WRITING LETTERS OF ENCOURAGEMENT

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Many of the memories we make in life we purposely set out to create, like birthday parties, picnics, and vacations. But sometimes the unexpected happens, like COVID-19. It’s when the unexpected happens, that my thoughts often turn to how to make this situation better for the person who is hurting, how to make a brighter spot in the midst of a miserable situation. The COVID-19 crisis is particularly challenging, because we are asked to stay at home, so touching people’s lives with our presence is not always possible right now. But sending mail is still possible! A heart-warming letter of encouragement to so many who are struggling takes just a few moments of our time, and can bring a smile to a weary soul. Below you will find a list of 45 groups of people who could use a bit of cheering right now, an encouraging word, a reminder that someone is thinking of them and praying for them, and that they are appreciated.

It would be a great family project to come up with names of friends and family that you want to write notes to at this time. Set aside a particular time to sit together at the kitchen table and write letters, maybe Sunday afternoons. The littlest ones, who cannot yet write, can draw pictures. It’s not only a fun project, but it helps children to realize the importance of caring for one another and expressing that care and love.

How many people do you know from this list that are impacted by COVID-19? These people need our kind words right now more than ever!

  1. parents who are suddenly homeschooling

  2. doctors

  3. nurses

  4. mail carriers

  5. Amazon delivery person and employees

  6. UPS delivery person and employees

  7. FedEx delivery person and employees

  8. pastors

  9. the tech team at your church that is bringing you streaming church service

  10. grandparents

  11. elderly relatives

  12. people in nursing homes

  13. new moms

  14. someone who’s lost their job

  15. a relative who lives alone

  16. people with mental health struggles

  17. small business owners

  18. day care workers

  19. teachers

  20. librarians

  21. trash collectors (tape a note to the trash can)

  22. pharmacists

  23. your local military base

  24. U.S. service members serving stateside

  25. U.S. service members serving overseas

  26. your extroverted friend who is struggling with isolation

  27. those whose wedding plans have been cancelled or scaled down

  28. soon-to-be college grads who have had graduations cancelled

  29. soon-to-be high school grads who have had graduations cancelled

  30. families with an “at risk” family member

  31. farmers, whose hard work supplies our grocery shelves with meat and produce

  32. nursing home workers

  33. anyone who works at a doctor’s office or hospital (receptionists, billing personnel, etc.)

  34. firefighters

  35. EMTs

  36. grocery store employees

  37. veterinarians and their staff

  38. music teachers

  39. dance teachers

  40. airline employees

  41. media employees

  42. friends who work in the tourism industry

  43. social workers

  44. bank employees

  45. dentists