Sadly, throughout my life I have met many people that have unfortunately struggled with various forms of addiction. Recently, I found myself dealing with that situation with a close friend. She initially tried to beat the addiction on her own, then tried outpatient programs and finally agreed to a 30-day inpatient program. During that time, I mailed her a card every few days and for several weeks after the program ended. I simply wrote words of encouragement, prayers, or positive thoughts — just letting her know I was thinking about her. She recently told me that the letters and cards kept her going, gave her hope and a feeling that someone was thinking about her and loved her. She said many times, the cards came on a day when she really needed some words of encouragement to keep her from taking a wrong turn and falling back into old, bad habits. She displayed the cards in her room and enjoyed re-reading them throughout the program and even after she went home.

This small gesture does not take talent or treasure — just time – and very little of it! Whether it be a card, call, email, or text, it is important that we reach out to those who are struggling and let them know that God loves them, and they are important. A small gesture which literally only takes a few minutes per week is sometimes all that someone needs to lift them up. My friend now shares that simple gesture with her friends and family members that may be struggling. Although she continues to work on her own sobriety, she recognizes that it is also very important to always think of others who may need support and love on their journey.

I was truly blessed to be able to support my friend and enjoyed writing each and every card because I knew it meant so much to her. I encourage everyone to reach out to someone going through a difficult time and let them know they are thought about, prayed for, and loved!!