Prayer Bears: Giving Comfort One Bear at a Time

Do you remember your first teddy bear? As a child a fluffy, plush animal quickly became your comfort, cuddle buddy, and even a friend. It seems the teddy bear has not lost its effect. And over the last two years, I have seen how a small cloth bear can change the lives of adults and children alike.

One day God put it on my heart to make Prayer Bears. I envisioned these small stuffed animals being given out by me and my grandchildren. We would pray over the bears, open our hearts, and let our hearts lead us to those needing encouragement. Through these bears we would bring comfort, hope, and love to the people we encountered. This was more than just a passing idea, but the next chapter of my nonprofit Smile Baggs. Another opportunity to uplift our community and we’d do it through the power of prayer and love!

When God put it on my heart to create Prayer Bears, Mrs. Clara (pictured above) was one of the first people I told. Immediately, she jumped right in to help by sewing the bears together. Man, was I excited! Slowly, the bears were transforming from an idea to a reality. With the love,help, and support of Mrs. Clara Smile Baggs has been able to bless so many people from all walks of life.

Prayer Bears have comforted grieving families, uplifted depressed hearts, and brought a lot of smiles to the faces of family, friends, and even strangers! It taught my grandkids the power of prayer and opened their hearts to God. It showed me how it's the small gestures that make a big difference. And lastly, that we are never too old to have a teddy bear... or should I say Prayer Bear.