Embroidery of memories - creative answer to a prayer

There is power in memories, both for the good and the evil.

Do you have some relationships burdened with painful memories? How about connections that good memories create? Everyone’s past is made of embroidery of memories, both good and the bad. 

Recently I was inspired, as an answer to a prayer, to make an embroidery for one dear friend with whom I share both good and bad memories. I never made embroidery before, so I used the pattern I bought in a shop. 

Inspiration for the hand-made gift came in a place of prayer. I was praying for the unresolved issues that are burdening our friendship as I was seeking restoration. While praying, I kept seeing a nidle creating something new. 

While working on the embroidery, I could feel pain in my heart. Heartache resonated with nidle piercing the fabric. There was soothing of pain while creating something for someone I love and care for deeply. 

It felt like at the same time Christ was making embroidery on my own heart. I sensed that a heart, like everything else, has to endure pain of creating in order that something new can emerge.

When something new is emerging there is much improvisation, learning in the process, as well as seeing beauty in imperfection. The end result of this creative answer to a prayer, was exactly what a pioneering experience is - beautifully imperfect. 

In some way, through creative process I sensed Jesus speaking to my heart that as I am co-creating embroidery with Christ, He is creating something new in  my heart and rebuilding relationship with a dear, old friend. 

This childish, imperfect and ordinary creation is a testament of childish faith in Christ. Through the process I was embracing all memories of the past while something new was emerging in a place of creative prayer.

I wrote an accompanying letter with the gift. In the letter I shared my memories of our friendship. In the process I’ve embraced painful stories too, believing that Christ is making new embroidery in our hearts.

Do you have a relationship in need of restoration? Is that relationship burdened with some painful memories? 

Allow Jesus to explore painful memories with you and be  inspired to create a gift for the person you are praying for.

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. - 1 Peter 4:8