Acts 15:30b-31 “And when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the letter. When they had read it, they rejoiced over its encouragement.”

It was a difficult day. The eulogies had been delivered and the task of cleaning out mother’s belongings lay ahead. Focusing through tears, we uncovered keepsakes hidden for decades. Occasionally, an unexpected piece of memorabilia would gift us with much needed laughter, and more than once, we joked that just perhaps mother had some hidden treasure waiting for us to discover.

We worked our way around to mother’s desk, where for years she sat in prayer and Bible study. The top two drawers held no surprises: pens, note pads, and a plethora of name and address labels. But the bottom drawer was filled with old, weathered cards, notes, and letters from friends and family, along with stacks of crayon-scribbled drawings from her children and grandchildren. Each one bore sentiments of love, encouragement, and gratitude. Each one, she had carefully folded and dated. As we removed them piece by piece, we quickly realized we had discovered Mother’s hidden treasure.

What we uncovered lacked the glitter of gold or the sparkle of diamonds. Instead, her unconventional treasure from the bottom drawer was yellowed pieces of paper bearing simple strokes of pen, ink, and crayon. It was evident that Mother had cherished every single word.

The value of the written word has long been acknowledged. In Acts 15, as the church in Antioch struggled through the difficulties of being a church plant, a letter arrived from the more established Jerusalem church. The letter was brief but encouraged them to hold to what was most important to God. What a treasure this was to the Antioch church, for they had been torn by conflicting requirements of worship. They craved this godly advice.

The Antioch letter held no monetary value. It was simple sheets of paper bearing simple strokes of ink. Yet, it offered priceless peace, guidance, encouragement, and great joy. Just envision this letter being read and received through tears of happiness and celebration. Certainly, no one in Antioch could ever have fathomed that their letter would remain a treasure to this day.

We need not look far to find those who crave joy, for the world is filled with the discouraged, ill, lonely, and bereaved. Words hold the power to heal hearts and souls. Simple words recorded on paper can become someone’s glitter of gold and sparkle of diamonds. So, Sisters, make time to send that encouraging email. Or, better yet, dust off your cards and envelopes, grab a pen, search out a stamp, and bless someone today with simple strokes. You never know in whose treasure drawer it will one day be discovered.

Father God, may we never overlook the power of healing and joy our words can offer.

Blessings,

Rita Cochrane