So I’m not sure how it started, exactly, but the other day a friend of mine and I decided that we were going to have a contest to see who could come up with the holiest email closing.
This would probably be a good time to provide some background information. I do hope you’ll bear with me while I explain.
When I was in high school my parents went to a really awesome weekend retreat, and they came home with all sorts of encouraging notes from people who had also been to the retreat, and many of those notes were closed with the following words:
In Him,
Encouraging Christian’s Name
And I’ll go ahead and admit it: I was a wee big fascinated with the “In Him” sign-off. After practicing with it awhile in notes both real and imagined, I decided that I really liked working the Christian closing into my 16 year-old correspondence. For instance:
I don’t know what in the world he thinks that he’s thinking, but he’s DEFINITELY not thinking the same thing that I’m thinking. By the way, aren’t my new Reebok high tops the cutest thing you’ve ever seen? I think they are SO MAJOR.”
In Him,
Soph
Or actually it would have said “Sofa” instead of “Soph” because all my high school friends called me “Sofa,” but let’s just pretend you have no knowledge of that bit-o-information, okay?
Right after David and I got married I started teaching at a Christian school, and I noticed almost immediately that “In Him” was no longer in vogue. Oh, I mean, it was FINE, and it would certainly do in a pinch, but the closings were a bit more elaborate. All I could figure was that during the first half of my 20s, when I wasn’t paying a whole lot of attention to Things Christian, the body of Christ got together and decided to up the holy ante in their email and letter closings. So instead of just being “In Him,” people were “In His grip.” They made it clear that their existence was “By His grace,” that their words were “In His service.”
And sometimes, if the subject matter was really intense, the closing jumped up a notch to “Because of Him,” but you pretty much had to have finished seminary in order to use that one. I’m sure there were some exceptions, of course.
Anyway, it took me awhile, but eventually I managed to catch up. And by 1999, after two years of intensive study in order to reacquaint myself with the Christian closing, I was completely up-to-speed on the lingo. In fact, I may have even thrown down the “Because of His grace” gauntlet in a heartfelt letter. And while odds are that nobody on earth noticed my gauntlet throwing, I’m pretty sure that when Jesus saw me type out “Because of His grace,” he released some doves up in the heavenlies. Or maybe it was just some pigeons. But still. There’s not a doubt in my mind that He was deeply, profoundly moved.
Over the last few years I’ve done a bit of scientific research (and I think we all know that when I say “scientific research,” what I mean is “I HAVE SKIMMED AND EVEN READ SEVERAL EMAILS”), and I’ve noticed an increased use of the participle in people’s closings. I’m fairly certain this increase can be attributed at least in part to the fact that we’re doers of the Word, people. Not just hearers. Oh no. We’re doers. Please consider the following:
Following Him,
John Smith
Or:
Running with perseverance,
Mary Jones
Or even better:
Seeking His face,
Jim Jackson
The presence of the participle-driven closing (not to be be confused with the purpose-driven life) creates action (again: doers – not just hearers – doers). And let me tell you something else: you need to be on your spiritual toes when you run across a closing that starts with a participle. I mean, you’d better know that if someone closes his or her email with “Standing firm,” they’re fully anticipating that you can make the leap to the entire book of 1 Peter. Might want to keep your concordance handy, my friends.
For the last several years I haven’t actively practiced the Christian closing, mainly because I email so much that it just isn’t practical to type out an elaborate closing in every single email. And yes, I know that I could set up a signature in my email preferences, but for some reason I feel like if I do that then the next thing you know I’ll be giving myself some made-up title. And then the next thing you know I’ll be writing down “goals” and trying to “achieve some things.”
So basically what I guess I’m saying is that while I know what is widely regarded as professional, grown-up behavior, I have made a conscious choice to do the exact opposite.
Anyway, one day a couple of weeks ago my friend J and I had a PERFECTLY REVERENT discussion about some of our favorite church-related moments, and somehow the subject of email closings came up. It didn’t take long for us to decide that we needed to have a contest to see who could come up with the best, most active (DOERS. NOT HEARERS.) closing. Also, we wanted to determine once and for all which one of us is holier.
And the prize? A $25 gift card to the LifeWay store. OF COURSE.
Here is my first effort. It’s a bit rough, but I trust you’ll see the heart behind it:
Seeking Him wholeheartedly,
S.
I thought it was good, but J came back with all pistons firing:
This morning around 3:37 I was in my first hour of my quiet time in the cool refreshing morning air and I tried a new prayer position without stretching and pulled a muscle in my back.
Will you pray for me?
Praying without ceasing as to not quench His Spirit,
J.
Not only was I moved by J’s signature – I was inspired. Which is why I replied with the following:
Not quenching,
S.
Y’all have to admit that “not quenching” is gold.
But then J came back strong:
Thirsting for more,
J.
Honestly, y’all, I wondered if I was in over my head. So I thought about it, prayed about it and ultimately realized that the problem was that I’d been focusing on participles instead of focusing on – you guessed it – Him. Just raise your hand if you’ve been there, sister.
I think you’ll see the shift in my closing philosophy if you look at my final entry:
He’s changing me,
S.
Needless to say, I was humbled and honored to put the focus back where it belongs.
As for who won the contest – well, I’ll let the internet be the judge. But just know that if you need me, I’ll be ramping up for hour number four in my prayer closet, where I’ll be writing inspirational music that came to me in a vision when I was involved in an intensive seven-year study of the Psalms.
Counting it all joy,
Soph
September 2nd, 2009 at 6:32 am
did you really just use the word ‘participle’ before 8 am?
(or I just read the word ‘participle’ before 8 am, if you wrote it last night)
either way, my eyes glazed over, and I had to re-read that paragraph to absorb it!
it’s funny, I’ve noticed people’s closings too for years and given it ponderous thoughts here and there. I love love love how you gave it depth and challenge… ever the detective BooMama. I love it. The first time I read ‘In His Grip’ (written by the headmaster of my kids’ school in Florida) I thought, “Oh. Dern. He’s way more educated and spiritual than I am.”
then I thought, “Oh well, I wonder if they have maple frosted donuts at Dunkin Donuts this morning?”
He’s my anchor,
Lavonda
September 2nd, 2009 at 6:41 am
We are both a family and a business – so have long done the set up signatures things – DH has it set so each day it changes automatically – his are mostly scriptures (figuring God is a much more accomplished author – pulitzer schmulitzer – He is the Creator! – I digress) Mine are more eclectic – one of my current faves is :
Faithfully,
Linda Sue
“Faithfulness in little things is a big thing.”
Chrysostom
BTW – I think y’all were both strong in the competition – and I like Counting it all joy, Soph a great deal – only don’t put that on the emails to your gynecologist – I’m just saying.
September 2nd, 2009 at 6:47 am
I am actually crying here at work from laughing. I love it when Christians make fun of ourselves! And by make fun, I mean reflect joyfully on the gifts of humor and absurdity that He has bestowed upon us.
Basking in His glow,
Kelly
September 2nd, 2009 at 6:47 am
LOVE this post!
Loving Because He Loved First,
Elizabeth
September 2nd, 2009 at 6:51 am
This was hilarious. One of my favorite posts of all times!
Not by might, but by His Spirit,
Anne
September 2nd, 2009 at 6:59 am
Loved this. Needed a laugh this morning…
If you need me, I’ll be sitting at the feet of Jesus.
Resting in His Presence,
Rachel
September 2nd, 2009 at 7:07 am
Y’all, the internet is a treasure.
Blessed by your closings,
S.
September 2nd, 2009 at 7:09 am
“And then the next thing you know I’ll be writing down “goals” and trying to “achieve some things.”
This might be my favorite line ever written in a blog post!
Going in peace now to serve the Lord and thanking God while doing so…Joyce
September 2nd, 2009 at 7:16 am
I heart this post. I’m on staff at a church and whenever I have to close any kind of letter, I am struck dumb! I can’t do “In Him” because it’s just not me. So, I have resorted to “Blessings,” I work in preschool ministry & it sounds kinda sweet, don’t ya think? Anyhoo, I have always loved that whenever I have received an email from you it was closed with “Love, Sophie”…I prefer the simplicity of it but could you maybe change it to “Crazy Love, Soph” ????
Blessings,
Big Nanny
September 2nd, 2009 at 7:20 am
This cracks me up…because it is so true. This is a perfect blog post for Stuff Christians Like!
September 2nd, 2009 at 7:22 am
“I’m pretty sure that when Jesus saw me type out “Because of His grace,” he released some doves up in the heavenlies. Or maybe it was just some pigeons. But still. There’s not a doubt in my mind that He was deeply, profoundly moved.”
You make me giggle. lots of giggles.
-it’s too early to think of a clever closing,
Jenn
September 2nd, 2009 at 7:23 am
Dearest Sofa,
I am rolling on the floor laughing, (not exercising) at this post, because there is hilarity and truth to all of it.
Pressing on toward the goal of my upward calling which is in Christ Jesus,
Suzanne
September 2nd, 2009 at 7:27 am
You should forward this to Jon at “Stuff Christians Like.” If you don’t, I will. :)
Thanks for the early morning chuckle!
Needing a few laughs,
Lindsay
September 2nd, 2009 at 7:35 am
So funny, so early! I didn’t realize that my boss was so behind the times – he always signs his emails with “In His Grip”. I thought it was some obscure Christian athlete reference, as he is a former Major League baseball player! Wow, I feel so ignorant…
Rejoicing in persecution!
Katherine
September 2nd, 2009 at 7:38 am
Love this post!! I need a good laugh this morning.
September 2nd, 2009 at 7:46 am
This made me laugh out loud. At work. I love it.
Delighting in Him and doing backflips of joy,
Judi
September 2nd, 2009 at 7:51 am
I haven’t got anything witty to add to this discussion, but you needed to know that it made me laugh out loud. And maybe clap my hands in praise. Well done, friend, well done.
September 2nd, 2009 at 7:51 am
I appreciate the laugh (from you and the comments!) before I tackle getting my house in order this morning.
Relying on His strength and endurance,
Chelsea
September 2nd, 2009 at 7:51 am
My personal favorite, that I use on a regular basis, is…..
One of His,
Deanna
September 2nd, 2009 at 7:54 am
Sofa,
I know exactly what you mean! Sometimes it’s a little to pretentious and over-the-top, but most of the time they make me roar with laughter. Thanks for bringing back the 7th grade grammar lesson with “participle,” too. Nice work.
Clasped firmly in His loving arms and providing nothing but the holiest of actions of service in His loving mercy and everlasting grace,
Erin
September 2nd, 2009 at 7:54 am
They say English is the most difficult language to master… I think Christianese, with all their dialects (& denomonations) may be the most challenging of all…
Mastering it for the Master,
Cheryl
September 2nd, 2009 at 7:54 am
Oh my….that’s a good one, Boomama!
I remember way back in seminary days….I happened upon an email from a fellow “preacher boy” friend of my husband’s. He ended his message with…
In love with Jesus,
Wes
I was so inspired by it….that I took on a crazy quest myself to make my closings fantabulous! I guess you could say…I was having my own Christian contest! :)
I still think about that….and how ….WOW that Wes was to close with something so…..JESUS-Y!!
Heehee!
September 2nd, 2009 at 7:55 am
I am wondering how disappointed Jesus up in heaven is that I sign my posts “Blog Owner, The Diaper Diaries”. He probably weeps everytime I hit send.
Thanks so much for the laughs this morning!!
ROFLIHN (Rolling On Floor Laughing In His Name- I am going to try this one out and see if it makes it into common Twitter lexicon)
September 2nd, 2009 at 8:00 am
So true! Love it!
Until all have heard,
Kelly
September 2nd, 2009 at 8:01 am
Oh sigh. I love it!
Steph
September 2nd, 2009 at 8:09 am
MUWAHAHAHAHAAAA!!!
Laughing so hard coffee came out my nose,
Naomi
September 2nd, 2009 at 8:11 am
Oh, mercy me, that was a scream.
Nothing drives me crazier than the holy email sign-off. I think it’s because most people who are truly obsessed with doing it all the time “as a witness” seem to be far more concerned about things like their email signature than they are with following Jesus and caring for the least of these. But maybe it’s just me.
September 2nd, 2009 at 8:15 am
You nailed it. This was hilarious.
September 2nd, 2009 at 8:16 am
Oh, Boomama. I am so glad I am not the only one who secretly (well, not anymore) laughs at the absurdity of our Christian closings!
If I had not been holding my 7-week-old son and trying to put him to sleep, I would have been ROFLIHN. (Thanks, Diaper Diaries!)
Meredith
September 2nd, 2009 at 8:17 am
I’ve been known to use a few of those. I’m not as holy now and sign off with a heart and my name. Except there are no hearts on my keyboard, so on e-mail I use “Love,”. Unless the recipient and I aren’t that close, then I say, “Thanks!” or “Blessings!”
Saving My Holiness for Where It Really Counts (and will get me the most rewards),
Marla
September 2nd, 2009 at 8:17 am
So funny…I laughed out loud!
Hungering for the One Who know me best and loves me most,
Beth
September 2nd, 2009 at 8:24 am
Oh, my. My husband and I just had a huge laugh together reading this post. Thanks!
September 2nd, 2009 at 8:27 am
Love it!
Delighting in the Lord,
Charlotte
September 2nd, 2009 at 8:31 am
I’m not sure which is funnier – the post or the comments. I’m still laughing and I finished reading five minutes ago. I agree with someone else above – it is too early to think of clever closings. Especially when I haven’t even made it through my first diet coke.
Either way it feels good to laugh this morning!
September 2nd, 2009 at 8:33 am
Oh, we Christians are a peculiar bunch, aren’t we? This really did make me laugh! When I was in college, the cool thing was to sign off with a Scripture reference, which would send folks scrambling for their Bibles. So a few of us started signing off with truly obscure (sometimes weird or gross) Bible verses (preferably those involving bowels or intestines – Acts 1:18, for example). Thanks for the morning giggle!
Laughing at the days to come,
Leslie
September 2nd, 2009 at 8:34 am
Dear Sofa (oh, come on, let us call you Sofa),
LOVE this! I’m in prayer for your next attempt at closing perfection right this second. Sorry, I can’t tarry here any longer.
Rejoicing in the Lord and giving Him fist pumps for His grace, Amy
September 2nd, 2009 at 8:38 am
Thank you for the giggle – it was much needed!
Surviving through His grace,
J
September 2nd, 2009 at 8:39 am
Dearest Sister in Christ Sophie,
Thank you for bringing the joy of the Lord to my morning. It was even more precious than the first morning dew. It was truly a gift from the Father of the heavenly lights.
DOING all things through Him who gives me strength,
Amanda
September 2nd, 2009 at 8:45 am
This is the funniest post I have EVER read. I laughed so hard I had to go use my inhaler.
Yearning for More,
Lori
September 2nd, 2009 at 8:57 am
Ha ha! My husband (an ordained minister) has been using what I term “Paul-speak” in his elaborate beginnings AND endings of correspondence. I’ve ribbed him about it for years, because as an English major I take a “less is more” approach – and because he doesn’t really talk like that in real life.
But we’ve started attending a new church in the past year, and joined the choir, and our music pastor has all of the members on his text message list. He signs all of his texts (and emails) “Keeping it vertical.”
There’s a new one for you!
September 2nd, 2009 at 8:58 am
One of the pastors where we used to attend church signs everything (letters, e-mails, blog posts, etc.) with the tagline:
Everyone Belongs,
K.
September 2nd, 2009 at 9:01 am
“Not quenching.” SNORT – that is the funniest thing I’ve ever read in my entire life, and I do mean the ENTIRETY of my existence.
Walking on the King’s Highway,
Liz
September 2nd, 2009 at 9:01 am
In my seminary class last night my professor was talking about students always trying to “out-holy” each other. “Well this morning in my in-depth study of the Psalms” or “While I was memorizing Revelation this morning.” These statements are always followed by something profound ya know…
So to wake up this morning and read this – I am chuckling! :O)
Wishing for more sleep,
Gina
(sorry – it’s where I am this morning… :O)
September 2nd, 2009 at 9:04 am
I absolutely loved this post. Brilliant. As mentioned earlier, you really should share it over on Stuff Christians Like.
Thanks for making me laugh.
Pointing towards Him,
Sarah
September 2nd, 2009 at 9:04 am
oh my! i have been reading for a while ( I came over from bigmama ) and this post is great! I am sitting at work laughing so hard. I loved the post and the comments and have been trying to come up with a good one… but don’t think I can compete with what has already been said! well done:)
September 2nd, 2009 at 9:17 am
Funny ’cause it’s true…
Laughing in the Lord (LITL),
Amy :)
September 2nd, 2009 at 9:20 am
BOTH hands raised!
Love this post. Made my morning.
I’m thinking of appropriate closings for my life currently and while they are far from eloquent, they fit. OH how they fit!
Stumbled and fell on His grace,
Rena
Missed the mark again; back at His feet,
Rena
But then I’d probably be renewed by His awesome grace. So I may want to say something like
Blood washed and free,
Rena
or
Covered by love,
Rena
or
Because of His grace,
Rena
WAIT! Did you say that last one?
Oh, I’m sure I’ll be thinking all day in Holy closures. Someone will be chatting it up and I’ll likely be thinking of ending the conversation, “Walking in love, Rena.” Or, “Standing on the promises, Rena.”
I really feel the need to sing.
September 2nd, 2009 at 9:24 am
This made me giggle outloud this morning! I went to a Christian college and this was just too funny and reminded me of some of the things I saw back in my college days!
September 2nd, 2009 at 9:26 am
LOVE this post!! Hilarious! Now I am off to think of more holy closings!! Thanks, what a great way to start off the blog reading for the day!!
September 2nd, 2009 at 9:29 am
I’m in stitches over this. What a great way to start my morning!
Know Jesus or you might go to hell,
Katherine