This spring, I went for a hike with my family in Northumberland. The trail ran along the historic Hadrian’s Wall, which marked the edge of the Roman empire. It also passed through the legendary Sycamore Gap, a sweeping dip in the terrain where a beautiful 100 to 120 year-old sycamore tree (made famous by the 1991 movie Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves) used to be. Sadly, this beloved tree was illegally chopped down overnight in 2023, leaving a literal gap at Sycamore Gap.
As we descended the steep hill to the stump, we met a man who had been there many times over the years. “The saddest thing is that the tree used to provide shade when we needed it most,” he told us. “On hot days, we would take a rest under its branches. There’s no shade here now.”
It’s widely believed that the tree was originally planted by John Clayton, a lawyer who purchased and protected stretches of Hadrian’s Wall in the 1800s. He would never see the glory of the mature sycamore or know the people who would take refuge in its shade. But I’m so glad he planted it anyway.
“Each kindly act is an acorn dropped
In God’s productive soil;
You may not know, but the tree shall grow
With shelter for those who toil.”
—Ella Wheeler Wilcox
As we walked back to the car, God brought to mind people who have planted good into my life. So often, that good came in the form of words.
A perfectly timed Bible verse.
An encouragement when I was disheartened.
An observation that helped me see a bigger context.
A prayer that elevated my faith.
A prophetic word that made me feel seen by God.
Words of life, all. Intentionally given.
When was a time that someone encouraged you? When did someone’s words put wind in your sails or give you shelter? Which words have grown good fruit in your life?
“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up,
just as you are doing.”
—1 Thessalonians 5:11
Photos of Sycamore Gap by Clément Proust via Unsplash & Pexels
Who is someone you could build up with a word this week? Ask God to bring someone to mind right now. Prayerfully ask Him for the words that are on His heart for them.
Here are some guiding questions and tips to get your creativity flowing:
Be specific. What do you see in this person? What have you noticed in them? What would you miss if they weren’t here? Is there a way you see them using their giftings for the Lord or to love others? Is there a way they do something that inspires you or motivates you in your own walk with Jesus?
You may be surprised how often people don’t see what you see in themselves. I once wrote a note of encouragement to someone I barely knew, and when I bumped into her a decade later, she told me she still had the note in her wallet!
Find a verse and make it into a benediction. The Word is living and active. Turning scripture into a prayer or blessing can be a powerful way to build someone up.
Share some things God has been teaching you lately. As iron sharpens iron, a friend sharpens a friend (Proverbs 27:17). I am often encouraged to endure in my faith when I hear how my friends are walking with God.
Send a detailed update on life – a real letter, like the olden days! People love getting actual mail. Receiving something by post can in itself be the highlight of someone’s day.
*Tip: Add a funny “p.s.” at the end. What is the funniest thing that has happened to you in the last month? This will leave them with a smile on their face, which is wonderfully energising. (I once shared a story of a runaway pig in my school with a friend who was going through a hard time. She told me years later that my funny story was one of the things that got her through drug rehab).
There are many ways to speak life. However we choose to do it – whether in person, through email, text, or WhatsApp, or an old school letter – what matters most is that we are listening to God’s heart for that person, that our goal is to build them up, and that we are willing to put in creative effort.
And just like the great sycamore at Hadrian’s Wall, the seed we plant today may provide beauty and shelter to weary travellers long after we are gone.
It is in this spirit of encouragement that we’ve created our new Ffald y Brenin greeting cards, available now in our shop. There are 4 beautifully illustrated designs, which are all blank inside so that you can fill them with words of life. (There is also a 4pk that contains one of each card.) Take a browse below!
