Our guest blogger today is Trevor Forbis, a student at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary where he is pursuing a B.A in philosophy. Trevor is my research assistant, and I want you to hear his good thoughts on this important topic. He is a member of Restoration Church in Wake Forest, NC while he is also completing the Pastoral Apprenticeship at The Summit Church.
Over the past four years in college, I have taken up the practice of writing personal notes by hand. I started this practice because of the impact others have had on my life through this simple gesture. Writing simple handwritten notes of encouragement, thankfulness, and love will go a long way, but I believe this is a lost art today. Here are some reasons to consider taking up this practice:
- It’s thoughtful. Today, you can type a letter much faster than you can write it with a pen, not to mention that you can typically do it on your phone while you're walking down the street. A handwritten letter may not be as convenient, but it means more when you know someone has taken the time to sit down and write it out. In fact, I still have every note that has been written to me as far back as I can remember.
- It’s personal. Your handwriting will almost certainly have distinct differences from other people. Rather than using the Times New Roman font which 99% of the world seems to write in, you have a specific penmanship that will add your personal touch. I can actually see people in my mind when I read their notes and see their writing, and that image brings me great joy.
- It’s surprising. Writing a note by hand gives you the opportunity to surprise someone. I love leaving a note where the person can stumble across it. It’s much more exciting to find a note on your car windshield than in your email inbox. It’s even exciting when you receive that note in the old-fashioned mailbox.
I challenge you to write a handwritten note to someone today. While you're at it, tell us about a time that a handwritten note meant something to you.
Back in 1993, I was carrying a very sick baby boy, and the doctors had given him a 2% chance to live. Very devastating! I had so many people writing me notes to hang in there and I still have every one of those notes! One letter stood out from the others and it was from an older lady, she not only encouraged me but she included verses that I clung to during this hard time. That note caused me to dig into God’s Word like nothing else! To this day, Isaiah 43:1-3a, are some of the most precious verses pointed out to! All because, my friend, Sally, took the time to write me a note!
Thanks, Diana, for the story!
And Chuck, it’s even better when you use a vintage fountain pen to write it! Just sayin… 😉
Indeed, Rick.
I send.a hand written thank you note to every person that visits our church. I also send hand written birthday cards and I cut pictures and articles out of the local newspaper and send them to our members with a hanswritten note commenting on what they have done or achieved. I feel this has endeared me more to the people than anything else I have done. Recently a mom posted a picture of a hand written note along with avnewspaper clipping about her child on Facebook saying how much she appreciated her pastor thinking of her child.
Also I have saved every hand written note I have reviewed from my church members.
Thanks, Kevin.
I have a handwritten card from a now deceased Aunt. Her penmanship had deteriorated but she wanted to let me know that she hoped I would go to seminary and be trained as a Baptist pastor. She was neither a Baptist nor privy to my wrestling at the time with the call to minstry. It was a powerful affirmation of my call.
Great story. Thanks!
As a volunteer, I received hand written thank you notes from church staff after serving at various events. It was thoughtful of them to take the time to write those notes and made me feel appreciated. It’s amazing what such a simple gesture can do for someone.
Thanks, Deborah.
Chuck, a few years ago, I would leave handwritten notes in Sunday School classrooms letting them know I was praying for them. One of the older ladies teachers (retired school teacher) jokingly chided me for my poor penmanship! She is still a dear friend and prayer warrior.
Thanks for the story, Larry.