If You Find This Letter

1. Love letters can change lives and create connections

"I write the word religion even though I don't actually use the word anymore. I write it because I used to think it was the only word out there until I heard a pastor on television say it was about a relationship with God."

The power of written words. Hannah Brencher's journey began with writing love letters to strangers on the New York subway. This simple act of kindness evolved into a movement that touched thousands of lives. By putting pen to paper, she discovered the transformative power of written words to create connections, offer hope, and change lives.

A movement is born. What started as a personal project soon grew into More Love Letters, a global community dedicated to spreading love and kindness through handwritten notes. This organization demonstrates how a single idea, born from a place of loneliness and struggle, can blossom into a worldwide movement that brings people together and offers support to those in need.

2. Loneliness is universal, but so is the power of human connection

"You're no longer alone. That's the first realization you have when you promise love letters to any person in the world who asks one of you. You've never been alone."

The universality of loneliness. Hannah's experience in New York City revealed that loneliness is a common human experience, transcending age, background, and circumstance. Her inbox filled with requests for love letters from people all over the world, proving that the need for connection is universal.

Connection as an antidote. Through writing and receiving love letters, both Hannah and her recipients discovered the healing power of human connection. The act of reaching out, whether through a handwritten note or a small gesture of kindness, can bridge the gap between isolation and belonging, reminding us that we are all part of a larger human community.

3. Depression and struggle can be catalysts for personal growth

"I don't want you to think that crying every afternoon at two p.m. is a normal thing. And I also don't want you to think it has to last forever."

Embracing the struggle. Hannah's battle with depression during her time in New York City became a crucible for personal growth. Rather than succumbing to despair, she channeled her pain into creativity and service, using her own struggles as motivation to help others.

Transformation through adversity. The difficult experiences Hannah faced – loneliness, depression, and uncertainty – ultimately led to her discovering her purpose. This journey illustrates how our darkest moments can become catalysts for positive change and personal transformation if we approach them with courage and openness.

4. Small acts of kindness can have profound impacts

"I think that is the real heart of doing something that matters."

The ripple effect of kindness. Hannah's story demonstrates how small acts of kindness, like writing a love letter to a stranger, can create a ripple effect of positivity. Each letter written or received had the potential to change someone's day, outlook, or even life trajectory.

Everyday opportunities for impact. The More Love Letters movement shows that we don't need grand gestures or significant resources to make a difference. Simple, heartfelt actions performed consistently can accumulate into meaningful change, both for the giver and the recipient.

5. Faith and spirituality can provide comfort and purpose

"Grace is letting something else—something so much bigger than you—carry you home."

Finding faith in unexpected places. Hannah's journey with faith was not straightforward, but she found comfort and purpose in redefining her relationship with God. Her experiences show that spirituality can be a personal and evolving journey, rather than a rigid set of beliefs.

Grace as a guiding force. The concept of grace became central to Hannah's understanding of faith and her approach to life. Embracing grace allowed her to let go of perfectionism and self-judgment, leading to a more compassionate view of herself and others.

6. Grief and loss are transformative experiences

"Those who sow in tears will reap the songs of joy."

The power of shared grief. Hannah's experience with losing her friend Nate to cancer illustrates how grief can bring people together and create lasting bonds. The shared experience of loss can foster deep connections and empathy among those who grieve.

Growth through loss. While painful, grief and loss can be catalysts for personal growth and a renewed appreciation for life. Hannah's story shows how confronting mortality can lead to a deeper understanding of what truly matters and inspire us to live more fully.

7. Embracing vulnerability leads to authentic relationships

"I think if you searched down deep enough, you'd see the real hurt that lived inside of me when all my prayers were birthed out of this desire to grab God by the shoulders and scream, 'How come when I searched for you, you led me into this mess?'"

The courage to be vulnerable. Hannah's journey illustrates the power of embracing vulnerability in building authentic relationships. By sharing her struggles openly, she created space for others to do the same, fostering genuine connections.

Vulnerability as strength. The book challenges the notion that vulnerability is weakness. Instead, it presents vulnerability as a source of strength and a pathway to deeper, more meaningful relationships with others and oneself.

8. Pursuing passion and purpose can lead to unexpected opportunities

"If you love her to the point of madness, she will become it."

Following your heart. Hannah's decision to pursue her passion for writing love letters, despite its unconventional nature, led to unexpected opportunities and personal fulfillment. Her story encourages readers to follow their hearts and trust in the journey.

Embracing the unknown. The growth of More Love Letters from a personal project to a global movement demonstrates the potential for unexpected success when we pursue our passions wholeheartedly. Hannah's experience shows that taking risks and embracing uncertainty can lead to remarkable outcomes.

9. The importance of showing up for others, even in difficult times

"If one of us walks away, that makes it easier for all of us to walk away. And this whole life thing cannot possibly be about just walking away when it gets hard or when it doesn't unfold how we want it to."

Consistency in relationships. Hannah's experiences, particularly with her friend Ronny during Nate's illness, highlight the importance of showing up consistently for others, especially during difficult times. This commitment to presence and support forms the foundation of strong, lasting relationships.

The power of community. The More Love Letters community demonstrates how coming together to support others can create a powerful force for good. By showing up for strangers and friends alike, we create a network of care and compassion that can sustain us through life's challenges.

Last updated: January 25, 2025