When words of encouragement hit the mother lode

by | Nov 24, 2008 | Blogging, Favorite things, Great ideas!, Mom stuff, Personal, The Mother Letter Project | 7 comments

What’s the opposite of “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me”?  For someone whose love language is “words of affirmation”, might it be “Sticks and stones may break my bones but words can sometimes heal me”?

Lame.  Yuck.  I got nothin’ (please, PLEASE enlighten me if you’ve got somethin’ 🙂 ).

Those who know me understand that “words” speak life into me.  Encouraging words buoy me; discouraging words, torpedo my heart.

My favorite gifts given and received involved words.

It’s no wonder, then, when I read Shannon’s post last week (Rocks in My Dryer) about a husband who created a secret “mother letter” blog as a Christmas gift for his wife this year, I absolutely melted into a puddle of word-gushiness.

From my post today at Inspired Bliss (it’s not plagiarism if I’m copying my own words, right?):

Following a perspective-altering, life-changing trip to Africa last year, SecretDaddy (dubbed by me) decided 2008 would be different.  One of the manifestations of that decision is his family (including extended) will create gifts for one another and contribute the amount they would’ve spent to the village he visited.SecretDaddy, in collecting letters from mothers to mothers, wants to hear your story–your concerns, your wisdom, your perspective–and he will compile them all in book form to give to his wife.  Moms who contribute a letter before Christmas will receive a web-copy, too…. (click here to continue)

If you’re a mother, regardless of the ages of your children, would you please consider writing a letter of encouragement for The Mother Letter Project?  You can leave your thoughts in comments or send an email at motherletter(at)gmail(dot)com.  I’ve detailed additional GREAT ways at Inspired Bliss to become involved with TMLP (including a contest!), so I DO hope you’ll check them out, too!

And if you’re a father or don’t yet have children or just wanna chime in in general?  I sure would love to know your thoughts, too.

MotherLetterProject

7 Comments

  1. Tiff@Three Peas
    Tiff@Three Peas on at

    What a neat idea! I bet his wife will be in awe of the gift he will give her. I wish I could be a fly on there wall when he gives her the book!

  2. BlapherMJ
    BlapherMJ on at

    What a wonderful idea! I would love to take part in this! Thanks for sharing!

  3. nancypants
    nancypants on at

    Oh, I got something girl… but it’s not original. Your thoughts are pretty spot on though.
    Prov. 16
    23 A wise man’s heart guides his mouth,
    and his lips promote instruction.
    24 Pleasant words are a honeycomb,
    sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
    Healing they actually are. Good for the soul, no doubt.

  4. Susan in Va
    Susan in Va on at

    From one “Words of Affirmation” gal to another – this is a SPECTACULAR idea!
    If I can manage to put thoughts into words today, I’m in! Otherwise, I’ll enjoy reading everyone else’s…

  5. Kathleen
    Kathleen on at

    I also think besides words there is nothing more powerful than a smile and a hug… Says millions… Action, louder than words do me a heart of good at times. Don’t get me wrong, words of affirmation, encouragement, love, etc are powerful…This is a fabulous idea. Hugs to you!

  6. Robin (Pensieve)
    Robin (Pensieve) on at

    Tiff, I wonder if we can talk him into recording it on video; I’d love to see her expression, too :).
    BlapHerMJ, good! I know he appreciates EVERY letter…he sees the mom behind the words, ya know?
    Nancypants, BINGO! I think that was swirling around my brain, but I didn’t quite reach for it. Thanks!! 🙂
    Kathleen, I DO agree; words are powerful, especially when they lead to “good” actions :).

  7. D
    D on at

    How did I miss this post? Thank you so much for the plug! I look forward to the letters!

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