As
a busy working mom with a large family, I often feel overwhelmed by the
commitments of my daily life and feel that I do not reach out to others in
ministry as much as I would like to. I took this concern to the Lord in prayer.
It went something like this - “Dear God, you know how busy and crazy my life is
(or at least I perceive it to be), and that I really want to be part of a
ministry to serve others. What can I do that won’t pull me away from my
responsibilities to my family, but will allow me to minister to others in a
tangible way?”
The
answer I received was to use my talents (writing/card making) to start a “card
writing ministry,” sending notes of encouragement to those in need.
This
answer resonated deep in my heart because years ago I was going through a very
difficult season in my life. I needed a lot of encouragement just to get
through the day. During this time, I received in the mail several hand written
notes from friends and acquaintances.
These cards were written just to encourage me and let me know I was
being thought of and prayed for. They brought a smile to my face and somehow my
struggles didn’t seem as heavy anymore. I have saved these precious cards and
often pull them out and reread them. My heart is always touched that someone
cared enough to take the time to find a nice card, write a personal note, and
then send it to me.
As
I was touched and blessed by the cards sent to me, I want to bless others in
the same way. God has now given me a direction to do so.
The
wonderful thing about starting a card writing ministry is that you can do it
anytime, from anywhere. You do not have to abandon your family and it is
actually a good example to have your children witness this and learn to do
likewise. But most importantly, it is needed. The Bible teaches, in Hebrews 3:13
(NIV), “But encourage one another other DAILY, as long as it is called TODAY...”
I want to be obedient to God’s word.
An
added benefit to this ministry? I believe it is great therapy for the writer.
When I send someone a card, I have so much fun either picking it out or
creating it. It takes my mind off my problems as I think about the joy it will
bring to the recipient. Plus it gets me into scripture, as I look for verses to
include in my cards.
So
what are we waiting for? Let’s get started.
Step One: THE ESSENTIAL PART: PRAY
The
most important step of all is this: Pray. Ask God to place someone on your
heart. Just start with one person. When God gives you a name, you will know it.
I often will sit in church on a Sunday and I’ll see someone and I will sense the
Holy Spirit tell me they could use an encouraging word. Sometimes it is someone
I know well; often it is someone I am only acquainted with.
However,
do not be limited to those in your church. God has recently put someone on my
heart who is not a Christian. I admit it’s easier to reach out to those like
us, but far more challenging to reach out to those outside our circles. I do
not believe that a kind word sent out in love is ever a bad thing.
Step Two: THE FUN PART- PICKING OUT
THE CARD
My
favorite thing about writing cards is picking them out or making them. I can
entertain myself for hours at the card shop reading all the cards. I also love
being creative and can spend hours creating my own cards. Some I will make on the computer, using my
own photographs, others I make using fun papers or fabric and thread.
Whether
you prefer to purchase your cards or make them, think about the person you are
sending the card to. What is their personality? Are they funny or serious? If
they are really serious, send them a funny card! I love funny cards, and I am a
very serious person. I think a funny card will bring a smile to the recipients
face and lighten their mood. Then you can write something serious. To me, this
is better than sending a serious card and then trying to say something funny
yourself. When in doubt, be conservative. Most times, a pretty note card will
do just fine.
Step Three:
THE HARD PART - WRITING THE MESSAGE
Once
you have your card, you’re half-way there! Now comes the hard part for most of
us. What to say? My advice, pray first for the right words and then start
writing. People want to hear from your heart, not something generic.
Always
begin with addressing the person by name - “Dear Alice…”. Then follow with your
message. You do not have to write a lot, but do write enough to show it’s
personal and that you care. It can be as simple as “I am thinking of you and
believing in you”, or as long as you wish. Write like you are talking to the
person. Acknowledge the struggle they are going through and include a prayer
for them. I personally like to add a scripture to the card that speaks to their
situation, but remember, this is not a place to get preachy.
The
last part of the writing is the sign-off.
This is always a little challenging for me. Do I use “love” or “from” or “sincerely”? How
about going to scripture for some inspiration? The apostle Paul always closed
his letters with a blessing. For example, his closing in the book of Philemon
says “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit” (NIV). Go ahead, be
endearing and sign-off with a blessing.
Step Four: THE EASY PART - SENDING
THE CARD
Now for the easy part: Put the card in the
envelope, address it, put a stamp on it (let’s support the US Postal Office!)
and send it on its way.
Congratulations,
you have just begun your own card writing ministry! I pray God will bless you
as you minister to others.
A Final Note
When
sending cards to people don’t expect a response back from them. You may desire to
hear that they received it and were touched and that your efforts were
appreciated. Or you want them to write back and do likewise for you. That
usually doesn’t happen. But that is OK, because you are doing this out of love
to encourage someone. You are giving a gift that needs no reciprocation.
