Say All the Unspoken Things: A Book of LettersSample

DAY 1: Who You Are Created to Be

Many of us go through life with words and feelings stranded in our hearts. Words we deeply feel but never say. Sometimes grace finds us, and we speak our full hearts and all those good things we feel for another person. I don’t want to leave any words stranded in my heart. I started writing letters to speak my full heart to my daughters, to tell them I love them and pass on everything given to me. 2020 was filled with loss as death brushed its cold fingers across our cheeks. We were all reminded that every day might be our last. I wrote these letters with these things in mind. And with our shared experience of 2020, maybe they have something for all of us.

My dearest children,

I’ve loved watching the three of you grow. Nothing prepared me for the love and joy I found in you. Nothing. But long before I loved you, God knew you and loved you. God has known you since before the creation of the world, before time began. He thinks of you more than all the sand on the seashore, which means he is always thinking of you. He created you, calls you, and loves you more than anything I can describe or write in a book.

There will be many voices in your lives calling you. These voices will tell you who you are, what you should believe. But over all the clatter and the noise, I pray you remember and claim this truth for yourselves—you are created by God. He thought of you. He chose you. He loves you. He wants you to be here. You were created through him and for him. You were formed in the eternal well of love, made for relationship with him and one another.

Those who mean the most to us are those who show up in our lives. When someone faithfully shows up for you, it is a silent and powerful reminder: I have someone. I am not alone. Showing up for someone is a way to say “I love you” without words. Showing up for someone says, “I am here for you.” Jesus is always with us, even when life is overwhelming and too much. Even if we feel alone. He loves us, he accepts us, and he shows up in our losses and wins, in our disasters and magnificent defeats. He doesn’t force himself on us. He’s not loud. His voice is powerful; he created the universe by speaking it into being. But he is humble, and he is with us. No matter what we’ve done, no matter how far we run, God loves us, waits for us, and wants us home. Love sees the best in us and believes.

Sometimes we believe the lies of shame and judgement. Shame misses the whole point of grace. Grace is a free, undeserved gift. Here’s the news: None of us deserves a room in the Father’s house. This is the beauty of grace. Because of Jesus, we are all welcome. We are all invited. We are all loved.

You always have a place,
Dad

Respond

What voices have the strongest pull in defining how you see yourself?

What value does God give you?

How has God shown his presence in your life and his welcoming love and grace for you?

Prayer

Lord, you have loved me from before the creation of the world and you walk with me today and everyday. Thank you that your arms are open wide, ready to hold me, restore me, and welcome me as your beautiful child. I find joy in your presence and in the knowledge that you know me completely and accept me. I love you. Amen.