Personal handwritten notes may be better than texting or messaging.
For proof positive of this, consider the soccer parents in this story being played out today in history (click here). I can see them clutching tear-stained notes from their children.
A mother’s simple note to pastor reaches her family.
When my pastor-husband took a firm stand on an issue in our community, he received a simple, hand-written note from an elderly widow. Faye not only thanked him for his stand, but assured him of her prayers for his ministry. Russell kept the letter in his Bible and read it often. Recently, after her death, he gave the letter to her daughter letting her know how much that encouragement had meant to him. The value increased as her family shared tears of joy to hold that precious, life-changing note.
Feelings expressed on paper have long-lasting benefits.
Recently, I found a hand-written note from my only sibling. He called me weekly for many years, then daily the past two years before he died in October. I miss his calls, his voice and his long stories. though they fade with time. His sweetness comes alive as I re-read his words scribbled on a yellowed notepad. I feel the paper, knowing he touched it and shared his heart with me. I continue to reap amazing rewards with personal handwritten notes from my ‘baby brother’. They are priceless!
Confined at home; can’t minister to others? Think again.
Doris Smitherman, in her 90s, regularly sends hundreds of small notecards to a growing list. This beautiful friend hears a need and adds another family to her ministry list. Simple notes filled with stickers and Bible verses touch the hearts and souls of many who never get visitors, calls, or cards. Only eternity will reveal what amazing rewards await her. How many lives have been changed forever by one person they may never have met who cared enough to “send the very best.”
Stop! I can hear your excuses … I have used them, too!
“Not me! – My handwriting is terrible! – I can’t spell! – I’m not a writer! – I’ll just call or text! – Stamps are too expensive! – I don’t have time for this!”
You thought some of those things, didn’t you? You may be right! However, indulge me on this one, please! (I’ll look for your comments at the end.)
Why are personal handwritten notes so valuable?
- A handwritten note is tangible proof you are loved and appreciated.
- A handwritten note, with all its imperfections, is personal; just for the recipient.
- Value increases when you consider someone spent time, thought, and money for you.
Who needs your note? (For other ideas on who needs your encouragement, click here.)
- Those who cannot or may not reply; it is not a card ‘exchange’.
- Overworked, stressed-out caregivers or parents or teachers or ???
- Faithful servants in the community: waitresses, store managers, mail carriers …
- Those on your prayer list, whether you know them personally or not.
I hope this whetted your appetite a bit to at least try it. For now, start accumulating addresses and watch for an article very soon with simple ideas to make this an easy project for you, and perhaps your family. Please do comment below and trust me through one more article. I think you will be amazed!
Hugs,
An important part of recognizing who may benefit from our personal notes is learning to listen. For me, this has been a challenge; God, as always, never gives up on me! click here for more
Building self esteem in others is easier than you may think. Today’s headlines run the gamut from bullying kids to neglecting senior adults. Those who lack self-esteem are most vulnerable. Many have never been told how special they are; that they have value and purpose.