Tribute

For the past two years, I have had the honor of being a part of a very special group of people at my church - the prayer chaplains. Each of us, individually, has made a commitment, based on our inner guidance, to serve our church community as prayer chaplains. We are available after services and also on the phone, to pray with people who have need of prayer support or just to celebrate with them. It is a "beyond words" experience which deepens our connection to our church community and to God. We are prepared by the staff for the year commitment, by attending a weekend training and we have ongoing teaching and support.

We've become a very close knit group. I have the utmost love and respect for my prayer chaplain buddies. Nearly every one of them has prayed for me and the various elements of this trip for the past 8 1/2 months...none knowing for what they were specifically praying. I held the magic inside and did not share my plan, except with a few very close friends and my children. The big "unveiling" occurred at our Christmas party and I've experienced nothing but love and support. Still, I'm VERY glad I held it close to my heart, in that sacred place, just between Spirit and me. The power never faded. The incredible energy remained within me. propelling me forward.

Our fearless leader, the prayer chaplain coordinator, is Dorothy. She guides us, trains us and prays with us. And she holds us together when life "stuff" threatens to un-do each of us.

But Dorothy is more than merely the prayer chaplain coordinator to me. She has been almost a mother-figure at times, allowing my tears or tantrums, and she has believed in me, always. She has been my mentor, my sister, my friend. She is the ONE person in my life who I know will tell me the truth. She will not entertain the idea of sugar coating anything. She has been and continues to be the steady anchor of the prayer chaplain program and a precious treasure to me personally.



I love you, Dorothy. Thank-you, thank-you, thank-you for helping me become.