It arrived in my mailbox last month, a small yellow envelope containing words of affection and encouragement.

The person who sent it, I knew, had precious little time to compose and mail it to me. And yet, she did. A sacrifice of friendship that sank deep into my soul.

The world can be a hard place. We are all the walking wounded at times. The voices around us are not always kind, and many of us can find ourselves on the margins, overlooked. It is these times when even the smallest word of encouragement can turn our hearts from sadness to hope. And a few lines of blessing, composed and delivered with love, can turn a heart from despair to gratitude.

The little yellow note was like that for me. It remained open on my counter to be re-read multiple times over the coming days, each time bolstering courage and joy within me.

ENCOURAGE, INSPIRIT, EMBOLDEN mean to fill with courage or strength of purpose.
ENCOURAGE suggests the raising of one’s confidence especially by an external agency.
INSPIRIT, somewhat literary, implies instilling life, energy, courage, or vigor into something.
HEARTEN implies the lifting of dispiritedness or despondency by an infusion of fresh courage or zeal.
EMBOLDEN implies the giving of courage sufficient to overcome timidity or reluctance.

merriam-webster.com

I’m guessing that written communication means more to us who are older. We remember a time when digital communication didn’t exist. When phone calls were expensive and sending cards and letters were often the only way to connect with those not in our immediate circle.

Now, however, our digital culture gives us the ability to drop a quick encouragement anytime, for free. The power of encouraging words is always within our literal reach. Do we use it?

For all the angst and fuss over our use and abuse of technology, I wonder what it could look like to use it for blessing instead of cursing. If, instead of posting yet another complaint or outrage, we minister to people. What if we became intentional about sending encouraging texts, uplifting thoughts and maybe even a funny meme or two to those in our circle who need a blessing?

Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.

2 Timothy 2:23-24

What if, when we pray for someone, we send a quick text to let them know? What if we share that thought from our devotional time, instead of keeping it to ourselves? Did you miss seeing someone at church this week? Send a quick note to let them know they were missed. Do you appreciate that person who showed special care to your child? Send a few words of thanks. Did your toddler unroll all the toilet paper? Snap a picture and send it to another weary mom who could use a laugh.

The Bible tells us to think about things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8). We, who are so quick to focus on the scandalous, the salacious and the evil, would do well to lift our eyes to higher things. And then we can share with others who may also be circling the drain of negativity, hungering for something holy and beautiful to lift their thoughts from the world’s darkness.

A door to blessing lies open in our purse, our pocket; on our desk or kitchen counter. Why not take the opportunity waiting so close at hand?

It’s so easy.

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

Galatians 6:10