December 8, 2024

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My mother, ever chilly even on warmer days, adored the word “flannel”. She loved to wrap her family in flannel – layettes, blankets, scarves and – above all – a good flannel shirt.  Dad, who worked outside often in harsh weather, had quite a flannel wardrobe in elegant muted plaids. On a wicked winter morning, seeing him off in such protective regalia gave Mom a measure of solace against her worry.   

Years later, when I ministered with people who had been left homeless, I remembered those shirts. Even as early as October, winter can make a brief, unexpected statement in our town. Someone living on the street can be caught off guard as an unannounced cold front sweeps in during the night. I began to carry an extra coat and some flannel shirts in the trunk of my car, distributing them to persons in need. Perhaps the shirts were scant shelter against a really cold bite – but they were, at least, something. 

In life, there are many ways to be caught isolated, cold and alone.  Despite all appearances, a person can be homeless in her heart.  Most often, that little “something” is all that person needs before she is able to mobilize her own resources against a harsh season. This kind of “flannel shirt” can come in many forms when “winter” hits unexpectedly – an encouraging word, prepared meal, offered errand, a listening ear. You can always keep that kind of warmth ready, just in case you meet someone for whom the heart fires have died.

I had never thought that Mercy could be made of flannel.  But, upon reflection, I think it just might be.

For Your Reflection:

• What feelings or reactions do I have after reading this reflection?
• Do my feelings or reactions remind me of any passage or event in scripture, especially in the life of Christ? 
• What actions might I take today because of my response to these readings?

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Suggested Scripture: Luke 10:25-37 – The Good Samaritan