“Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.” — Proverbs 16:24
Lesson
What You Will Learn
- Write a free-verse poem built on an image and a verse
- Write a letter of encouragement
- Write short inspirational posts
- Know the facility rules and conditions of release to check before posting or mailing
Lesson Notes
The Power of Short
Not everything needs to be a full devotion. A poem, a letter, or a few lines can carry one truth to someone who needs it. Scripture holds short songs: Miriam sang, Sing ye to the LORD, for he hath triumphed gloriously (Exodus 15:21).
Hymn writers such as Fanny Crosby, whose hymns are now in the public domain, wrote from their own lives; her Blessed Assurance begins, Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine! Do not copy modern song lyrics or published devotionals; write your own.
Free-Verse Poems
Free verse does not need rhyme or a set rhythm. It uses images, line breaks, repetition, and white space. Start with one concrete image, break lines where you want the reader to pause, cut extra words, and let the last line land. A model (written for this course):
Morning Count / Before the house wakes, / before the first bus, / I count what I still have: / breath, / this blanket, / one verse I know by heart. / His mercies, new this morning: / I count them too.
Letters of Encouragement
Paul wrote, I thank my God upon every remembrance of you (Philippians 1:3). A simple shape: greeting; something specific you appreciate; a verse that fits; a blessing or hope; closing. Keep the letter about the reader, not about you.
Follow facility mail rules. Write only to people you are allowed to contact. Never write to a victim, a co-defendant, or anyone under a no-contact order.
Short Posts and Sharing Online
After release, short posts on social media or a blog can encourage many people. A good post: one verse with its reference, one or two sentences of insight, and one question or action. Quote accurately and do not copy others' words.
Before posting anything, check your conditions of release. Some supervision conditions limit internet or social media use or contact with certain people. Ask your parole or probation officer if you are unsure. While incarcerated, do not post or have others post for you unless facility rules clearly allow it.
Online safety: no location, no personal details, no names of others, nothing about a case. Once something is posted, it may never fully disappear.
Key Terms
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Free verse | Poetry without required rhyme or set rhythm |
| Line break | Where a line of poetry ends, creating a pause |
| Letter of encouragement | A personal letter meant to strengthen and bless the reader |
| Conditions of release | Rules set by parole or probation that a person must follow after release |
In-Class Activities
Image to Poem
Choose one everyday image (a window, a cup of coffee, a key, a sunrise). List eight details about it. Pair it with one verse. Shape the details into a free-verse poem of 6 to 12 lines.
Encouragement Letter
Write a one-page letter of encouragement to the composite reader in your profile, using the five-part shape and one verse quoted exactly.
Assignment: Short Pieces and Full Draft
Complete:
- One free-verse poem (8–20 lines) built on a verse from your set.
- Either a letter of encouragement or three short posts (each 50 words or fewer, each with a verse and reference).
- A short checklist of what you would confirm before posting or mailing (facility rules, conditions of release, privacy).
- Bring complete drafts of all seven devotions to Module 8.
Graded with the Module Assignment Rubric.
Reflection Journal
Proverbs 16:24 says pleasant words are sweet to the soul and health to the bones. Whose pleasant words have strengthened you? Whom could your words strengthen this week?
Prayer focus: Ask God to make your words sweet to the soul and to give you wisdom about where and when to share them.
Weekly Reading & Devotions
Small Words, Real Strength
Some of the words that have strengthened you most were probably short: a line in a card, a verse on a note, a few words from a friend. Short pieces can carry great weight.
Free-verse poems do not need to rhyme. They need one strong image, careful line breaks, and a last line that lands. A cup of coffee, a sunrise, a key: any of these can hold a truth about God's faithfulness.
Letters of encouragement are a ministry of their own. Paul thanked God upon every remembrance of his friends. A letter that names something specific you appreciate, shares a verse, and offers a blessing can be read again and again.
If you share online someday, be wise. Check your conditions of release first and ask your officer if you are unsure. Protect your privacy and others'. While you are inside, follow facility rules about mail and media. Wisdom protects your witness.
Think About It
- What short words have strengthened you? ______________________
- Who would you write a letter of encouragement to, if allowed? ______________________
- What will you check before you ever post online? ______________________
Daily Devotions for Week 7
Pleasant Words
Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.— Proverbs 16:24 (KJV)
Kind words are not small. They bring health.
Reflect: Whose soul needs sweetness today?
Pray: Lord, make my words pleasant and strengthening.
Do: Say or write one pleasant word to someone.
Sing a New Song
O sing unto the LORD a new song: sing unto the LORD, all the earth.— Psalm 96:1 (KJV)
Poems and songs are old ways to praise God. Yours can be new.
Reflect: What would your new song be about?
Pray: Lord, put a new song in me.
Do: Write three lines of praise in free verse.
Good News From Far
As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.— Proverbs 25:25 (KJV)
A letter from far away can refresh like cold water.
Reflect: Who would be refreshed by your good news?
Pray: Lord, let my letters refresh people.
Do: Draft a short letter of encouragement.
Every Remembrance
I thank my God upon every remembrance of you.— Philippians 1:3 (KJV)
Paul's letters began with thanks. Gratitude opens hearts.
Reflect: Whom do you thank God for?
Pray: Lord, thank You for the people You have given me.
Do: List three people you are thankful for and why.
Let Your Light Shine
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.— Matthew 5:16 (KJV)
Sharing inspiration should point people to the Father, not to ourselves.
Reflect: How can your words help others glorify God?
Pray: Lord, let my light point to You.
Do: Write one short post you could share someday, with its verse and reference.
Module Quiz
- 1.
Free verse is poetry that:
- 2.
Before posting online after release, a writer should first:
- 3.
Which belongs in a letter of encouragement?
- 4.
It is fine to copy the lyrics of a modern worship song into a post you publish.
- 5.
Name two online safety practices for inspirational posts.