Cotton Head Prayer at Fellowship Square

I am blessed to not only have a job, but to work in an environment where prayer is encouraged. 

Ever since Naysia was a baby I have typically had jobs where she has been welcomed to come to work with me.  Fellowship Square (FS) is a Christian Care company, but while Christianity is their base, the practice of any religious belief is encouraged.  Every Saturday a group of residents meet to exercise their bodies and their spirituality.  I asked if I could bring Naysia in for a group prayer...it went a little something like this.........

1030am it's hot out and muggy.  We dash to the car and quickly turn on the air conditioner.  During the 6 mile drive to FS we talked.  She expressed being nervous about the attention she was about to get and wondered what the prayer was going to be like.  She knows most of the oldies, affectionately known as "cotton heads", and has formed some interesting bartering relationships with some of them.

We entered the clubhouse as they were wrapping up the first half of their program.  Mary Ann was discussing the importance of communication with the focus on non-verbal communication.  There were about a dozen residents there, the average age 85years old.  A great mixture of men and women--incredible people that I've come to know very well.  In this room is a teacher, a librarian, and a WW2 pilot--just to name a few.  They are parents, grandparents, great grandparents with immeasurable wisdom and a willingness to share.

Mary Ann called us to the center of the group, Naysia quietly declined-she instead sat between two women that are in their mid 90s.  I was under the assumption that they all knew her but they didn't.  She stood up, I introduced her.  Mary Ann was great about asking questions.  I explained how it all came about and probably said, "I'm so proud of her" at least 8 times.  

We eventually got around to a meditation, prayer and words of wisdom that only old people with decades of experience can give.  The group applauded her and wished her well.  

This was yet another moment that I wish I could play over again. We basked in positive energy flowing through the room.  Words did not need to be exchanged--you could feel the love, concern and pride.

O God, our heavenly Father, whose glory fills the whole creation, and whose presence we find wherever we go: Preserve those who travel, in particular Naysia; surround her with your loving care; protect her from every danger; and bring her in safety to her journey's end; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen!

We were all in agreement so it must be so.