How to Write a Meaningful Card: Sympathy, Encouragement, 18th Birthday, Thank You
Check that date again - yep, I’m recapping March, even though this blog goes live in July! It’s been blessedly busy these past few months, but I’m still accountable to my Card Writing Challenge. I’m excited to share my progress along with some writing tips for those sticky “what do I say?” moments.
My Card Writing Challenge: Every week in 2023, I am sending a Naomi Paper Co. card to someone, with a personal message handwritten inside. Stay up-to-date on the current month by following me on Instagram and checking my Stories and Story Highlights.
Sympathy & loss: Jesus Wept Card
“Jesus wept” - John 11:35
When I sat down to write this sympathy card, I also happened to commemorating the anniversary of own my mom’s passing that week. Putting myself into the headspace of someone who was grieving wasn’t too much of a stretch that week, but I know that writing a sympathy card often leaves many of us at a loss for words—which sadly often leads to us saying nothing!
No matter if you’re sending the card in the immediate aftermath of a loss or months after the fact, please know that your gesture is always appreciated.
Here’s what I wrote in this grief & loss card:
“My heart breaks for you and your sweet family over the loss of ____. Sometimes there are no words, only tears, and a Savior who weeps alongside us (though I know it may not feel like it). I am praying for you all in this time. Praying that your family would draw even closer together, and that that you would feel the freedom to grieve fully unto the Lord. He can take it all. I am always here to lament with you.”
Sympathy Card Writing Tip:
Be specific in the ways you are praying for them and their family. Pray those things as soon as you’re done writing the card, and write them down in a prayer journal (this one by Val Marie Paper is my favorite) or list of some kind so you remember to continue to pray for them.
Encouragement: You’re Doing an Amazing Job Card
Next, I sent this card to a mom friend that I knew was in need of some encouragement. The card design itself was inspired by some much needed encouragement I received at just the right time as a new mom.
Story behind the card:
After the birth of my first son, I really struggled postpartum, worrying about feeding him and making sure he was gaining weight. One Sunday morning during church, I tiptoed out to feed him in the “nursing nook” of the church bathroom. At that moment, I was feeling alone, anxious, and I even felt like a little bit of a failure as a mom.
That’s when an older woman popped her head in, spotted me sitting there nursing, and simply said: “You’re doing an amazing job.”
Those words hit me at the exact moment I needed to hear them. Those five words of encouragement bolstered me in a weak moment, and reassured me that I was going to be OK. I don’t think I ever saw that woman again, but her words certainly stuck with me!
My hope is that this card can empower you to pass along these same simple - yet powerful - words to someone in your life.
While I designed this card with new parents in mind, it’s also an excellent token for teacher appreciation, pastor appreciation, and volunteer appreciation. I kept the lettering simple on this design to emphasize the power in these simple words.
Card Writing Tip:
Grab a single card or a box of six to keep on-hand for the moment where you want to send a note of encouragement. When I sent this to a mom friend recently, I also tucked a Starbucks gift card inside and encouraged her to us it to treat herself guilt-free on a hard day. Since starting this challenge, I now keep a handful of Starbucks and Target gift cards on hand to throw in when it feels right!
Encouragement: Seen, Supported, & Loved Card
“Seen, Supported, & Loved” - Think about that word “seen” for a moment. How powerful is it to know you are “seen”? How does it feel to know your troubles are recognized? Even in our darkest times of trouble, God sees us, and He has not forgotten us.
I chose this card to send to one of my friends who has been struggling with Long COVID and documenting her journey online. She is bringing awareness to an often unknown, overlooked condition. I wanted her to know she was seen in her pain, validate what she’s going through, and provide some words of encouragement.
This card’s message really stands on its own, and is perfect to keep on-hand for any number of hardships that your loved ones might face.
Here are a few excerpts from what I wrote inside:
“I am writing this card on Long COVID Awareness Day, and you and your family have been on my heart and in my prayers so often lately… Thank you so much for your courage and openness in sharing your story with others… You are doing the Lord’s work even though I know it’s not the type of work you wish you could be doing right now… I am praying hard that you feel physical relief soon, Lord.”
Card writing Tip: Add an Encouraging Sticker for Lasting Encouragement
When I send cards, I’ll sometimes add a note like, “put this somewhere you’ll continue to see it” —but I know that doesn’t always happen. Cards get set aside or discarded, which is why enclosing a sticker is a nice touch.
A sticker will stick around longer (pardon the pun!) to help remind the recipient of your care towards them, as well as God’s care for them. Any of these three stickers - “Hope”, “New Every morning”, “God is With You” - would be excellent additions to this card.
Teen boy’s birthday: “Happy Birthday” Card
My oldest nephew recently turned 18, so I needed to grab a card that wasn’t too baby-ish for this milestone birthday. My shop includes a design for younger boys, but this age-neutral and gender-neutral card was the better choice for my nephew. (Grab a single card or box of 6 on major sale right now to keep on hand for any upcoming birthdays!)
Here’s what I wrote inside the card for his 18th birthday:
“Blessings on your 18th birthday! We are so proud and impressed with the man you are becoming and I know grandma would be, too. You are growing into such a ______ and ______ man. This money is to help you with _____. Keep up the hard work. We love you!”
Thank You & Praying for you: “Grace & Peace to You” Card
“Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”
1 Corinthians 1:3 NIV
It can be tricky to find a card that is versatile enough to express multiple messages, but I love our Grace & Peace to You Card for this very purpose. My neighbor kindly dropped off a birthday gift for my 2-year-old, so I wanted to send her a thank you note, but she is also going through some health struggles. I needed a card that could express “thank you” as well as “I’m praying for you.”
In many of his letters to the early Christian church, Paul uses the greeting “grace and peace to you.” His letters often include expressions of both gratitude for that church’s support, and prayers for what the Christ-followers are facing. I was inspired to create this card for those in-between moments. It’s personal and heartfelt, yet versatile enough to work as a sympathy card, “thinking of you” card, thank you card, and more!
Here’s what I wrote to my neighbor:
“Thank you so much for the fun birthday gift for Henry! The boys have been playing with it so much. We’re so blessed to have a neighbor like you! We’re so sorry to hear about ___. You continue to be in our prayers, and we are always willing to help out in any way you need like meals, driving to appointments, and cutting grass or shoveling.”
Card Writing Tip:
As always, I like to be specific in both what I'm thanking someone for (the gift and how we're using it), and the specific ways I can offer help (instead of a vague "let me know if you need any help!").