Ever since I was a little girl, I have loved writing letters and corresponding with others. I have always been someone who encourages and supports people, which is why I had a successful cheerleading career. As the prison correspondence director, I encounter a heartfelt need for encouragement when we receive letters from inmates. It is both an honor and a privilege to recognize this need and respond to their letters.
We recently received a letter from one of our incarcerated VL family members. This letter included a tracing and a cutout of this particular person’s hand. Written on the hand was a message to Kristi which read, “Mrs. Johnson, this is my left hand, and whenever your left hand gets tired, use mine to aid and assist you in your time of need. You are a blessing in yourself. Lord bless you and everything you do.”
You see, he was writing to VL to express his gratitude for the prayers and ministry to those behind bars, but as he did so, he was also encouraging our team. What a refreshing piece of mail to open up. It served as a powerful reminder that those we serve behind bars are not only thankful for VL, but they also pour encouragement back into us—often at moments when we don’t even know we need it.
Around this same time, I felt compelled to send a text message to someone who has been a safe, loving, and encouraging resource to one of my family members. I wanted them to know that they bring me comfort, too, during this difficult time. I appreciate their counsel and trust them to steward the role they play in walking alongside and supporting my family members.
Not too much longer after I texted my thanks, I received a message back, and they expressed how much this message meant to them. It seemed significant and timely. I didn’t expect a reply– I only meant to share my gratitude.
Receiving their message in return uplifted my spirit in a way I hadn’t anticipated. When we set out to encourage others—or even unintentionally encourage someone—we often find ourselves being encouraged in return.
As I took a moment to reflect on the intentionality and depth of our Heavenly Father’s heart, I came across some scriptures that truly speak to His love and purposes for us.
“A generous person will prosper, whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” – Proverbs 11:25
“Give and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” – Luke 6:38
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the day drawing near.” – Hebrews 10:24-25
Think of a time when someone unexpectedly encouraged you. Remember how much that lifted your spirits, even if you didn’t realize you needed it at the time. Have you ever sent a message or words of encouragement to someone, only to find out later that it was precisely what they needed? And in return, you felt encouraged as well? I genuinely love it when that happens!
Who is someone God may be encouraging you to uplift this week? You might have someone who has recently become a consistent source of encouragement in your life. I encourage you to reach out to them with a simple text, letter, or phone call. You can offer to pray for them or even stop by for a visit. Sometimes, shifting our focus from our own needs to encouraging others can transform our outlook on life.
My prayer is for the Holy Spirit to grant us sensitivity to those in need, inspire timely words of encouragement, and refresh and uplift everyone around us.
Today, if you need encouragement, take a moment to uplift someone else. In the beautiful way the Holy Spirit works, you will also be encouraged!
