"For 75 years, Finland's expectant mothers have been given a box by the state. It's like a starter kit of clothes, sheets and toys that can even be used as a bed. And some say it helped Finland achieve one of the world's lowest infant mortality rates."*
Since the 1930s these baby boxes have been helping and encouraging new moms. Neat idea, isn't it?
Whose spirit isn't encouraged by a gift box in the mail, whether you have a need or not!
Years ago my friend (who loved stuffed bears) had six weeks of post-cancer radiation treatments scheduled. Though we lived far apart, I sent her a large box containing six wrapped bears to be opened at the beginning of each week of treatment.
It took me several hours of planning, shopping, wrapping, and packing, but it gave my friend comfort and joy at a difficult time in her life. And it gave me joy to give her joy! 😊
Many people are dealing with health and relationship challenges: loneliness, health problems, difficult life transitions, and separation from family members.
We serve a God who can give us creative and unique ways to encourage others. Furthermore, when we encourage others, we're also encouraged.
Why don't you pray this week and ask God if there is someone you can encourage: a lonely senior, a struggling young family, an aging parent, a new empty-nester, a handicapped child, an out-of-work friend. Then use your God-given creativity to bless them with a gift box, a card, a text, a phone call, a gift card, or something else!
It's part of Christian fellowship:
"Rejoice with those who rejoice, mourn with those who mourn." Romans 12:15
"If one part [of the body of Christ] suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it." 1 Corinthians 12:26
"Be kind and compassionate to one another." Ephesians 4:32
"Encourage one another and build each other up." 1 Thessalonians 5:11
We're specifically told to help those who are persecuted and mistreated:
"Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering." Hebrews 13:3
Bible Love Notes
What a great idea. Your post reminded of a recent visit to a family who is taking cancer treatments. She gladly displayed a surprise gift box she had received recently.
ReplyDeleteI think it's the child in us that loves surprise packages, don't you?
DeleteI pray your friend's treatments completely heal her of the cancer.
Have a blessed day.
Hi Gail, I recently sent our family doctor a thank you note, when I felt he went "above and beyond the call of duty." The next time I saw him, he remarked that thank you notes really "keep him going," and thanked me for it--twice. It was so simple for me, and really blessed him. Thanks for your encouragement to encourage!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea...and something I've never thought to do. Thanks for the idea!
DeleteThankful for the reminder - so important!
ReplyDeleteI need these reminders too : )
DeleteHope this post will end up blessing many.
Great post, Gail! I believe encouragement is so important.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Shelly.
DeleteHave a blessed day!
I love it great idea for workmates.
DeleteWhat an interesting post, Gail. You come up with some interesting stories to bring your point to your readers. Now, you have put an idea in my head to give care boxes to some people.
ReplyDeleteThis is such an encouraging post, Gail! It has surely given me some great ideas. Thank you for allowing God to use you to be a blessing to me and so many others with this Bible Love Notes Blog.
ReplyDeleteThanks Gail,
Have a blessed day everyday!
This reminded me of a gift basket a Facebook friend sent me shortly after my diagnosis with Myeloma. It was packed full of things she thought might help me during those tough early days of infusions and side effects. I'm reposting, because the Lord used your article to remind me to "pass it on."
ReplyDeleteLove hearing about this creative gift box, Dawn. Thanks for passing it on.
DeleteI love your post and it goes along with a video I was watching today. The lady making the video was planning her families meals for a week. She made an extra pasta dish and salad for a family in her area with a family member in the hospital. She said we all say we will help so just do it. No one will refuse a cooked meal.
ReplyDeleteWhat a thoughtful idea! Thanks for sharing it.
Delete