Copyright © 2026 Women of the ELCA. Reprint permission is granted for use in Women of the ELCA units, clusters/conferences and synodical women’s organizations provided each post is reproduced in its entirety. If you enjoy this resource, Donate Now.

My grandmother taught me to crochet. Abuela circled a strand of yarn around the hook and through a knot. “Hold the end and move the hook through. Grab the yarn with the hook and pull it through.” When my chain was as long as the width of my bed, I stopped. “Good. The more you practice, the straighter your chain. Now, pull it loose and start again.” I deemed the project too difficult, and I quit.

Some 20 years later, I picked up my rows again. My finished prayer shawls are imperfect and full of love. They are broken. Perhaps they are beautiful.

My hands create a part of God’s love in simple design. My hook can create a blanket of warmth. My yarn weaves love. I leave the shawls at the church office. The recipients are unknown to me and my part is complete. God’s work with my hands.

My shawls are imperfect but created with love. As God’s children and those prayer shawls, we are all perfect in our brokenness.

This message is excerpted from “Created in perfection by love” by Kirsten LaBlanc in the September 5, 2016, blog of the Women of the ELCA. Today we commemorate Peter Claver, priest, missionary to Colombia, 1654.