A Timely Word Works Wonders
No one can measure the worth of a timely word. Words are powerful; they can both tear down and build up. However, when the right words are shared at the right moment, they are simply wondrous. Timely words can touch the deep parts of our souls and serve as healing balms to soothe our pains from life’s challenges. In conveying our messages, both giver and receiver are blessed. In fact, Scripture says we find joy in encouraging each other with our words, and a timely word is so good (Prov. 15:24).
This month, as we celebrate National Card and Letter Writing Month, take some time to touch someone’s heart with card, note, or letter. Unfortunately, in our busy world, sometimes we allow commitments to rob of us of precious time to stay in touch with family and friends. You don’t need to have a reason to send a card or write a note—just letting those you care about know that you are thinking of them is reason enough to bring immeasurable joy and help make a difference.
Timely words can go much farther than what we can possibly imagine, for we do not know what others are really going through at any particular moment. This reminds me of one of my own experiences when I was sharing words of encouragement to a stranger.
One morning, I called a prospective client to introduce her to TruGlory Greetings. She later invited me to visit her office to give a presentation of my greeting card line. However, before ending the call, I decided to leave her with some words of encouragement for the day. I read my card, Keep Holding On, words birthed from my own experience when the Lord strengthened me amid one of my own life’s challenges. I later visited her place of business. As I greeted her, I showed her the card that I read to her over the telephone. I told her, “This is the card that I read to you over the telephone, and I would like you to have it.”
What happened next amazed me. The owner said, “That morning that you called me, you didn’t know it, but I was struggling that morning. I felt like I couldn’t make it any longer. You see, my husband and I owned the business together, but he passed away about a year ago.” As she was talking, I observed that she was becoming emotional. She proceeded, “Nobody but God had you to read those words to me.” Touched by her story, I expressed my condolences and handed her the envelope for the card. She said, “No. I don’t need an envelope. I’m going to frame this card. That’s the morning that God spoke to me, encouraging me to hold on. Thank you.”
Today, I still marvel at this story, which helps illustrate that receiving the right word at the right time truly can help make a difference. I had no idea what situation the store owner was facing, but God did, and He ordered my steps for His glory.
So, the next time you are inspired to share some kind words with someone, don’t hesitate. A timely word works wonders.
Shirley A. Spann, MDiv., is a minister of the Gospel and the owner of Deluxe Publications, LLC, the parent company of TruGlory Greetings, the division that publishes her Christian greeting card line. She is also the author of two books: Stepping Out On Faith (1992) and It’s Time: A Call to Action to Fulfill Your Purpose (2015). She lives in Ashburn, Virginia.