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Ms. Hill grew up in an era where women in professional business were limited. She spent numerous hours teaching herself the skill of sewing and became a seamstress. Deciding to put her skills to test, she established employment in a tailor shop on a military base. She used her skill of sewing as service to her country by tailoring military uniforms.
Over the years, she met thousands of military men and women. Their families treated her as one of their own. She listened to emotional wives pour out their heart concerning the void left by their deployed Soldier, Marine or Sailor. She would often pray over the young mother who gave birth and for the father who has never seen his child. People, who knew her, cherished her wisdom and faith.
Ms. Hill eventually became a master seamstress and enjoyed the remnants of her hard work. When not sewing, she would spend time with her granddaughter, Franchetta. During the summer months, Franchetta could always be found in the presence of her dear grandmother.
One sunny day in July, Franchetta asked her grandmother to teach her to sew. This touched Ms. Hill’s heart. She could now spend precious time with her granddaughter, while doing that which she loved. Franchetta asked, “Grandma, what is your calling and purpose in life.”
As Ms. Hill walked over to the sewing machine, she replied, “I asked God to use me for His purpose,” lifting her head and smiling she continued, “And He allowed me to sew.”
Franchetta said, “But grandma, how can sewing be a calling or even a purpose?”
“My dear, the plain and overcast sewing; the cross-stitch and hemstitch, herringbone-stitch and featherstitch, and all the others throughout the years were all part of God’s special gift to me.”
Franchetta eagerly asked, “But how grandma?”
“Well, I would sew the word “Emanuel” in the lining. I prayed that God would be with them. I also stitched words such as perseverance, faith, strength, love, etc. that described what the family members needed,” Ms. Hill replied.
Franchetta exclaimed, “God used your talent to help others!”
Ms. Hill said, “Exactly! If you gather the thousands of garments that have been sewn over the years, and lined them in a row, you will witness the story and heart of Jesus. My calling and purpose were to sew Jesus into the world—now let’s get started.”
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
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