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 8:16 pm
Oh the sacrilege! LOL! Okay, if you have any friends who are or were members of the Church of Christ, you will appreciate the following:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=16fqyp8UPaA
Mike was preaching minister at the church I attended in while in college…
I’ve got nothin’,
Jennifer
September 2nd, 2009 at 8:18 pm
Another one:
Just a hangnail on the body of Christ,
Cara
also,
Jesus loves you, but I’m his favorite,
Cara
September 2nd, 2009 at 8:23 pm
Ok, this was hilarious! I am still laughing. I am always feeling left out of the holy closings too.
September 2nd, 2009 at 8:29 pm
How about:
Walking humbly,
Emily
Trying to figure out how to get seeking justice and loving mercy in there as well.
September 2nd, 2009 at 8:46 pm
I am the 155th comment, so i am fairly confident that you will never actually read this, but i have to say that this post is hysterical. i mean i really laughed out loud (not LOL–which we all know doesn’t really mean that you laughed out loud, b/c not that many things are that funny), but i truly laughed out loud read ing this. i have always thought the christian sign off thing was a little weird, and i am so happy to hear someone else thinks it is funny too.
your blog is great. frequently i LOL
laughing in the joy of the Spirit,
Maria
September 2nd, 2009 at 8:47 pm
You totally crack me up! This was just the laugh I needed to end a very stressful day.
With Joy Unspeakable,
Renee
September 2nd, 2009 at 8:59 pm
I’ve never read your blog before. A friend of mine linked to this on facebook and I must say this is the funniest thing I’ve read in a long time.
Here’s a couple for the pentecostal crowd that I used to run around with:
Tokin’ the Ghost,
PJ
Drunk in His Spirit,
PJ
Shiggyfied in Glory,
PJ
(Yes they actually say those things.)
Incredibly embarassed that I actually know these phrases,
PJ
September 2nd, 2009 at 9:00 pm
I CAN’T STOP…
Shouting with a voice of triumph,
L.
Drinking the new wine,
L.
Eating leftover Communion bread,
L.
September 2nd, 2009 at 9:01 pm
Holy rollin,
L.
Seriously. Block me from leaving comments. I can’t get anything else done.
September 2nd, 2009 at 9:03 pm
Great post!
A few years back, I was teaching 4th grade at a Christian school. It was the most challenging class ever!
After many emails about it to my principal, we be signing off with:
AAHR,
Cheryl
(Anxiously Awaiting His Return!)
Here’s one I thought of while reading the comments:
Jesus Loves You and I’m Trying,
Me!
September 2nd, 2009 at 9:30 pm
I will never use “In His Grip Again” ….LOL!!!
Sweet mercy this post was HILLARIOUS….and then reading the comments I nearly wet myself. :“If my kids weren’t fighting, I could be listening for His still, small voice,” BAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAH!!
(bust out the crackers there is some serious CHEEZE coming!!)
Friend of God…Serving by your side,
Courtney
September 2nd, 2009 at 9:37 pm
Oh my goodness, this post and the comments are so funny. Thanks for a wonderful laugh.
In His Amazing Grace,
SEAS
September 2nd, 2009 at 9:44 pm
Oh my gosh. Here I am again. I had to come back.
I can’t get enough.
I am loving “Continuing in sin so grace may abound”.
Making the sign of the cross (again, it’s all I have),
Kim
September 2nd, 2009 at 10:10 pm
If I had been drinking coffee, it would have been shooting out my nostrils. Just sayin’.
Solo Deo Gloria,
Kim
Booyah…Latin! *brushing dust off her shoulder*
September 2nd, 2009 at 10:29 pm
i had a boyfriend in high school who wrote letters with the BEST quotables. thankfully i still have a few. my favorite:
Broken Down to Be Built Back Up,
laura
September 2nd, 2009 at 10:50 pm
Boo, this is the best Christian blog fodder I’ve read all month.
(That compliment would have meant more if it weren’t just the second day of September. So I’ll amend it to include August, too.)
Walking in faith to love and serve others,
Chelsea
September 2nd, 2009 at 10:54 pm
I am *so* busted! Good to know I’m not alone. You are one talented, funny lady, BooMama!
September 2nd, 2009 at 11:05 pm
All I can say is that I incorporated Sheldon VanAuken in my closing…
from A Severe Mercy (the book)
to Under The Mercy (which they say in the book)
to Under His Mercy (thus making it my own)
Under His mercy,
Mary-LUE
September 2nd, 2009 at 11:20 pm
I have laughed out loud at a lot at these.
The best part is knowing some of these that people have mentioned that I have seen used in all seriousness and authentic intention by people I know (and myself, of course).
Getting Fat On The Abundance Of His Blessings,
Megan
September 2nd, 2009 at 11:31 pm
I’m back for round two, reading the comments.
PAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Not to be confused with MUAWHAHAHAHAHAHA!
My 16 year old recently introduced me to that laugh. Apparently it’s supposed to imply the kind of laugh that involves a spray of spit at the beginning.
Tokin’ the Ghost!? SERIOUSLY dying with laughter.
Break dancing in the Spirit–I so want the Spirit to move me with break dancing. SO DO!
I won’t add any more. Instead, I’ll end with my new slogan from my current post–
Sofa, your Jesus is showing! ;)
Slayin’ the dragon,
Rena
couldnt’ help myself
I’m dying here . . .
September 2nd, 2009 at 11:49 pm
These are hilarious!
I agree that you should win because you put the focus back on Him!!
Being wholly refined in my refiner’s fire that I might shine the purest light to those lost in the darkness,
Melissa
September 2nd, 2009 at 11:52 pm
Okay, I totally should not have read this before bed because now I can’t sleep – I just keep thinking of more holy sign-offs.
Really, all you need to do is get a Baptist hymnal and you’ve got HUNDREDS at your fingertips:
The world behind me, the cross before me,
Megan
Nothing but the Blood,
Megs
Because He lives I can face tomorrow,
M
OR
You can go straight to Scripture. But does that cross a line?
I mean, you could have lots of fun with Leviticus -
Waiting out my ceremonial uncleaness,
Megan
(of course, you would want to use that with your girlfriends only)
or how about
Grateful I live under grace and not the law because my love of bacon would prohibit me from keeping kosher,
Megan
or you could head to the other end of the Good Book and pull out some Revelation goodness
Striving to avoid seduction by the Whore of Babylon,
Meggie
But then you start to think, okay, maybe I have crossed the line here. And then you head to bed. For real this time.
September 2nd, 2009 at 11:57 pm
Can I tell you how very much I love this post? I’m a “Blessings” closer, personally.
I’m loving the comments, but especially laughed when I saw “Jesus Loves You and I’m Trying” when in my mind I read “Jesus Loves You and I’m Typing,” which would actually have been true at that moment.
Seeking to glorify Him in the closing,
Dawn
September 3rd, 2009 at 12:09 am
I love when I read stuff like this because it means that other people laugh at silly things we Christians do too!
I also lol at “Jesus Loves You and I’m Trying.” Hee.
And since I’ve recently taken up running again and it’s a whole theme in my life (Hebrews 12:1) . . .
Running the race for Him,
Shari
September 3rd, 2009 at 12:17 am
This is hilarious!
Too Blessed To Be Stressed,
Amy
September 3rd, 2009 at 1:07 am
Sofa? Reeally?
This is a great post and one that makes you think. Many great comments.
Trusting In God ALONE,
Jai
September 3rd, 2009 at 1:20 am
I am completely cracked up.
Leaning, leaning, leaning on the Everlasting Arms,
Amy
September 3rd, 2009 at 2:25 am
The participle-driven closing, ha ha ha.
And diaper diaries: ROTFLIHN, oh I laughed. Yes I did.
Seeing what large letters I use as I write to you with my own hand,
Lisa
(no smiley on the “a” but one always scribbled beside it)
September 3rd, 2009 at 4:18 am
This was great and I like me some Lifeway…
The Apple of His Eye,
Crystie
September 3rd, 2009 at 6:23 am
In His Grip is my fave!
In His grip,
Amy
September 3rd, 2009 at 6:50 am
While I was in college I worked at a summer camp – and we were all up in the letter closings! Oh yes we were. Can’t remember if I made mine up or if it was borrowed but ….
Reaching for the SON,
Rebecca
Get it? sun. Son. My I was clever back then. :)
I’ve also been known to use
In His Service,
Rebecca
Thanks for making me laugh this morning!!!
September 3rd, 2009 at 6:51 am
This was the funniest thing I’ve read in a long time… we can be so very full of ourselves, can’t we? Thanks for poking fun at the silly games we play to impress others… wouldn’t it be funny if people wrote what they are really thinking sometimes?
sanctimoniously yours,
me
or
holier than thou,
me
or
living righteously and hoping everyone notices,
me
thanks for the laugh.
Wishing I was as funny as you,
me
September 3rd, 2009 at 6:51 am
after coming back from the gym, and going through the comments on this post, which i knew was written JUST FOR ME, i have to tell you that “kicking satan in the weiner,” was the straw that broke the camel’s back.
i thought i was snorting when i read “know Jesus or you might go to hell,” but i was full-on crying when i scrolled down to Satan, and him getting kicked.
this has got to be the funniest post i’ve read thus far, and, sister, i can only imagine the hysterics that would occur if students at freed-hardeman (my alma mater) got ahold of this one.
pure gold.
Placing my family portrait on the mantle of Christ,
beth
September 3rd, 2009 at 7:01 am
You left out my all-time, recent favorite: “Blessings”
Used it myself a few times. I hate typing a quick email (usually without even a salutation), and then staring at the end, wondering what to put. I usually give up and just put,
Love,
MK
How can I say “LOVE” when I’ve never even MET you, and this is the first time I’ve even commented on your very-personal but oh-so-electronically-distant blog? A quandary :)
September 3rd, 2009 at 7:44 am
Love, love, this one. Spot on!
Singing of His love forever,
stephanie :)
September 3rd, 2009 at 7:52 am
I was not going to comment on this post. Really. My kids will be late for school and my husband did not just see me laughing hysterically out loud wiping tears off my face…
I don’t even use closings! But I might just have to send out an email today to my family JUST so I can use the
Jesus loves you but I’m His favorite.
Then I’ll write an email to my in-laws signed
Jesus loves you and I’m trying.
But that one might get me kicked out of the family… like that ever stopped me from doing things…
I am SO going back through ALL of my many undeleted emails to see what gems I can find!
Trying to think of witty things to say while my kids go to school hungry and have to buy lunch,
Kimberly (with a big flourish at the end)
If anyone says anything my kids being late with unbrushed hair, I will tell them I was sitting at the feet of Jesus while filling up the sea of forgetfulness!
September 3rd, 2009 at 7:53 am
I worked as Minister to Adult and Small Groups for 10 years. I sought a closing that would help my members and seekers looking for Christ to know that I was not some spiritual giant and had the same needs from Jesus that they did. My closing?
Your Partner In Grace,
Robin
September 3rd, 2009 at 7:56 am
What a hoot! LOVE this post. Should be in some sort of bloggie hall of fame! This one may have been mentioned, but if not – here it is.
Kickin’ the devil to the curb,
Lisa C.
September 3rd, 2009 at 7:56 am
Very funny. My ten-year-old daughter emails a friend from church regularly. Since her friend’s mom is a fan of the “In Christ” closing, both girls have taken to using it in their emails. It cracks me up when they say things like: “Jane got a whole bunch of Polly Pockets at her birthday party. In Christ, Sally.”
My favorite Christian closing is specific to the thank you note: “Blessed by Him through you, Staci”
September 3rd, 2009 at 8:03 am
I know this is late, but I saw it this morning and had to add it. From a letter from Ted Kennedy to Ronald Reagan, no less:
“With my prayers and thanks for you as you lead us through these difficult times”
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB40001424052970203706604574376951136648912.html
I’m just not sure what to add to that.
Practicing His love,
Tonia
September 3rd, 2009 at 8:17 am
Reading the post and comments has made my day. I love the “Continuing in sin so grace may abound”. I’m going to have to use that one and confuse my friends, especially since I’m one of those who generally sign an email with A.
Christo et Ecclesiae (for Christ and the Church),
Amanda
September 3rd, 2009 at 8:21 am
That is just an awesome post and so true. I have started using “In Christ Alone” but there are many good ones to represent our walk with God and I do get encouraged when others include a verse or something represented their faith in closing.
September 3rd, 2009 at 8:36 am
I just can’t pull off the holy closings! I always end up taking it off on the re-read, b/c it just seems like I’m being trite or sarcastic! (I guess I just know me too well!) I probably need to to work on that, huh?!
Genuinely seeking his mercy on my sarcastic self,
Brandi
September 3rd, 2009 at 8:38 am
I want to respond in kind with a funny sig of my own, but I am laughing too hard. This is the best thing I’ve read in a very long time.
Still trying to run with perseverance although gasping for air and holding my side,
edj
September 3rd, 2009 at 8:44 am
I had to come back again today and read through all the additional comments. These are great; I’m suppressing snorts here. Thanks again for a wonderful post Sofa.
Giving it Up for Him,
Sarah
September 3rd, 2009 at 8:55 am
Happily my friends don’t require perfection, but we DO like to laugh! This is SUCH a good starting point!
All of these SOOO resonate with my longing to reflect Jesus’ heart well… and yet now I can never use them — ANY of them — EVER again without laughing with you all — and at myself!
Thanks a lot – for the joys of insight and community and authenticity! In the trenches with you…
Falling forward in the right direction–
Jan
September 3rd, 2009 at 9:00 am
Oh my aching sides! I’m a day late to the party, but I did enjoy that post (my first time commenting, but I’ve been lurking for a few months)
I really thing a closing ought to be edifying, ya know?
“O taste and see that the Lord is good!”
Keep tasting,
Ruth
September 3rd, 2009 at 9:02 am
I am so glad that I came back and read more comments because HOLY CHEESE they are funny.
The see of forgetfulness? BAAHAHAHA
Kicking Satan in the weiner? Really? BAHAHAHAHA
And the one about training up her kids and submitting and considering a field? BAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
Delighting in the Law of the Lord, and meditating in it day and night, that I might be like a tree planted by the river of the waters, bringing forth fruit in season, with never-withering root, prospering in all I do,
Erin
September 3rd, 2009 at 9:18 am
Sophie – this is so funny! It reminds me of the post you did ages ago about “This is so Southern it could win a contest” I still think about Clementine’s comment on that post and laugh my stinkin’ head off!
“Praying to tolerate you” and “Kickin’ Satan in the weiner” just did me in….
I’ve received emails with closures of “Leaning on the Rock” or “Laying my Burdens Down”. Never had anything as funny as the ones I’ve seen here though.
I usually just use “Blessings” or if it’s a close girl friend, “Hugs and Blessings” but I’m going to have to come up with something great for this post. How about:
Thanking God for the Hilarity!
Adrienne
September 3rd, 2009 at 9:32 am
Nearly peed my pants. Must make husband read.
May we meet in Glory (if not at a Starbucks),
Sarah