Encouragement File

Yesterday was interesting. I came upon a file folder that I started over thirty years ago  (This is a “real” file as opposed to a section of the hard-drive on my computer). I call this folder my Encouragement  File. As I began my ministry, some loving saint advised me to begin a file to hold the special notes and letters that people might send me over the years. The saint suggested that I should go back and read these notes from time to time, especially when I was in a “valley” – loneliness, depression, sadness, feelings of insignificance or other negative and destructive emotions. 

To some degree, I have heeded my friend’s advice. I created the file, and I occasionally put something new in it – a note from a friend, family member, or coworker that struck a deep chord in my heart. I am grey-headed so my file is pretty fat by this time. However, it has probably been over twenty-five years since I have looked at anything in the file. That won’t happen again.

Yesterday I was trying to remember a story about an old friend, and then I thought of my Encouragement File. Hoping that something in there would jog my memory, I began to read. Within minutes I was crying. A long letter from Howard, a guy that had been in my youth group in Memphis – now dead. Kind notes from people with whom I experienced Christian community in a small group. People that had prayed with me to receive Jesus as their Lord and Savior. People with whom I experienced weddings, births, deaths, baptisms, funerals, career changes, tragedies and victories. Correspondence from people of different races, nations, and tax brackets. Here’s part of a note from my Mom and Dad (1920-2008) in 1995: Twenty-five years ago you became a Christian. A new life began for you and the family. How thankful we all are for spiritual birth and Christian beginnings. God bless you as you continue His work. Although I grew up in a loving and religious family, I was the first Christ follower in our family. After my conversion in 1970, a wave of new life spread across our family… as part of a powerful movement of God in Jackson, MS.

Here’s the takeaway for me and you today. I need to visit my Encouragement File more often. You probably need to start one. But we both need to write someone this week – probably creating a new addition to their Encouragement File. Although the remembering, eulogizing and sharing after the death of a loved one is nice, how much better is it to celebrate the impact of one’s life before she or he goes onto Glory.

4 Responses to “Encouragement File”

1. Lenia Salgado says:

   September 1, 2009 at 3:38 pm

   Brother James,

   Thank you for sharing the article about the encouragement file – it has truly blessed and challenged my life. It is simply a reminder from God’s call to multiply and sow into people’s lives. For when we pass on, the only thing that remains is the legacy we left behind. Even in our death, lives can still be touched for His Glory!

   God bless you and the Loftin clan,

   Lenia

   Reply
2. Terry says:

   September 18, 2009 at 12:37 pm

   James, Thanks for these encouraging words…maybe I’ll start a file…I usually just toss in circular file…they may mean something to me when I’m old and gray like you…what am I saying…I’ll never be gray:-)

   Reply
3. Vicki Gandee says:

   September 28, 2009 at 1:57 pm

   James,
   I too have an Encouragement file. I started it years ago when I first started in ministry, and I called it “happy notes”. I did re-read the notes and letters often, for there were times I doubted myself and what I was doing. In reading those, it confirmed what God was telling me along… “I am with you, always.. I will carry you , enable you and bless you, as you do MY work.” Sometimes I would forget that, so those letters helped me. When I left Christ Church, Marianne Wilson made me a book with notes from all the kids and many from the families that I was blessed to serve. Precious little crayon notes and pictures from little ones, and sweet notes from their moms and dads. That is one of my most prized possessions. I will treasure that until the day I meet Jesus.

   Reply
4. Diane Klopfer says:

   October 11, 2009 at 11:10 pm

   Sweet James,

   I am so touched by the wonderful notes you have written. You are so thoughtful and encouraging. I will look forward to the upcoming blogs that you write.

   I am going to start an “Encouragement file”. I always wondered what to do with the precious notes and cards that I have recieved from loved ones and close friends.

   You and Carolyn are such a blessing to me in my walk with the Lord. I love to see you both and I always praise God for your presence in my life.

   With sincerity and love,

   Diane Klopfer

   Reply