My friend, Gail MacDonald, makes a habit of collecting short sayings of encouragement from saints of old. Whether it’s a quote from a missionary or a line from a time-honored hymn, Gail realizes that a few wise words go a long way in lifting one’s vision and stretching one’s faith. When an envelope arrives in the mail with her familiar handwriting, I know I'm about to be blessed.
Recently when I came home from a long, rigorous trip overseas, I was flipping through the pile of mail on my kitchen table. Near the bottom I spotted a letter from Gail. I hadn’t unpacked yet, I was pretty tired, and my things were still in the kitchen, but nevertheless I opened it and read her words of greeting. Sure enough, near the bottom of the letter, Gail MacDonald included several lines from Amy Carmichael, the British missionary who labored long in India. Miss Carmichael fell and injured her leg and for the last 13 years of her ministry, she was bedridden.
Anyway, this is what Gail sent me from the pen of this missionary of old. Miss Carmichael said, “There is no need to plead that the love of God shall fill our heart as though he were unwilling to fill us. He is willing as light is willing to flood a room that is opened to its brightness; willing as water is willing to flow into an emptied channel. Love is pressing round us on all sides like air. Cease to resist, and instantly love takes possession.”
I like that… especially the part where she says that love is pressing round us on all sides like air. And in that instant, sitting in the kitchen feeling tired, I thought, “No wonder Jesus said, ‘Come unto me all you who are weary’ … He knows that His love can flow more easily into an empty heart.” That letter truly bolstered my spirits after my long trip. I was tired, weary, and sitting in my wheelchair in need of a fresh perspective. And I thank God for friends like Gail MacDonald who take the time to share a godly perspective.
Proverbs 20:15 describes her perfectly, “Gold there is, and rubies in abundance, but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel.” Oh, if only we could more fully appreciate the power of just a few words of encouragement, just a few sentences to brighten the heart! Gail knows how to do that. Proverbs 25:11 was written for people like her where it says, “A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold…”
It doesn’t take much to lift the spirits of a weary friend who’s lately been battling tough circumstances. So, be like my friend, Gail. Be a spokesperson for the God of all encouragement. Begin collecting favorite Christian verses and quotes. Build a file folder of these, and you’ll have plenty of words of encouragement to share with thirsty, hungry sojourners in the months to come.
Used by permission of
JONI AND FRIENDS
P.O. Box 3333
Agoura Hills, CA 93176
© Joni and Friends