Friendship Quilts

As I faced my Maker at the last Judgment, I knelt before the Lord along with the other souls. Before each of us laid our lives, like the squares of a quilt, in many piles.

An angel sat before each of us sewing quilt squares together into tapestries that represented our lives. But as my angel took each piece of cloth off the pile, I noticed how ragged and empty each of my squares was-- filled with giant holes. Each square was labeled with a part of my life been difficulties, challenges and temptations I was faced with in everyday life. I saw hardships I had endured, which were the largest holes of all.

I glanced around me. No one else had such squares. Other than a tiny hole here and there, the other tapestries were filled with rich color and bright hues of worldly fortune. I gazed upon my own life and was disheartened. My angel was sewing the ragged pieces of cloth together, threadbare and empty.

Finally, the time came when each life was to be displayed, held up to the light. . . the scrutiny of truth. The others arose, each in turn, holding up their tapestries. So full their lives had been!

My angel looked at me, and nodded for me to rise. My gaze dropped to the ground in shame. I hadn't had all the earthly fortunes. I had had love in my life, and laughter, but there had also been trials of illness and death, and false accusations that took from me my world as I knew it. I had to start over many times. I often struggled with the temptation to quit, only to somehow muster the strength to pick up and begin again. I had spent many nights on my knees in prayer, asking for help and guidance in my life. I had been held up to ridicule frequently , which I endured painfully--each time offering it up to the Father in hopes that I would not melt within my skin beneath the critical gaze of those who unfairly judged me. And now, I had to face the truth. My life was what it was, and I had to accept it for what it had been.

I rose and slowly lifted the combined squares of my life to the light. An awe-filled gasp filled the air. I gazed around at the others who stared at me with eyes wide. Then, I looked upon the tapestry before me. Light flooded the many holes, creating an image. The face of Christ.

Our Lord then stood before me, with warmth and love in His eyes. He said, "Every time you gave over your life to Me, it became My life, My hardships, and My struggles. Each point of light in your life is when you stepped aside and let Me shine through, until there was more of Me than there was of you."

Beloved, may all our quilts be threadbare and worn, allowing our

wonderful Lord Jesus to shine through.

God Bless, Rev Jeanne

*This article has been adapted. Should anyone know the author of this article,

please contact me so that I may give proper credit.