From Edie: Discover why handwritten cards still matter and how writers can use their words to comfort, encourage, celebrate, and make a lasting difference.
Why Handwritten Cards Still Matter—and Why Writers Should Send Them
by Lori Hatcher
Just this week, a dear friend shared that she’d lost a life-long friend to cancer. Another said goodbye to her beloved pet.
My heart ached for them. I texted when I first heard of their loss. Later I called to express my condolences, but the weight of their sorrow lingered in my heart. I picked up a pen, rifled through my writing closet to find an almost-buried stack of greeting cards, and chose two.
“Lord,” I prayed, “help me write something that will comfort them and remind them that they don’t have to bear their sorrow alone.”
The same week, Our Daily Bread Publishing released my newest devotional book, Walking in Faith: 60 Devotions to Renew Your Strength. In my mailbox, almost buried under the ad circulars and campaign propaganda, I found a green envelope—hand-addressed—to me, not to Resident.
“Congratulations on your book launch. I am praying that God uses your continued steps of faith to make His name great. May Walking in Faith bless the hearts of many people who need it.”
Can you feel my smile?
The practice of sending cards—sympathy, birthday, celebration, thinking-of-you—has almost disappeared from our cultural landscape.
But it doesn’t have to.
Nor should it.
We writers can keep it alive, not to cling to an outdated practice, but to use our words to comfort, cheer, and celebrate.
“I’ll never forget the words you sent after my mom died,” a co-worker once said. “I kept the card, and I refer to it every time I have to write a sympathy card. Your words made me cry, but they were good tears.”
I have a keepsake box of cards that span my lifetime. In it I’ve saved graduation congratulations, baby congratulations, sympathy cards I received after my father’s death, and thank-you-for-being-my-friend notes. I have a postcard a stranger sent after reading one of my devotions and a celebration card from my publisher that came with an author copy of one of my books.
I treasure each of these cards. On days when I feel as if no one loves me, I pull them out and read them. I reflect on the dear people who took the time to buy, write, stamp, and mail them, and I smile.
Most writers will never publish a book. A few will see their byline in a magazine article or compilation, but everyone can write a few thoughtful words and sign their name to a card. We can know that not only will someone read it, but God will use our simple words to bring comfort, cheer, or celebration to another’s heart.
Here’s my challenge to you:
Think of someone you know who is either grieving, struggling, or celebrating. Take time this week to write them a note or a card. WRITE it—with a pen—in your own handwriting. (You do remember how, right?)
Now find a stamp. You’ve got one somewhere. Stick it on the envelope. Don’t forget to address the card. Put it in your mailbox, and pray over it. “Lord, please use my simple words to bring comfort, cheer, or celebration to this dear person. Do what only you can do and multiply my words for their good and your glory. Amen.”
Well done. Now do it again. And again.
May God be glorified in and through your writing.
Now it’s your turn. How has someone ministered to you through a simple card or note? Share your story in the comments below.
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