Letters To Family At Risk


In a world of texting and voice messages, letter writing's becoming a lost art. Writing can be a blessing on many levels. Therapeutic and at times cathartic, a letter allows one to express and clarify their thoughts and emotions whether ever read or not. Unlike conversations, writing allows editing, making it a great way to communicate sensitive issues. Writing also creates a record of our journey that will hopefully benefit the author, recipient and perhaps others as well.

Families can be as challenging as they are delightful. Members, including adult children, can be double trouble when engaging in risky or damaging behaviors. Throughout time billions of parents have worried and prayed over the physical and emotional, social and spiritual welfare of the children they've spent their lives raising and loving.

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Watching and Waiting

Many of us have found ourselves in the position of the the father in Christ's story of the Prodigal Son. Few things in life are more painful than watching your child making choices that you fear may cost them dearly in this life or even eternity. Making things more difficult is how often the poor choices of one can bring grief to those who love them. Waiting and "watching unto prayer" can be hard work when a sinful action or habit, like a single spark or fire, can burn through years like trees in a forest.

Spurring One Another On

There are many good ways to cope with grief. While patience and hope are key, some find writing a therapeutic release. Letter writing can be helpful in a variety of ways. These include:
  • Organizing what you think and feel
  • Expressing your thoughts and emotions to your child
  • As a prayer to God
  • Recalling scripture for encouragement and direction
  • Remembering good times together

Reading and Writing Love Letters

Another good use of love letters from parents is to encourage and pray for one another. With that in mind Praying Parents offers the letters in this section as expressions of grief and hope. Feel free to read and share them (for personal use only please).




Should you be interesting in submitting your own letter for consideration please contact Rob Pennington by email or by calling (559) 305-2229.