Why blankets are a beautiful gift, and how to make one
At WJEF13, Native students were gifted with a blanket after a session that dealt with sexual abuse. Again at WJEF14 students received a blanket after an elder shared the story of her boarding school experience. The blankets were given as a comfort and a symbol of the prayers being prayed for these students. Since then gifting the student attendees with blankets has become a tradition. We are planning on gifting students with a blanket again at WJEF22 and are looking for volunteers who would make them and pray for the students (Instructions below). The conference starts November 11th, so blankets need to be completed in time to ship/get to someone who will bring them to the conference.
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Here is one student's reflection on the blanket ceremony:
"Europeans gave gifts of blankets to Native Americans but they were smallpox infected. Students enjoying their blankets at WJEF13 "To receive that from predominantly white staff, but from people who (in the eyes of the conference) 'are above us,' are in true Christ fashion, serving the marginalized, was powerful. It's something I’ve carried on from past WJEFs – being able to share with my friends what the blanket symbolizes to me. Blanket experience was monumental." |
Students enjoying their blankets at WJEF13
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Recently this same student shared this story on Facebook:
"I received this blanket at WJEF last year, as a symbol of healing and reconciliation and Friday night I gave it away... I was approached by two Hopi natives, Pat and Cody on the corner coming home from my performance. They were asking me to buy them alcohol, but more than that, they were telling me they were cold and just wanted blankets. As I kept talking to them, I realized they had nowhere to stay. So I went home, and grabbed my WJEF as well as my Chargers blanket, a gallon of water and a lighter, noticing Cody had an unlit cigarette. I walked back downtown and was trying to track them down, and it started to rain. FINALLY just as it started pouring I found them and gave them my gifts and asked to pray for them. So there on the street corner I had two cold, wet, scared Natives in my arms, and as I prayed Pat cried and told me she had a family that needed her. I stopped looking at them differently for being drunken and homeless, and just had compassion, and that taught me such a valuable lesson I will never forget. I hope they find healing in this blanket the way I did. Please be praying for my brother and sister."
"I received this blanket at WJEF last year, as a symbol of healing and reconciliation and Friday night I gave it away... I was approached by two Hopi natives, Pat and Cody on the corner coming home from my performance. They were asking me to buy them alcohol, but more than that, they were telling me they were cold and just wanted blankets. As I kept talking to them, I realized they had nowhere to stay. So I went home, and grabbed my WJEF as well as my Chargers blanket, a gallon of water and a lighter, noticing Cody had an unlit cigarette. I walked back downtown and was trying to track them down, and it started to rain. FINALLY just as it started pouring I found them and gave them my gifts and asked to pray for them. So there on the street corner I had two cold, wet, scared Natives in my arms, and as I prayed Pat cried and told me she had a family that needed her. I stopped looking at them differently for being drunken and homeless, and just had compassion, and that taught me such a valuable lesson I will never forget. I hope they find healing in this blanket the way I did. Please be praying for my brother and sister."
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Directions:
What you need is about 4'-5' of fleece (by whatever the width of the bolt is), with little tabs cut and tied on the edges (see pic below) These are often double layered, but a single layer will work fine for our purposes. Please avoid fleece patterns that aren't broadly appealing (such as sports teams and baby motifs). Often fabric stores like Hobby Lobby will have fleece with a Native American style pattern. |
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If you would like to attach a little tag to your blanket with your name and a note that you are praying, a scripture that has been significant to you in times of healing, or a scripture that God brings to mind, or a specific prayer you are praying for the students-- it might be nice touch.
We have been asked if blankets could be purchased rather than made. The important thing is that there is some sort of personal time and attention given to the gift. If you prefer to purchase a blanket, please make a nice tag for it that includes a prayer, a personal note, and/or a scripture.
We have been asked if blankets could be purchased rather than made. The important thing is that there is some sort of personal time and attention given to the gift. If you prefer to purchase a blanket, please make a nice tag for it that includes a prayer, a personal note, and/or a scripture.
