I had just finished speaking to a lovely, attentive group of men and women at a church in a nearby suburb. Now it was time for questions. But instead, the first person to speak came up with a statement that almost blew me away.
Perhaps she was inspired by the fact that I had shared how much I had appreciated having people walking alongside me in my writing journey who believed in me, prayed for me and encouraged me. I had then shown the group a card I treasure, sent to me by my dear friend and mentor, Joy, soon after she heard the news that I had finished writing my first novel, back in 2004. I had phoned her with great excitement, the moment I had written the final word of my initial long, wordy draft that would later see many revisions. That same week, a card arrived from her—and this is what it said:
The Book! Well done, dear Jo-Anne. Congratulations—and my prayers and love for the next phase. Joy
I had read these words out to the group, as I wanted to show them what a difference writing just a few lines on a card and sending it can make. And I urged them to think about whether there might be someone they know—a family member or a friend—who could well be encouraged to receive such a card from them.
I then sat down in front of the group and waited for questions. Instead, a lady I had known many years ago at our church spoke up. In a clear voice, she told us all how I had apparently written her a little, encouraging note way back in 1992 that she has kept in her Bible ever since and how much that has continued to encourage her over the years. She did not say what those words were—and I have no idea myself what they might have been. In fact, I can’t even remember writing them. Yet, we could all see and hear how much this note had meant to her.
By this point, my mind was reeling and I felt perilously close to tears. Yet I knew I could not allow that to happen. After all, I was the guest speaker! But who would have thought a little note I wrote all those years ago would mean so much to this lady that she would treasure it in her Bible for such a long time?
Then it dawned on me what a wonderful, parable-like moment God had orchestrated, in front of all those present. Here, acted out before their eyes in a way that spoke far better than my mere words, was a clear example of the power of encouragement. To me, it was a hushed, sacred moment—and I suspect it was for at least some others in that group as well.
So let’s keep on encouraging one another, however we can. After all, we never know when our words and actions might make all the difference.
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11
A lovely story Jo. I’ve kept a couple of notes and messages from others in my Bible too. We just never know how an encouraging word on season can speak to a person. Good on you for being an encourager.
Thanks, Nola–it feels so good to encourage others, don’t you think? And yes, I too kept a ragged piece of paper with two Bible verses I had been given in the back of my Bible all through my theological college days in my forties, to keep me going. Just read where I mention them in my next book, which I hope will come out soon.
Wow. We can never know when God has placed those words in our hearts and minds to speak on His behalf and encourage others! What a precious moment. I would have been moved to tears, too. May God continue to use you to encourage many, and use many to encourage you, too!
Thanks so much, Jenny. I do love encouraging others, but yes, it sure is nice to receive that encouragement at times too, just as you have through your comment. I think I was so blown away, I didn’t quite know what to do at that strategic moment, except just appreciate it as a lovely gift from God. May you too receive many such gifts along the way, Jenny–this writing journey isn’t for the fainthearted!