My dad started a practice of letter writing at camp and for the last fifty-plus summers, student-athletes pause during the week to write a letter to a family member or key mentor. The students can leave the letter open for our staff to read and each camp director selects a letter to read aloud at the end of the week to all the campers, parents, and staff.  This summer my dear friend Roger sent me this letter winner. 

Dear Mom, 

Words can’t even explain how grateful I am to have you as a mother. You’re the most selfless person I know, no matter the circumstance. You have such a humble soul, and you have a beautiful mind. You constantly push me to be the best version of myself. You always know what to say when I’m feeling down. You have never given up on me. Even through all the constant attitude and disrespect, you always fight for me. You have taught me to have integrity, confidence, and how to have a positive mindset about everything. 

I’m sorry I don’t say this enough, but I love you and I am truly thankful for you being in my corner. You are one of the strongest people I know. You have gone through so much and you continue to make sure you keep a smile on your face. Your heart is pure and genuine. I want to thank you for the countless nights you’ve been there to comfort me no matter what the situation. I apologize for everything I have put you through. I know you just want what is best for me and you wouldn’t tell me anything that would harm me. I love you mom, and I am going to continue to make you proud! 

Love, 

A—- 

It’s such a touching letter, but frankly when I first read it, it didn’t seem that remarkable considering all the letters we see each summer. I politely thanked Roger and then he said, “Jen, you don’t get it, this letter is written by a young woman whose father is serving over thirty years in prison.”  

“You are kidding me!” I said in disbelief. “That is unbelievable!” 
 
“Jen,” Roger insisted. “You still don’t get it. This young woman’s mother was a very troubled person, full of violence and bitterness.” I was speechless and in shock. Finally, I said, “Rog, this is so incredible. How did this student even get to camp, how did her mom turn her life around to build such a beautiful bond with her daughter?”   

Roger continued, “this girl’s mom came to NBC Team Camp back when she was in high school, and she credits NBC Camps as one of the big reasons her life turned around. She wanted her daughter at camp this summer.” 

This is the miracle of love, the miracle of the power of the written word, of Christ as the Word in us, through us, healing us, and changing us. To God be the glory! 

“The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,” that is, the message concerning faith that we proclaim: If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame. – Romans 10:8-11

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