(Note from Michele: Sorry there was no fresh post yesterday. On Wednesday I had issues with WordPress and could not get past the sign-on screen. Now on to my review of “Fresh Hope … Cleveland by Nanci Gravill. FYI – I paid for my Kindle version and the links to her site in both today’s and Wednesday’s article are NOT affiliate links.)
I Don’t Know How
Many times people want to help widows or others going through a nasty life event, but do not know how.
Here’s how – buy Nanci Gravill’s book “Fresh Hope … Cleveland: Resources to Help You Navigate through Unsettled Times.” (order through her site to get a signed copy.)
What A Challenge!
My challenge was to write a blog post without giving away all the information in Nanci’s book. There are so many resources and ideas and you do not have to live in Cleveland to use this book.
So I narrowed it down to what is the one idea, project or quote that would be the most valuable for people who want to help widows?
The 1 Idea – “Start An Encouragement File”
I LOVE this project and you can find it on page 56. Since the weekend is here, now is a good time to at least get it started.
5. Start an encouragement file ~ Read it once a week or more if needed. Sometimes there are people who encourage us, but for the most part, we must continue to encourage ourselves. Therefore, save cards and notes that others have given you. Write down the great comments also that people have made about you.
Nanci J. Gravill (2012-02-22). Fresh Hope … Cleveland: Resources to Help You Navigate through Unsettled Times (p. 56). WestBow Press. Kindle Edition.
Michele’s Idea On How To Implement This Project
Make one for a widow and one for yourself. Then take the folder over to the widow and explain this project’s purpose. Once a week mail the person something encouraging for them to put in their file. Yes, send it snail mail. You have no idea how excited she will be to receive something in the mail other than bills, political ads, and grocery store flyers. Getting an uplifting note from you will give her something to look forward to each week.
Even if you write a fantastic new quote you found on a piece of paper and mail it to her, it will be enough. You do not have to send elaborate cards each week, just something simple. It is the simple little things that people cherish the most.
Remember while you are doing this for her, you are also keeping a copy for your encouragement file as well. There will come a time when you need encouragement.
Works Both Ways
If the widow finds something encouraging, she is to mail it to you for your file.
My Challenge To You
This is not a project that will help you support only widows, it will help you support anyone going through troubled times due to:
- Divorce
- Job Loss
- Health Issues
- Any other issue
Philosophy
This project fits right in line with one of the philosophy statements behind this blog:
Therefore encourage one another and build up each other, just as in fact you are doing.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV)
Thank You
Thank you Nanci for including “starting an encouragement file” idea in your book. Many people will be blessed by it.
So Much More
There is so much more valuable information in this book than what I can discuss in a blog post.
I am confident it will spark all sorts of ideas of how you can not only help widows get through tough times but also how to help yourself navigate through troubled times.
“Fresh Hope … Cleveland is for everyone, everywhere who wants to help themselves, help widows, or help friends/family going through another type of nasty type of life event.
JoyReturns 