Stunning, artistic colors and designs, impeccable cutting and pristine points-each a component of the beautiful and loving quilts made by the “men in gray.’ Yes, each are created by men, but not just any men. These men are incarcerated in the Missouri penal system.
I was literally in astonishment as I viewed this documentary. They are imprisoned for crimes from illegal drugs to murder, but they must possess spotless records as inmates. Yet, this penal system recognizes these men are people, they are individuals who made tragic mistakes in their lives; most as very young men. While some of these men are now well into their senior years, they have found a purpose in life. Some are large men with hands akin to those of lumberjacks, but so tenderly and lovingly create these works of art.
Each quilt is bestowed upon a child in the foster care system. When the men choose the colors and designs for their creations, I immediately thought of how my life has been planned and designed by God. Very few individuals in life can state they planned their lives as they are now living. Most all of us have plans, but then “life happens.” Tragedy, circumstances and/or other persons alter our lives. However, as I have shared previously, nothing happens to us as God’s children, that He hasn’t already planned for us.
Unlike the inmates checking a list of children in the foster care system needing a quilt, God already knows us and our needs. He chooses whether the quilt of our lives will be bright and colorful or softer with pastel colors. Sometimes our lives are a quilt of many colors and hues.
The blocks will contain some squares like the foundation of our homes and lives; more planned and structured. Other blocks will have pointed triangles which may represent situations in our lives which were prominent and altered. Some blocks are appliqued with beautiful embellishments, reminiscent of those events in our lives which filled us with exultation; marriages, births and countless celebrations.
Occasionally there are quilts which are made with rows of fabric, which are the same sizes and shapes, but those are not as interesting as the quilts with more shapes and designs. All are unique and not identical unless they were mass produced in a factory.
We are not mass produced. We are all God’s unique and individual creations; flawed yet so perfect to Him. The proud inmates held up their quilts for the camera, to be viewed by hundreds of individuals before they were presented to the grateful recipient. We too are quilts on display. There are bright vivid colors and designs of the times of challenges and trials. There are the soft hues of when our life was gentle and more routine.
When God holds up His quilts what do others see? Is the quilt still pristine as God designed it or has it been stained, ripped or cut apart because we chose to “fight” God’s plan for our lives? Proverbs 16:9 NIV “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”
thegiftofgivingandgratitude 