Why Write Cards?

Photo credit by Ling Ling Zheng Photography

Cards can spark friendship.

Being an Asian-American and minority at school was hard; I couldn't fit in and no one really understood where I was coming from. I spent every recess in the Art Room helping the Art Teacher clean art supplies (better than being alone on the monkey bars.) My art teacher was kind and encouraged my art--maybe a reason why art is such a safe space.

In Junior High, I sent a “Get Well” card to a girl in my youth group I didn't know very well. She sent me a “Thank You” card for the “Get Well” card, and suddenly we were hand writing letters back and forth, every week. What started as an incidental greeting card turned into endless phone calls, sleepovers, and a lifelong friend. She was the maid of honor at my wedding.

Cards can empower.

My Dad wrote me an encouragement card while on my first big missions trip without him and my Mom. He told me he was proud of me and believed in me. Only a year or two later, he was diagnosed with cancer and passed away while I was still in college.

At the start of Brightspot, I was feeling incredible self-doubt and voices of defeat. I re-read the card he wrote, nearly 20 years ago. My Dad's words came alive, saying he believed God would use my gifts of art and words to bless others powerfully. In that moment I broke down--encouraged, uplifted, and grateful. This was God's call to keep going with this little stationery business, and trust He would use it for His glory.

Cards can speak for us.

Writing a card to someone makes us pause (hard to do nowadays when our phones, schedules, and media are constantly fighting for our attention). But taking the time to write “I see you. I believe in you. I love you" will make a difference. And who knows? You might just end up with a bestie! Or write life-changing words that inspire for a lifetime. You might just end up being changed yourself. ♥