I ran across a post from my cousin the other day regarding a love letter. I was intrigued because, as far as I knew, this cousin was single and not currently involved with anyone. The front of the letter (she had posted a pic) said this…
For you. Really.
After further investigation, I realized it was a letter for someone she’d never met, and, likely, never would. Apparently, one girl on the 4 train in NYC tried it, dropping off, randomly into the world, a letter for someone to find and be encouraged. She put it out there for others to try, and now it’s taken off, spurring quite a following of letter-writers. It’s an idea that makes my soul sing alleluia!
Who among us can’t use a kind word? The gift of encouragement? An assurance that we are going to get through whatever muck we’re currently wading through? And more, who among us is incapable of offering one? I dare say only a very, very few.
In the world of blindingly-paced technological marvels, we can find ourselves feeling cut off and lonely, if we’re not careful. More and more, we live behind our screens and void of human contact and touch. We are made for face-to-face relationship, and while we may tout thousands of Twitter followers or Facebook friends, we don’t really know very many of them, and see far less. The words put out on the web are to the masses, and sometimes…sometimes, we just need the comfort of words written on a page that were touched by another person and written out in their own hand. We need words that were meant just for us.
A very, very long time ago, chisel was put to stone, then quill to papyrus, as the God of the universe dictated His love letter to a handful of trusted souls. It was a love letter to the masses, yet had we, you and I, been the only ones to make up the masses, it would’ve still been written. It was and is very personal, meeting every single person who reads it right where they are…touching them right where it hurts and bringing restoration and hope. God’s love letter is more than we expect, a surprise, really, like a letter found in an unlikely place. It’s addressed…
For you. Really.
…and it has the power to turn not just the day around, but the whole of our lives.
I think, when I write my own letter, it will not just include my words, but quite a few of His words, as well. If I’m going to throw some love out into the world, I would be remiss not to direct them to the Greatest Love Letter ever written.
I would be remiss not to include HOPE.
I’m feeling thankful for that girl on the 4 Train in NYC and her fresh take on an old idea. Thankful for her brand of love letter. Thankful for HIS.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to find a pen. And some stationery…
“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up…” 1 Thessalonians 5:11 ESV
“…Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.” Ephesians 4:29 NLT
“The right word at the right time is like a custom-made piece of jewelry.” Proverbs 25:11 MSG
______________________________________________________________________________________
For more about The World Needs More Love Letters…
Another outstanding post that reminds us/me of how distant we/I have become in our relationships. I have letters, cards & notes that you kids have sent me through the years, that I cherish. I love all the homemade cards my grandkids have made. It’s so wonderful to be able to hold & reread all these personal, “Gifts of Love” that were given to me through the human touch!
Wonderful reading and yet so true. I have always enjoyed cards and letters. You mom is very good at it. I recently visited with both of them this week and then next day a letter went out to both of them. I feel that I can show my love to Uncle Tom and Aunt Sharon through letters since I can really talked to your dad on the phone. I pray every-night their strength and for Our God to heal him. I really enjoy your post and I take some of your bible quotes for my Journal. Today, I took them all. Love your cousin, Casey Jane. <3