The Ministry of Starbucks (and other ways to encourage your friends)

We covered the basics last week, 2023 was a really difficult year in my life. But in the midst of the darkness I was walking through, life wasn’t put on hold for those around me, in fact a lot of the people around me were also going through difficult things or life changes. That’s life after all, highs and lows at any given point in time.

I don’t know about you but my closest girlfriends lives a couple hundred miles away from me. It’s true, I had the audacity to choose to live in a mountain town that I love with the closest airport 2 hours away, so a lot of texting and Marco Polo’ing takes place to keep these relationships running. And since I can’t run to their house with snacks and a sappy movie in hand, I’m left figuring out how to be creative so they know I’m thinking of them.

Speaking life and truth into those around you is always step one, but do you know the next best way to encourage people? Through food and drink.

And you know what most (if not all) cities around the U.S. have? At least one Starbucks, either with a drive-thru or inside a grocery store.

Here’s where the Ministry of Starbucks comes in (lovingly named by one of my best friends) where in less than one minute I can send the people I love a Starbucks gift card via text for a drink or pastry on me.

Let’s be real for a second here. This economy is nothing to mess around with but $5 is affordable and enough for a friend to get themselves a little treat to brighten up the darker days.

Not sure how to do this? I’ve got you covered with iPhone steps. Don’t want to use Messages? You can also use the Starbucks website to e-mail gift cards.

Step 1: If you haven’t done so already, download the Starbucks app so you can easily text gift cards in Messages.

Step 2: Open up your Messages and click the + sign next to the text space.

Step 3: Scroll down to find Starbucks Gifts. In my phone, it’s hidden below the more button.

Step 4: Scroll through their selection of gift cards and select the one that best fits the reason you’re sending it.

Step 5: Select how much you want to send the recipient, confirm your payment method, add a short note, and get it sent off!

FYI once your gift card is sent, you’ll receive an email confirmation for your purchase!

I’ve been doing this for a couple of years now and not just with my best friends but with people around me in need of a little boost. It’s a small gesture but it makes a big difference!

Need other ideas?

If you live local to the friend you want to encourage, get them a gift card from a local spot in town! I’m a huge supporter of local business and doing this is a great way to support your local economy and encourage a friend.

What if you work with this friend? Bring them some donuts, their favorite coffee drink, or a snack they love! I can’t tell you how much the girls I used to work with used to make my day last year by showing up to the office with blueberry scones from my favorite local bakery.

And as I mentioned above, speaking life and truth into these friends whether it’s via text or in-person should be step one and it could be all your friend needs! Need some Scriptures for these moments? Here are some that I stick to when anxiety feels too close or I feel hopeless.

• “I will bless the Lord who counsels me—even at night when my thoughts trouble me. I always let the Lord guide me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my whole being rejoices; my body also rests securely.” (Psalm 16:7-9)
• “I know how to make do with little, and I know how to make do with a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content—whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. I am able to do all things through him who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:12-13)
• “Even when I go through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for you are with me; your rod and your staff—they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4)
• “God is our refuge and strength, a helper who is always found in times of trouble. Therefore we will not be afraid, though the earth trembles and the mountains topple into the depths of the seas, though its water roars and foams and the mountains quake with its turmoil.” (Psalm 46:1-3)

Every friend and every situation is different, but steps like these are simple ways for those you love (or those you’re around with in general) to know you’re thinking of them and are there for them. Do what works best, but mostly, show up for the people around you! They need you just as much as you need them.

Until next week,