Social Network Adventure

I joined a social network last March, to expand my sphere of influence.  Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha!!!!  I found the most remarkable group of women who intentional give of their time and resources to serve the community!  I delightedly say I fell under their influence! A quilter's group was on the activities rooster.  Having always desired the skill, I joined. This lovely group of ladies meet once a month to share their latest projects and work on a group quilt to raffle for charity.  They proudly show their finished and "work in progress" items.  Validating, encouraging and celebrating each other flavors this time with loving friendship! This time of teaching, sharing, serving is divine!  I watched, asked questions, helped, submitting to instruction for 6 month.  Finally I felt confident to attempt my own personal "quilt block".  At the September meeting I shared my first project sheepishly.  The positive feedback watered this new spout!  After refreshment time, I headed out the door to find another group of cheerful women celebrating the US Constitution Week, emphasizing the second amendment, our right to bear arms.  As I stood their enjoying the Constitution quizzes they offered, the quilt group co-chair wrapped her arm around me from behind, yet again, touching me with words of encouragement.  She noted my shyness and recited a story from her treasury of experience.

"Years ago, as a beginner, I took a class from a famous published quilter.  She check our work individually after our session, praising us all.  When she praised my work, I began to show her my mistakes.  She snatched my quilt block and took five steps away.  She asked me, 'Where were those mistakes?'  When I began walking up to point them out, she halted me with outstretched hand.  'From there, where are the mistakes?'  I couldn't see them!  She exhorted me, 'Anytime somebody starts putting their nose on your work, to point out those little angles that are off, just a bit, you tell them to BACK OFF!  JUST BACK OFF!"

I reflected on her story and the coincidence of the "right to bear arms" women with their message.  When trials of life, insecurities, or fears come, to rob us in "the pursuit of happiness" we have a right to bear up saying, "No, not today, not now! I won't except those negative feelings!  I won't give up my hope!"  As I look at the example, of these great women of Redding, CA, who purpose to continuing giving their entire life, I realize it is more than a right.  It is a responsibility.