“A word of encouragement during a failure is worth more than an hour of praise after success.” — William Saroyan

I don’t know what it is about bandaids, but they do magic.  When my boys play, they go full-throttle, throwing their body and heart into the moment.  Bumps and ouchies come with the territory, but no matter how hard I try to explain it away, it’s hard to stop the tears.

When I whip out a bandaid and cover a scape, their bodies relax and I’m able to give them a hug.  There is something soothing about visually seeing the wound covered.

The bandaid says –“You’re okay.  I care.”

Cards are like bandaids of encouragement to my heart.

When I think back to the times I’ve hurt the most, I’m going through a difficult time that isn’t going to change very quickly or maybe not at all.  My head would’ve been saying one thing, but my heart would’ve been struggling to catch up.

This is when cards and other visual reminders like plaques and photos really encourage me.  One of my love languages is words of affirmation.

So, when I see the words printed on a card or plaque, I feel God’s care through my friends, like a warm hug settling over my heart.

An (in)spired June Encouragement Pick

A while back, a dear friend who is always full of cheer, serving the moms at our church, found out her husband’s cancer was at it’s worse.  Her family decided to call all the children and grandchildren to fly home and visit together, as they face the reality of the last season of life.

I wasn’t sure how best to encourage her, so I opened up my box of cards that I buy and tuck away.  I see it as my “Encouragement First Aid Kit”.  As my thoughts drift to my friend, I thumbed through the cards and asked God, “Which one is for her?”

My eyes stopped on a card in the Bright Blessing Card Pack — 10 Things God Wants You To Remember. Something about seeing the little girl’s finger-painted hands touched my heart.

I didn’t want to say too much.  I picked up my pen and thought about that little girl’s hands on the card’s cover.

Dear Friend, I’m praying for you.
May you climb into His lap and find His arms around you as He says these 10 whispers to you.

After my friend received the card, I found an email from her.  The card was touched both her and her husband deeply.

We never know how God can use the power of encouragement.  But, if this is a gift He’s put in you, keep pouring it out sisters.  Your words and gifts go deep, where there is friendship and healing.

What product did you pick to review in June’s Power of Encouragement (in)spired deals?

Let’s hear your reviews — just link up below!

Psst! For those re-filling your personal “Encouragement First Aid Kit”: Remember to use the (in)spired special June coupon: JUNE20. This month, you can save $20 on any $50 order (spend $70 and you get free shipping too).

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