Encouragement in Written Form

I love receiving cards in the mail. To me, nothing says "I love you" or "thinking about you" than a personal, hand-written note from a loved one.  They often come unexpectedly, and I believe that is the beauty of the note.  

To bring unexpected, joy, hope and encouragement into one's life. 

Yesterday, on September 11th, I attended a Memorial Service for a dear friend and attendee of Illuminate.  Watching a mother grieve the loss of a child is so hard to view.  It is something I pray to God everyday that I never have to experience, regardless of the age of my children. While I was getting ready, I knew she would need encouragement.  I decided to give her a card of encouragement.

I also knew that she would probably be receiving lots of cards.  Written words from those who loved Kelly. From those who may have had a hard time finding the words to say to bring comfort, but a card they found spoke it perfectly.

That is the beauty of a card.

I picked out my card from Dayspring's Hope and Encouragement set.   It said exactly what I was thinking that morning. My heart heavy knowing we were celebrating a life that was no longer with us.  Praying for Kelly's Mom and brother. Praying for other family members and friends who would be with us that morning.  There was joy in my heart knowing that her mother and brother had accepted Jesus. Joy because Kelly was in heaven in a new body, no longer in pain.  Joy because others would get to hear about the Jesus Kelly loved so deeply.

That is the beauty of experiencing pain. 

I don't wish to dwell in pain, or even experience it regularly.  But it is when I am hurting or I see others hurting that I know our Heavenly Father is really present.  That He carries us and calls us to lean on Him so much that we can't imagine being anywhere else.  And it is with that experience with pain that we know to bring encouragement to those who experience it as well.  

Through a card. Encouragement in written form. Sometimes, our mouths don't form the words we want to say. 

But a card can.

Tiff~

P.S. Today is National Day of Encouragement.  If there is someone you know who could use a beautiful, encouraging note from you, please send one today. 

*Huge thank you to (in)courage for sending me the beautiful package of cards from their Hope and Encouragement collection.  They are absolutely beautiful and I have several more being mailed out to friends and family as we speak.* 

Comments

[julia]

stopping by from (in)courage. hand written letters mean the most in times of struggle. thanks for sharing your encouraging story.

[Jess @ Get Busy Living]

I'm also a lover of all things greeting card! Weren't these 10 of the most perfect cards? Happy encouraging!!!

[Michelle]

I have found some great cards from Dayspring to send to our Compassion children. I hope they make the kids as excited as we all are when we get a Compassion letter in our mailbox!

[Tiffany Harper]

Michelle yes!!!! I saw those too! I was thinking of buying some for our Compassion girl in India! They would for sure bring a smile to those beautiful children.

[Tiffany Harper]

I LOVED the cards. Gorgeous and perfect!

[Tiffany Harper]

Thank you for saying hi Julia! I love meeting new blog peeps =).

[Janis@Open My Ears Lord]

Hi Tiffany,

Loved your post on encouragement. The cards are really special and I am looking forward to sending them all out. The sentiments expressed there are meaningful. Nice to meet you through (in) courage. I also posted a link about encouragement on the site.
Blessings to you,
Janis

[Tiffany Harper]

Hi Janis! Thank you so much for saying hi! I will definitely check out your post.

I can't wait to send the rest of mine out as well! They are just too gorgeous to stay in a box ;)