As February is the month we most think about love, I remembered an activity I once put together with the members of the Young Women (an organization for girls 12-17 in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or Mormon Church). This activity was designed to help take a step toward helping those who’d become inactive in our church know we loved them.
We gave them a heart attack.
This activity can be done for all sorts of people, not just those you’re hoping to reactivate. It can be done for widows, widowers, church leaders, or other youth members who are having a difficult time.
You’ll need:
Several sheets of white, pink, and red construction paper or cardstock
Scissors
Tape
Pen
A selection of scriptures on love
Stickers (optional)
Save one sheet of paper to write your message. On the other sheets cut lots of different hearts. Make sure they are different sizes and shapes, for variety makes things interesting.
On the full piece of paper you write the message. It can go something like this:
You have just suffered a heart attack!
Do not be concerned.
Just take two of the enclosed medication every few hours until your heart feels lightened.
You are loved!
You are welcome to sign it or leave it anonymous. Play with the words until you have the exact message you want to convey. Be sure to include some scriptures at the end that talk about love. For example:
“I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me” (Proverbs 8:17).
“The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee” (Jeremiah 31:3).
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son” (John 3:16).
“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment” (1 John 4:18).
“I have beheld his glory, and I am encircled about eternally in the arms of his love” (2 Nephi 1:15).
“O all ye that are pure in heart, lift up your heads and receive the pleasing word of God, and feast upon his love; for ye may, if your minds are firm, forever” (Jacob 3:2).
Feel free to decorate the message and any hearts with stickers and/or little sayings. You could even write some of the scriptures on the bigger hearts.
Last, but certainly not least, put together a little plate of cookies or other treats.
When everything is ready to go head out to your intended ‘victim.’ Sneak up on the porch and as quietly as possible tape some of the hearts to the front door, place others along the front porch, and put the plate and message right in the middle of the porch where it can easily be seen. When it’s all done quickly knock on the door or ring the doorbell and hide! You can either watch your someone get the surprise or quickly get away.
This world can always use more acts of love and kindness. Think of someone you can give a heart attack to this month and do it!
