Blanket of Protection

    Quilting is a huge thing in my family. For as long as I can remember, everyone has had at least one in their home. They feel like magic to me. They are so warm and embody the essence of love and care into each woven square of fabric. I’ve never doubted that God existed and my first time realizing he was real was most likely under those blankets.

I can recall when I was younger, maybe 5 or 6, that it would take my mom or dad sitting next to me in bed with their hand on me for me to go to sleep. I needed to feel that contact and security to know it was alright to relax my hyperdrive of a mind and rest. Every now and again though I’d feel that way under the covers and they were nowhere to be found. It felt different because, instead of a small hand, the feeling was more like I was being hugged or enveloped in safety. I instantly knew it was God. I would talk to him in these moments and tell him about my day or ask to be protected from whatever monster was in my way. There was something supernatural about what those pieces of cloth seemed to do to my mental space.

Before I graduated high school I asked my Great-Grandmother Mama Patra to make me a quilt for graduation. I had realized that I didn’t have a baby blanket made for me when I was born. So I wanted one all to myself that was made specifically for me. She asked what colors I’d like and I simply told her my favorites which are blue and white. When I finally got my hands on it I was ecstatic. She didn’t just make me one she made two. One was blue and white and the other was the red, blue, and white. I felt so honored and loved. I wish I could’ve expressed in words to her how much they meant to me more than just saying thank you. I have a piece of my family history right next to me and I cherish it more than any valuable thing I own.

A year after she passed I was sitting in my room staring at the gift she’d given me in awe. I couldn’t tell if I wanted to cry or what. I honestly couldn’t even tell you what I was feeling at that moment. It wasn’t until I laid down that just like when I was a child I once again felt that warm enveloping presence that could only be God. Life can get so hard sometimes. It becomes easy to lose faith and lose sight of God’s everlasting protection. He is always near. I am thankful for that. I give roses to God for my Great Grandmother and her strong soul. I know that in everything He does there is a plan. I don’t always know what it is or how it will come to pass but, it’s honestly nor for me to know. All I need to do is lay in that protection and know that no matter what I am covered from head to toe in the warmth of his grace. 

I want to thank all of you for allowing me to be this month’s contributor. I did my best to pour my all into each post. I hope that we can do this again next year and that it’s something that grows. #wepreach #GiveRosesMonth