by Carol Bailey

Revelation 2:17 reveals that overcomers will receive a white stone inscribed with a new name in heaven. Today, receiving a rock with your name in gold might not be such a prize. This white stone represents our fresh start, our place in Christ’s heart “known only to him who receives it.”

One of the most consistent encouragers is Helen Ruth. For decades, she has sent hand-written cards to dozens among her family and friends on their birthday–practically a lost art. When her husband, Roy, was diagnosed with cancer, he created a chain of encouragement to continue after his death. He consulted a local jewelry designer who created a bracelet with replaceable links to hold precious stones. On the first Christmas after his death, Helen Ruth received a gift from Roy—a gold bracelet. On the second occasion, without realizing that the bracelet was incomplete, a gem for the bracelet arrived. Each subsequent holiday, she received another precious stone. Helen Ruth received the final jewel on the date of their fiftieth wedding anniversary.

The significance of Helen Ruth and Roy’s love may escape us. We did not witness the care that Helen Ruth offered to Roy during his final months. Similarly, no one knows the intimate details of our walk with Christ other than Him. He will assign our new name in heaven, based on the intricacies of those shared adventures.

As leaders, we cannot perceive what is going on inside our students. Even the toughest or most outgoing student struggles with whether he is loved, whether she is making a difference, or whether he is really God’s child. Our encouragement to persevere through their struggles represents treasure stored in heaven.

Just as Roy devised an earthly legacy in Helen Ruth’s gemstone bracelet, we leave an imprint on teens with our words. Only our students recognize what sort of mark we are leaving on their lives. Let’s encourage them to be overcomers and share in the rewards to come.

Carol Bailey is a freelance writer who has ministered alongside her husband, John, through the trenches of student ministry for over 20 years. Her claims to fame are her two daughters who have survived “the fishbowl” to the ripe old ages of 18 and 20. You can read more of their family’s tales at baileysonmission@blogspot.com.