Scout week begins with Scout Sunday and lasts through Saturday, Scout Sabbath. During this week Scouting will celebrate its 105th anniversary.
When I consider how many times I have raised my hand in the scout sign and pledged to do my duty to God and my country, I felt it was about time I put my body where my mouth is, and volunteered to give the children's message at our two worship services.
This takes a lot of courage on my part because every time I have to speak in front of a group, I want to run as fast as I can in the other direction. "Panic" would be the right word here. In this case, there is nothing like a security blanket. I know I have showed this quilt before but I put it up again because it is very meaningful to me. I felt my friends were there with me offering their support.
I told the kids that the symbol was chosen for several reasons. The three points stand for the three parts of the Scout Oath, duty too God and country, helping other people, and keeping oneself fit in body, mind, and spirit.
Since this is the symbol for North on the mariner's compass, I showed them my compass and how you can figure out all the directions if you know which way is North and how living by the Scout Law, a Scout is able to point the right way in life.
I compared this to the teachings in the Bible and the words of Jesus that show us the path to take and the way to live. All the while, those friends on my quilt were helping me along. When I looked at those children I was reminded of my own kids, two of whom had left me comments while I was sleeping and I had read with such a warm feeling before leaving home. Our children are treasures beyond measure and worth every effort spent in their behalf.
The quilt has signatures from Scouts and Scouters all over the world, I think at least 60 countries and all of the United States.
The emblem is embroidered with a single thread of embroidery cotton.
BSA and The Scout Association of Japan were the most complicated.
The other emblems were selected for their variety.
The center piece is the World Scout Emblem. Quilted around it is "Scouting is a World of Friends".
When I returned home and opened my computer, there was a message from a long-time friend and Scouter. He had written about a picture I had posted on facebook of the NASA Astronaut, Mike Fossum, an Eagle Scout, who had come to Tokyo only a few weeks ago and wanted to meet with Scouts in Tokyo. Many years ago, John Glenn and his crew had come to Tokyo and done the same thing and my friend remembered that ... about Scouts "giving back". My friend is now giving back too and I hope that today I have made a step in that direction as well.
Great post and gorgeous quilt!
ReplyDeleteWish I had been there Julie to cheer you on. I'm sure your "kids' talk" was appreciated by all who heard it. How did you figure out how much thread you needed for each of the emblems so that you don't run out?
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful quilt and testament to the work you do with these kids! I'm sure, despite the panic about public-speaking, you have given back in a very meaningful way.
ReplyDeleteWhat a nice talk to the youth this must have been Julie. I love the way you compared scouting law to Jesus' teachings. Kids need for the rules to be reinforced in many ways and scouting along with church is a great way to do that. Did you know that "do not be afraid" is the most often given command in the Bible? Jesus said it over and over in the New Testament and God said it over and over in the Old Testament. It takes courage to speak in front of any group but it helps me to remember that command and say it to myself over and over before I begin. blessings, marlene
ReplyDeleteI enjoy tho read your blog,and what you do for the scouts and the kids I gorgeous. The quilt with all that meaning is beautiful. I can not so good in Englisch tel what I mean. But is it greath!!!
ReplyDeletewell done you for being able to give your speech... see it was right to stay and not runn screaming into the distance xxx
ReplyDeleteJulie, I think you give back every day. How wonderful though that you were able to overcome your fear and give a talk for the Scouts. You had a beautiful quilt supporting you!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful quilts and a wonderful way to honor the scouts.
ReplyDeleteDebbie
Nice story and great quilt. I sent the link to my hubby.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great talk, I was moved by the connections between the path of the Scouts and the path given to us by Jesus. Well done for not running away, I think you will have made a difference by what you said, well done and I love that you had your quilt with you for comfort and support.
ReplyDeleteI should have brought a security blanket this weekend--we had to facilitate reflection circles on the Wonder of learning exhibit http://www.thewonderoflearning.com/?lang=en_GB
ReplyDeletearound people's emotional responses to the exhibit as emotions often arrive at the scene before rational thought, there is wisdom to be found in these emotional intelligences--but it was a little scary so i can relate--people ended up sharing such vulnerable and beautiful insights, so it was all worth it, as I'm sure your talk was too! Such a treasure this quilt is. xo kibidango
Wonderful quilt! (as you can tell, I am catching up on blogs I haven't had a chance to visit in a while). Anyway, good for you for conquering your fears and getting up and speaking. I am sure your audience appreciated and is better off for having heard what you had to say.
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