special meaning, how they had arrived to me, and the power of 

consolation and connection they bring. And thus, in June, we will gather to learn to knit (for those of us that haven’t

 knitted for eons, if ever.) Beyond that, I trust the Spirit will blow where it will, and that the threads of belonging that 

we share together will knit their way into new homes and hearts, offering whatever each recipient most 

needs and longs for. The prayer shawls have brought me courage, consolation, and a deep acknowledgment of the

 interwoven nature of the universe. Thank you for the gift you bring alive in the world. May it continue to 

nourish and console thousands throughout the planet in the making, gifting, receiving, and soothing comfort of love.

Guestbook entry by: Pegge B. Fort Collins, CO USA
June 01, 2006

South Portland , ME.... The shawls are being made as our church is having 40 days of Community. 

This is a wonderful way of reaching out to people. When I first found out about this I was in a 

local bookstore, and I saw the book and heard God's call to buy it. I purchased it and talked to the 

co-pastors and they were thrilled with the idea. They called a woman from their former church and 

she came and talked to us. The ministry took off like a dove in flight. I am going to think this Christmas

 (even though it is only May). Isn't this what happened long ago in a stable when gifts of gold, frankincense

 and myrrh were brought to the Baby Jesus? Reaching Out to People. Betty S.

I started my first shawl more than a year ago ... I had a friend who was suffering with skin cancer 

and had already been through many tests and surgeries. I started passing it (the shawl) and a journal 

through our group of friends so they could all pray over it and write a message to Susan. 

Susan died suddenly before the shawl had completed the circle. At that point I wasn't sure 

what to do with it. When Mother's Day came several months after her death I knew 

that her family needed that shawl and journal then. Denise B.

I am the recent recipient of a prayer shawl that was made by a woman at our church. We my mother died and I was standing 

at the grave side, praying... but barely able to pray more than: "Oh Lord...(sigh) oh crap!" The shawl prayed for me, 

it gave me strength, it thought and spoke for me when I could not... and it brought comfort at a time of agony.
Thanks for starting this beautiful, meaningful and comforting ministry.
Peace, Marla B.

Today I received my shawl from my mother, Gloria H.  You see, 3 years 
ago I was a happy, healthy mother of 5, with a great husband and career. 
Then on December 3 2002 I was rear ended by a tractor trailer on the 
highway and I now have a spinal cord injury that has left me very ill. I am no 
longer the same person and my days are filled with pain and struggle to 
maintain. Most days I admit to losing the battle but still trudge along. The 
last few weeks I have had a huge set back that has left me nearly bed 
bound. My mom has been so concerned because there is nothing she can 
do. She heard about the shawls at our church, All Saints Episcopal, in 
Worcester, Mass and spoke to our reverend and today she gave it to me 
for my birthday which is 2 days away. I truly was overwhelmed. I called her 
and thanked her and told her how much I love her but as I began to talk 
about it I was becoming so emotional I actually had to hang up, I sat and 
cried for an hour. I was so touched by this gift I could not put it into words. I 
felt like all these hands, including those of my moms, were on this blanket 
and were wrapping themselves around me. Even now as I write this the 
tears fill my eyes again, 5 hours later. I will cherish this shawl until the day I 
die, and then I will take it with me. Thank you to all who have any hand or 
thought in the creation of this incredible gift I received today. Of all the 
gifts I have received over the 39 years of my life, and there have been 
many, some that cost a little and some that cost a lot, not one has ever 
touched me and in this way. No gift has ever meant this much to me 
before. Thank you all and god bless all of you. Donna J.

"A member of our prayer shawl group died yesterday at the age of 63 from a major heart attack. This is a tribute to her for all she brought 

to our prayer shawl group. At our first meeting with the Knitter's Guild to help teach newbies how to knit, Jan came with some yarn her 

mother had not used up before her death. Jan had been taught to knit before but it had been years since she had knitted. She didn't need

a lot of help to get started and was quickly started knitting her first shawl.
She came to the next meeting with a couple inches knitted. She was using the K3, P3 pattern and was sharing with us how she kept gaining

 stitches for a few rows, would gradually get back to the number she started with, and soon would have too many again. She didn't understand

 how she was doing it but she decided to just knit through it as she figured sooner or later she would figure out what she was doing wrong and

 it would fix itself! The pattern in her shawl was unique!! She often found holes from where she had slipped a stitch but didn't know how she was doing it. 

She just took some yarn and tied up the holes!
She stuck with it and finished her shawl. It is the most unique shawl I have ever seen but is filled with prayers and love. She was going to send 

it far away to someone that would never know who made it but I ask her if I could have it.
It is a treasure as it reminds me that God uses all of us to create heaven here on earth. Her shawl was not perfectly knit, 

but was perfectly made! Every time I use it, I am reminded that God does not ask or demand that we be perfect in our attempts to serve him. 
I have struggled in the past with perfectionist tendencies and use her shawl as a reminder that I can give that up. 
Jan's second shawl looked more like the original pattern called for as were each shawl she made after that as her skills came back to her and improved. 
However, I will always believe that her first shawl is the most beautiful shawl I have ever seen as it was made with love from her heart!
May God bless Jan and accept her into his kingdom in heaven!" Kay S.

I am a victim of Hurricane Katrina and have suffered quite a bit of damage to my home, but not as much as some of my friends. 

While cleaning out my house, I notice that I had toms of yarn like most knitters and for some reason the yarn was not ruined. 

A lot of my friends have lost everything and I decided to make them something, but I didn't know what. 

I purchased a knitting book and was so happy to see an article about the Prayer Ministry. This is what I am doing for friends who are 

scattered around they country. Some will be back to rebuild, some will not which makes me sad. 

Whenever I feel the need for some quiet time out of my busy day cleaning my house and trying to get it back to some order, 

I pick up my needles, pray and work on a shawl. I am presently knitting my third and fourth shawls. 

They are beautiful and very much appreciated. Thanks for sharing your ministry. It has also helped me to be more accepting of all 

the things that have happened here in New Orleans. God Bless Barbara T. Metairie, LA

Excerpts from an email about making shawls...

"... Each senior citizen who is in the hospital gets one (shawl). It has, as always is the case, done much for the knitter (crocheter), as well as the 

middleperson (the bestower) and the recipient. For some who used to knit hugely complicated patterns and are unable to do so, 

this is regifting them with creating in yarn. For others, it is a call to learn a new skill in a very meaningful way."

Continuing on:  "I have to share the funniest story I’ve run into in my own p.s. ministry. A lovely senior woman in our church had experienced numerous 

health issues and was such a wonderful example of going with God and keeping on. I made her a shawl. She loved it! 

Not long after, I was making another and she said, in her own very frank manor, “I like those colors better.” 

So, when I finished, I traded with her. Sometime later she was in the hospital for an extended stay and so I visited her regularly 

and she always had her prayer shawl with her. One day, when she was getting near the end of her life, 

I was near the bed and she quietly called out my name. “Susie” I leaned over to hear her better. “I want to tell you something about this shawl.” 

I leaned over even closer. I have to admit that my ego was getting ready for her to tell me something to the effect that the shawl 

had helped her on her journey or was a continual comfort.” You can imagine my surprise when she uttered, “It’s not even!” 

I got a good case of the giggles before I recovered and told this incredibly faith-filled woman, 

“Betty, you know that only God could crochet a perfect shawl. I’m just striving.” She smiled her knowing smile. 

But later, I did find out that if you entered her hospital room and mentioned the shawl on her bed, she would always say, “It’s not even you know.” 
When she died, her family kept the shawl and we are contemplating ways to separate it so each of her granddaughters can have a memory in yarn."
Susan S. Alaska

My mother is gone Home now 17 years. When we found out she had lung cancer, I ran out and purchased a shawl for her from a 

local weaver and mailed it. I told her I could not be there for her all the time (she lived in Missouri, I live in Pennsylvania) but every time 

she felt cold, lonely, sad, ill, hurting, etc. to wrap the shawl around her and feel my love and my arms reaching out to hold her. 

After she went Home, I took the shawl back to Pennsylvania with me. Her best friend in the world became very seriously ill, so I sent the shawl to her. 

She knew the origins, and the 'why's' behind the shawl-gift. She eventually recovered. She kept it for the last 10 years or so. 

When I got my diagnosis last year and subsequently underwent treatments, one of the first gifts I got in the mail was this same shawl, 

sent back to me in the mail. I cried. Such a history of love and sharing and support. It has come full circle. So, I hope and pray as these shawls 

are made by these caring ladies that the same legacy is begun among the families of the recipients. Dee M.

I had asked Cheryl a couple of months ago if there were any spare prayer shawls that I could give my neighbor. Although I didn’t know 

Jennifer very well at all, Steve & I did get to know her husband, Mark. We would often stop to chat during the warmer months when we were 

doing those “fun” chores in the yard! Mark, in the spring of 2005, shared with us that Jen had been diagnosed in late 2004 

with breast cancer (at the ripe age of 35) and had just finished up her treatments and they were both hopeful for the future. In early autumn, 2005, 

Mark once again shared with me that Jen had been experiencing pain in her joints, a symptom that is more than scary in cancer patients. 

She had a recurrence of breast cancel and would be facing more treatments in late autumn. Mark & Jen decided to live for the present and scheduled 

a trip to Hawaii around Halloween. I was so happy that the two of them would get quality time together away from the realities of her disease, 

even if just for two weeks.  Wethersfield, being as suburban as it is, makes it hard for neighbors to not have an inkling of what’s going on in each other’s lives! 

We noticed that Mark & Jen returned home early from their vacation. Mark stopped over to let us know (since we had offered to watch his house) that Jen

 needed to come home and start treatments immediately. Having been through caring for a dear friend who died of breast cancel at too young of an age, 

my heart just sunk when I heard this. This is when I asked Cheryl if there were any extra prayer shawls that I could give to Jen. At that time, there weren’t since 

they were being knitted for Biloxi residents but she promised to let me know as soon as one became available. Lo and behold, a few weeks later Cheryl 

did have one for me which I took home to give to Jen. Of course, I had the shawl in my kitchen for a little while before I gave it to Jen. Thoughts went 

through my head about whether my neighbors, who I really didn’t know well at all, would think I was trying to push religion on them. This was more 

than just a shawl; it came with prayers and words of comfort from a group of people who didn’t know this intensely private young woman. I finally did 

walk the shawl over, with a card expressing my concern for Jen’s health and wishes for her recovery. No one was home so I left it on their front stoop.
I never heard another word about the shawl. Again, living in such close proximity to our neighbors, I couldn’t help seeing the telltale signs of a woman 

getting sicker and sicker. Jen came home from hospice just after New Years to die. Mark’s and her family came from various parts of the country to be close by. 

She was home barely two days before she took her last breath. She was just 36.  Steve saw Mark’s family in the yard on one warmer day last week and 

expressed our deepest sympathy toward Mark and toward both of their families. Mark stopped by our house to talk soon after. Mark mentioned how much 

Jennifer loved the shawl. It meant so much to her that she put it on as soon as she got it and never took it off. It went with her to the funeral parlor and to 

her final resting place. They never had the opportunity to thank us for it but were extremely touched by the sentiment behind the shawl – that people who 

didn’t know them either at all or well would hold her in their thoughts and prayers. Needless to say, I was relieved that Jen loved the shawl so much. 

To hear what it meant to her made me learn first hand what a powerful ministry this is. I want to thank you and everyone who has ever knitted a shawl 

for letting us tangibly show, through you, our love for each other.
Deb C.

A quote from our 'Guest Book' "...when you're knitting it's a great time to have your talks with God and feel his guidance. 

He always answers but sometimes we're not listening."  Carol F.

 I never thought, when I felt called to offer the gifts of my hands to my church, where it might lead, or how God might use me.
I never thought, when The Shepherd's Hands was formed, how many people I would get to know, to love, and to appreciate their skills.
I never thought, when I finished my first prayer shawl, that I would send it last Friday to a dear long-time friend as a comfort 

after the accidental death of his life-partner.
Thank you, for making it possible for me to offer tangible comfort to him.  Cindy K.

I made a prayer shawl for the 17 yr. old daughter of a friend of ours that was born with a serious heart 
condition. She battled it all her life - had several operations and was finally scheduled for a heart and 
lung transplant. On Dec. 3, 2005 a donor was found and she was rushed to the hospital for surgery. We all 
prayed for her as she underwent this serious operation but the Lord needed her and took this special 
angel of ours home. Her mother asked me if I would mind if they put the shawl that I made for her 
over her casket in lieu of a floral spray. She told me that Amanda loved the shawl so much and she 
wanted to use it. I was so humbled and blessed that they would want to do that and of course told 
her through a gush of tears that she could certainly use it. So, at the viewing, and the funeral, the 
prayer shawl that I had made for sweet Amanda was spread very neatly across the casket with the 
prayer card attached to it. I have made several prayer shawls but the comfort and joy that this one 
gave to to Amanda and her family really touched my heart. Praise God for this ministry and for the 
wonderful works that He does through it.
Thank you letting me share, Teresa B.

October 2005: A week ago, one of my upstairs neighbors died very suddenly and unexpectedly of a blood clot 
to her lungs.  She was 22-year-old Shawntinice Polk, a much-loved and incredibly talented 
member of the U of Arizona's women's basketball team. Our whole community is devastated at 
the loss of this lovely, spirited young woman, who loved everyone and inspired all whom she met, 
and truly seemed to walk in beauty. Appropriately for someone who had such a 'sun-shiney' 
disposition, her favorite color was orange, as I found out during a teammate's eulogy at her 
memorial service. I've begun making a prayer shawl for her teammates in a variety of shades 
and textures of soft orange yarn. I'm going to make it big, as she was a "Big Lady on Campus" in 
more ways than one (she stood 6'5" tall). When I finish it, I'll present it to her roommate Ashley,

 who still lives upstairs with two of the other players. I'm thinking of some way to work 
in the lyrics to a devotional song I learned at Bible camp when I was little: "Heavenly Sunshine". 
"Polkey" was a devout Christian and I'm sure it would have made her happy. Perhaps I'll knit a 
flat area into the shawl and cross stitch the verses in; I'm not sure. In any case, I'm glad I can do 
this for her teammates and on behalf of all of us who feel her loss so deeply.  Gretchen

Post Script: [November 19th, 2005] Today I started working on the shawl again after a long time 

of not working on it because of school. I had almost completed a row of a particularly nice yarn 

during the previews at a movie theater. When we came home from the movie, her family was 

there from California picking up her things. I said 'hi' to her family and expressed 

my condolences and we exchanged hugs. When I got inside, I thought the fact that I'd picked up 

the shawl again on the very day her family showed up and it suddenly occurred to me 

that the family was meant to have this shawl. I quickly finished the row and ran out 

and gave it to Johnnie, Polkey's mom. The ends weren't woven in, but that's okay.

A Reflection on the Shawl Ministry by Christel S. Hilgarth

The prayer shawl ministry makes us more aware of the needs of others. We see the pain of others 
more clearly and let go of our own. How can we deal with our own pain and heal if we are not 
able to see the pain in others? How can we heal if we are incapable of bringing healing to others?

In this process of prayer and knitting the heart is filled with compassion for others. In giving the 
shawl the heart's door opens and God's Grace and His Love flows freely, not only to the receiver 
of the shawl, but also to us. This practice is healing. In prayer knitting we partake in God's 
creation unselfishly and without any expectations in return. Only when we get to the point of 
giving in a Agape Love (unconditional love, the love that God gives to us) is prayer knitting 
God's work. And when we give the shawl in the name of Christ (with the heart of Christ), prayer 
knitting transcends to become a true ministry of our Lord and Savior. God knows our heart; our 
Creator knows our intentions and our motives when we enter into God’s ministry. The prayer 
shawl ministry helps to grow the fruit of the Spirit within us, love joy peace, patience, kindness, 
generosity, faithfulness, gentles, and self control. In prayer knitting we weave the fruit of the 
Spirit into the shawl and the grace is given to us.

My own experience, the more shawls I knit (regardless how well I know a person), the more I 
become aware how God creates through me, and the easier the shawl is woven together. It 
was really hard to get the first couple of shawls knitted and now they seem to knit so effortless.
Shalom - May God's Peace be with you,
Christel

I have read about the shawl ministry and would like to contribute something that came 

to my mind when I first read about the symbolism of "three".  One of my 

favorite writers is the late Elizabeth Goudge, an Englishwoman 

who passed on in 1984 and who wrote some beautiful and inspirational books. 

One of these was 'The Scent of Water'.  In it are the following lines: 

"...love, your God is a trinity. There are three necessary prayers and they have 

three words each.  They are these: Lord have mercy. Thee I adore. Into Thy hands. 

Not difficult to remember.  If in times of distress you hold to these, you will do well." 

I thought you might be interested in adding these thoughts to your symbolism. 

They have become a simple but large part of MY life!
Sincerely
Mrs. Cathie R.

Our favorite saying at Shawl meetings is: "Trust the Shawl". We may not be happy with the color 

or the outcome of the shawl but we have found that it turns out to be perfect for the person 

receiving it. Thank you for starting such a wonderful organization!! The stories we share 

around our circle inspire us to keep making more. Many recipients say they can feel God's l

ove for them & wrap themselves in the shawl daily or even sleep with it... 

 The ministry tends to have a life of it's own, doesn't it? :-)
Margaret N. Wisconsin

I am sure when she reads everything my 85 yr old Mother may understand the symbolism of my prayer shawl. 

There are mistakes in it just where she may grip it to put it on. I have left my mistakes there and 

called them *difficulties*. As she puts it on she will see the difficulties and she will grasp them. 

However as she grasps them she will also grasp the 'fish' intended as 'Ichthys'. 

Then it is her choice to hold onto the difficulties or give them to Jesus.  Sandra K.

Sandra has requested that each person that reads this story

prays for her mother Prayer for my Mother Tillie D. in Calgary.

She suffers from a painful arthritic condition in her neck.

A lady named Beverly, had a brain tumor and was given a prayer shawl in the final weeks of her life. A friend that 
Beverly worked with had organized a "Make Friday Special for Beverly" program. She had taken up a collection 
and every Friday made sure Beverly knew they were thinking of her with a bouquet of flowers, dinner coupons, 
gift certificates for something useful, etc. One of the members of our group made Beverly a prayer shawl with 
funds supplied by her friends. 

Beverly liked it so much that before her death, she asked her daughter to donate to the church 5 small skeins of 
yarn she had purchased and never used. I made her yarn into a prayer shawl and the shawl was given to the 
co-worker/friend that had organized the "Make Friday Special for Beverly" program.

Her response was powerful! She felt Beverly had reached her from her death with a measure of comfort for her now.

Kay S.

Recently, I read about Shawl Ministry and was very excited about it. Right away I made one 

for my daughter. I don't get to see her much but I will call her and tell her to put her shawl 

around her. Then I will say, "That is my arms around you." It is such a comfort to both of us.

I had a pink one started and this week a friend lost her six week old baby girl. We are all 

heartbroken over this death. The shawl is finished in time to give the Mother before the 

funeral. Hopefully she will receive some comfort in her sorrow.

Thank you for the wonderful idea of the shawls.

Reba R. from Florida

A friend from out of town was visiting, crocheting away.  I asked "What are you making?"  

"A Prayer Shawl" was her answer.  Tell me about it.  She explained that her church, First Union 

Church of Cedarville, Michigan, had a prayer shawl ministry, so I got some yarn and made 

one for her to take back to her church.  She encouraged me to get it started in my church.  

I took the idea to our Missions Committee Chairperson.  We had 11 ladies and our pastor show

up for a quick meeting after church in February, 2005.  We gave them the information about 

this mission, asked if they were interested and we have met twice a month since.  Our pastor 

did a minute for mission April 3 telling how this ministry got started, showing the 37 shawls that 

were made so far and saying prayers for those and future ones.  Thirty-nine shawls have been 

made, 2 have been delivered, and Sunday,  April 24, 2005, prayers are going to be offered on 

24 more and they will be delivered next week.  Thank you so much for this ministry and God Bless!

 
Nancy S. - Auburn Hills Presbyterian Church
Auburn Hills, Michigan

POST SCRIPT: Well, it has been 1 year since our first meeting. We have made and given out 114 shawls as of 

December 31, 2005. January brought us a new avenue of this ministry...our county intake home for infants 

that will be placed in foster homes. All ready this year our ladies have made 33 shawls for these babies along 

with keeping up with the demand for adult shawls. We have also given shawls to a local hospital for their 

in-house hospice care. We truly have been blessed by this ministry. 

Thank you and please continue this wonderful ministry.

One week ago today my friend, Dora, introduced me to the Prayer Shawl Ministry by directing me 

to your website. After receiving your encouraging email in response to my questions I started my 

first prayer shawl last weekend while my husband, James, and I took some reflective time away 

from home. I decided to make a pink and white striped shawl for James' friend of thirty years, 

Ernestine, who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. Following your suggestions, I worked 

on it over the weekend. On Tuesday, James (who is an ordained deacon in the Catholic Church) 

called me at work and said, "Do you think you could finish that shawl tonight? Ernestine is scheduled

 for surgery on Friday and we are going over to her house tomorrow evening for a prayer service 

with her family." That evening, I tied the last of the fringe on, sewed a pink drawstring bag in which 

to enclose it, and crafted a greeting card to go along with it. 
 
With her husband, Joe, her children and grandchildren gathered around, James and I presented 

Ernestine with the shawl and he blessed it as she wore it in the presence of her family and friends. 

On the front of the card I had copied the quotation written by Janet featured on the home page 

of your website. Ernestine managed to read the first sentence of it aloud, but after that James and

 had to I took over. There was not a dry eye in the place as we continued. Inside was a reference

 to Isaiah 61:10 "...in my God is the joy of my soul; for he has clothed me with a robe of salvation 

and wrapped me in a mantle of justice" and a note we had composed a note for her. It told 

about each of the three rows of color, representing the Blessed Trinity--Father, Son and Holy Spirit, 

and the three groups of three knots tied on the tassels at the four corners of the shawl. We explained

 the prayerful, meditative quality of its construction and that it is intended to remind her of the 

constant support of her loved ones and the grace of God. After James presided over the offering 

of some special prayers, we gathered in a circle and prayed the Lord's Prayer together, concluding