written by Cheryl Broetje, President and Tyler Broetje, Chair of Joe D. Shelton Memorial Award Committee
Healing can take many forms, often emerging in unexpected ways. A single event, no matter how small the potential can alter someone’s life profoundly. Whether it’s through a kind gesture, a powerful conversation or a moment of personal insight. The journey to healing is unique for each person.
On June 11th, the 4th annual Joe D Shelton memorial award announcement and celebration event was held in a packed auditorium at the Leo Building in Pasco, WA. This year the entire grant amount of one hundred thousand dollars was awarded to The Frontier Behavioral Health Organization, located in Spokane, for their work with Native American Women and Children–one of the most vulnerable people groups in the United States.
Attendees represented an amazing array of those who were once strangers to each other but brought together by pain and our mutual need for support, solidarity, and healing. They included Joe’s co-workers from the Mexican American Community on the farm and staff from the Broetje Family Trust who represent many different nationalities. A Native American dance group called the Little Swans from the Yakama Indian Nation performed for us, accompanied by their elders.
Their performance of the Butterfly dance started with them entering the room wailing and moaning, shrouded in their wings. Like the caterpillar who must wait in its cocoon until it is strong enough to burst out of its confinement, from a world grown too small for their spirits.
As the dancers broke through, their wings unfurled, and they began to dance around the room. They reminded me of Jesus’ visit to Lazarus, who had died and was in the tomb. Jesus used his power to bring the spirit of life back to Lazarus. But he couldn’t undo his grave wrappings by himself. So, Jesus calls on the community to remove his grave clothes and free him. That’s why the Broetje Family Trust exists.
Our hope for everyone who attends our events is they feel genuinely touched or inspired to take steps in their own healing journey, helping them feel connected and discover their true calling.
For additional information about this year’s awardee “Frontier Behavioral Health” and their projects and to explore their digital magazine (Issue 39) please visit this link.
