The words went straight from my heart to the tips of my fingers as I wrote to someone I loved who was having a hard day.
I wish I had a big yellow umbrella
that would keep away all the rain in your life.
I would hold it over your head,
and the drops would splash, splash
and you would never even feel it.
But I don’t have a big yellow umbrella—
so I’ll walk through the rain with you.
so I’ll walk through the rain with you.
I hit “send” and soon received a reply from my dear friend Heather. She expressed what the words meant to her. She also had an idea: Why don’t we turn this into a greeting card for DaySpring? I worked in the editorial department and she was down the hall as a designer. So we teamed up and DaySpring loved the card we created.
Eventually it won Card of the Year at the Louie Awards for Greeting Cards in New York City (yep, there really is such a thing).
And it just became a mini movie you can send as an e-card. So I’m excited to share it with you…
Who will you walk through the rain with today?
As I watched this video…my heart was touched in a place that aches privately…and I couldn’t help but gasp as the tears welled and poured out. Thank you, Holley…this touched me deeply.
Holley, thank you. I’ve had a difficult week grieving some big losses, and am feeling pretty alone. This also touched me deeply. Thanks.
I have that greeting card! And I have a friend who just recently needed to recieve it!
Thank you for helping share comfort to those that are hurting.
Often the heart words I so want to share aren’t there, but more often than not I can find something from your line that helps to express just what my heart feels for others!
I just watched the yellow umbrella card video and cried. My daughter, Holly, is going through a very difficult time right now and I immediately sent it to her. What a beautiful and touching sentiment.
Congratulations, Holley! Bless you!
Some people say crying is a weakness and to admit it is not good.
I totally disagree.
I have read a number of Christian novels and have had many tears.
I have watched the Movie “Fireproof” many times and I cry every time I see it.
Recently I saw a preview of it and tears came to my eyes.
I think that crying or tears can be very healthy.
When one cries it cleans out the sinuses. I
think it might be difficult to have a cold if one has tears often.
I
could be wrong. What I said is a guess.
I love what Shandra said… “As I watched this video…my heart was touched in a place that aches privately…and I couldn’t help but gasp as the tears welled and poured out. Thank you, Holley…this touched me deeply.”
I had the same response as I thought about my dear friend who lost her son earlier this year to suicide. I got the news and moments later realized I could not make the 2,000 mile trip to be with her. I love her so much and there is no way to sheild her from the rain…but I can walk with her through it…and maybe, just maybe…we can find a moment to dance and laugh in the rain as we remember what a silly sweet boy Kurt was. I miss my friend.
What a beautiful card! I want to save it for sending someday…
Oh my … this touched me so deeply, it’s a good thing I don’t need to see the keys to type. What a gift Or Good Lord has given you, Holley. Thank you so much for being willing to share it with us!
Love and Blessings!
Paula
What an amazing card, I’ve already shared it with a couple of my friends. Thank you for using your creativity to speak to our hearts reminding us of God’s goodness in giving us friends. Blessings to you.
Hi Holly,
Love the poem, love the e-card!!!
Thanks for sharing it with us,
Kim
You know, of all the cards I’ve had by you (and there have been a few – I’m a Holley groupie), this is my all-time favorite! I’ve sent it out to several people & LOVE it!
Just…..Wow!!!!!
Holley,
Love that God whispers to you the messages I so need to hear. I SO needed this one today.
Thank you. Bless you.
What a beautiful card!! It will defintely be a comfort to so many –and encourages both the sender and the receiver so simply and so beautifully! Sometimes just enough is just enough!!
Oh this is so beautiful, Holley. You were so inspired. Isn’t it comforting to know that the Savior holds that big yellow umbrella even if we don’t have one? I just love this…
I just wtched this video of the card you made of “I wish I had a big yellow umbrella”
Tears are still running down from my eyes, Oh how I needed that today! For the past 16 days I
have spent them at the Hospital with my husband of 62 years, I’m 85 so tired this am. I’m not complaining, but thanking the Lord we are home and he is doing better. God has walked with me every step of the way, thus, seeing & reading this it was such a BLESSING. Thank you for having the HEART OF GOD, AND HELPING US WITH YOUR ENCOURAGEMENT DAILY.
Prayers to you to continue what God has called you to do, love you, Jean Sewell
Beautiful sentiments and some real feelings came out for me about a hard time I experienced several years ago that hurt my family that I had thought only hurt me. I am willing to go through the rain with them now stronger when the storms come in their lives.My husband is, but I don’t know about my oldest daughter…. To be continued someday.
everyone who watches this video, sends it or receives it has just been given the best gift. Tears flowing….what more can i say? Love it! Javene
How Touching! Thanks.
This touched me so much…perfect for my close friend when there are no more words. Thank you so much.
Beautiful! I will be sending to my best friend ,from childhood, who is battling breast cancer.
May your friends surround you when you need them Holley!
Blessings!
Thats fabulous, Holley! Congratulations
I watched the video on UTube. (If you want to see it there just click on the Utube icon to the far right of the video above. One can make it much larger.)
At the end of the video it says “Encouragement is a powerful thing” then under that it says, “Encourage one another — Hebrews 3:13″
Hebrews 3:13
13 but exhort one another daily, while it is called “Today,” lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
New King James Version (NKJV)
The Holy Bible, New King James Version Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.
This is very similar to Hebrews 12:15
15 looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled;
New King James Version (NKJV)
The Holy Bible, New King James Version Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.
Both Hebrews 3:13 and 12:15 show why it is so important to encourage others
When we are discouraged it is so easy to have our hearts hardened.
When a person is discouraged one is falling short of the grace of God.
The French word for heart is cœur ” coeur”. We get our word “courage” from ” coeur”.
So basically when you have courage–you have heart.
When you do not have courage or are discouraged–your heart is not in it.
Then when you are encouraged–your heart is back into it–whatever you are doing.
Holley,
This is the best card I have seen in a very long time and I look for good cards a lot! I have
been very depressed. I have been on a journey for healing a very long time. I had many instances of childhood sexual abuse beginning at age 4. Some of the things I have always remembered. I did not talk for a very long time because of this and therefore I was a prime target for bullying all through school. Other students would call me all kinds of names, kick me, spit on me etc. Then when I was a Junior at a major University in 1983, I started having
severe flashbacks. Despite many times in and out of psych hospitals, Christian therapists, my
psychiatrist etc. I continue to have these flashbacks. These flashbacks have lasted 29 yrs
now. I was 20 yrs. old when they began and am now 49. My diagnosis is PTSD, DID, Major
depression, and Generalized Anxiety disorder. Many people have wondered why I have not given up on God long ago. However, I know God exists despite not understanding why I have had to go thru this “hell” for so long. I used to have Christians tell me: “I must not really be a Christian or this would not be happening to me”, or “I must not pray in the ‘right’ way or this would not be happening to me”, or “I must not have ‘enough faith’ or this would not be happening to me”. However, thank God, I finally started finding other Christians who don’t
blame me. Instead, they say: “I do not understand this either, but I am here, and will continue to be here with you………and that is exactly the message that you card gives. We are
not alone! Thank you so much Holley for this beautiful card!
Nancy, you have gone through hell.
I just prayed for you and will pray some more and I believe God is going to give you a
great breakthrough.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of
all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort
those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted
by God.
New King James Version (NKJV)
The Holy Bible, New King James Version Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.
I believe you are going to be able to comfort others who have gone through the same
things you have gone through or are presently going through the things you have gone
or are presenty going through.
Furthermore.
Notice some of the following verses. (It might be good for you to meditate on this whole
chapter–only if the Holy Spirit tells you to and that you are ready for it)
Does any of the following describe what you have gone through?
I know that I have gone through that verse.
I felt like many times I would die if God was not helping me.
2 Corinthians 1:8-10
8 For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of our trouble which came to us in
Asia: that we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even
of life. 9 Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in
ourselves but in God who raises the dead, 10 who delivered us from so great a death,
and does deliver us; in whom we trust that He will still deliver us,
New King James Version (NKJV)
The Holy Bible, New King James Version Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.
Spencer,
Thank you for your prayers, scriptures and words of encouragement! You have
been very kind despite not even knowing me.
Dear Nancy, don’t blame yourself for what you “suffered”! I have been through my lot of sufferings for many years and now JESUS has brought me out into a “broad place”. HE alone understands all your pain and HIS love will surely bring you out of all your hurts into HIS freedom. Please don’t ever give up on HIM for HE never gives up on us. While I was suffering with doubts and depression, a pastor gave me this verse – Isaiah 50:10. People like you and me know that it is possible for those who fear the LORD and obey HIS voice to walk in darkness at times, but we can trust HIM to bring us out. Yes, folks like you and me can understand how profound Isaiah 50:10 is and how fantastically our GOD understands us! JESUS bless you, sis.
Thank you Anita for sharing “and now JESUS has brought me out into a “broad place”.”
Psalm 18:16-19
He sent from above, He took me;
He drew me out of many waters.
17 He delivered me from my strong enemy,
From those who hated me,
For they were too strong for me.
18 They confronted me in the day of my calamity,
But the Lord was my support.
19 He also brought me out into a broad place;
He delivered me because He delighted in me.
New King James Version (NKJV)
The Holy Bible, New King James Version Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.
I notice that when one follows God
God will ultimately bring out into a broad place.
When we follow the devil
we get more bound up and in tighter and tigher situations.
the example from the prison system.
the greater violaters are put in solitary confinement and
possibly they put not only handcuffs on the person
but also they put shackles on the legs
so they can not move their hands or legs.
and/or put the person in a stait jacket and person can not move at all.
The ultimate broad place is Heaven with God forever.
The ultimate place of confinement forever
is the real hell without God or light or flowers
or any beauty at all or goodness from God at all.
Anita,
Thank you so very much for your words of encouragement and the scripture that your pastor had shared with you. Sometimes it is very hard not to feel alone despite seeing my therapist etc. Your words have meant a lot to me…….thank you for caring. May God bless you exceedingly.
Nancy,
Thanks soooo much for your response.
I know from my own experience what that loneliness is. Talking even to caring Christian friends cannot help us enough. When I talked to our JESUS about everything I had been through, HE Himself brought me out, speaking encouragement to me through HIS Word. HE will surely lead us out. None can understand us or feel our pain or love us as HE does!
‘…to HIS people Israel, the LORD will be very gentle. HE is their refuge and strength’ ( Joel 3:16b). Isaiah 54:10,11. Matt 5:4. Isaiah 61. Isaiah 43:18,19.
“Rest in MY love, relax in MY care
And know that MY presence will always be there.
You are MY child and I care for you.
There’s nothing MY love and MY power cannot do”.
Yours in HIM,
Anita.
Nancy,
Go to christianbook.com and order Jim Bergs “Quieting a Noisy Soul” dvd series.
I know God will use it in your life to help you heal. I purchased it and it has done a great healing in my life.
I was abused in many ways and have gone through many different trials, and have found this series to bring peace and healing to my wounds.
God is more than enough.
Love in Christ,
Debbie
What a wonderful message! Thank you!
I sent this e-card to my best friend when I first discovered it. We walked through the tough times together for years. However, she now lives 5 hours away. The next week, I received a package from her in the mail. You guess it…it was a yellow umbrella! I smile and think of her every time I use it. Thanks for the wonderful card.
Holley
How could you know? God puts the words in you for the people who need to hear them. When I saw the title and watched to video, I thought as the tears came, how could she know that last night my 3 yr. old doggie who is like a child for me died from the worst seizure I have ever seen. I needed a big yellow umbrella last night. You gave it to me today. Thank you with all my heart.
Sue
Hi Holley
Such heart warming words and nice video ! When I first read the words I’m reminded of the importance of the body of Christ and how we should spur one another on. Yes it is so true there are times when we are just at a loss of words when things happen to us or our friends and knowing there is someone out there praying is such comfort !
Thanks for sharing. God bless you and your ministry.
Thank you for your beautiful words. Thank you for being real and putting your heart out there, because your heart is our heart too. It’s good to be reminded that no matter where we are, no matter what we do, our Father still holds on to us and loves us faithfully.
I can see why it was the award. So deserving to be told as it speaks to the heart where it matters the most. It was definitely a “get out the kleenex” moment for me as tears stain my face thinking of all the times when I needed a big umbrella and no one was there for me. Fast forward and now I know that my Lord and Saviour was always there when no one else was. I now know my Redeemer lives! I know what it feels like not to have someone care, but I know now who holds my hand!
Thank you for the wonderful reminder that we all need to hear and know that we love one another.
Can hardly wait for your next award winning card!
Hugs,
Oops!
I can see why it “won” the award!
It is amazing how when our hearts are touched in a big way–
tears–water flows out of our eyes.
It is like I think the God Who is love just overwhelmes us with His love.
God decided to make us in such a way that we are very sensitive to His love.
Psalm 34:8
Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good;
New King James Version (NKJV)
The Holy Bible, New King James Version Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.
Hi Holley,
I am a professional therapist in South Carolina. This card is breathtaking. I cried when I watched the tiny movie version. Life events have called me into this profession later in life, after raising three children and owning and “cheffing” my own restaurant. One of the things I have done in my practice is to ask at the end of the session “did I hear you, do you believe I heard all that you needed to say”?. And the other is to let them know that I will walk the mile ahead with them, I won’t desert them..we will get through this this pain together. For me the card depicted my own journey with my clients, as well as all the times in my own life when God sent hearts to walk with me. Thank you for sharing with us!
Thank you Brenda Kay!!!
I really liked what you said, “One of the things I have done in my practice
is to ask at the end of the session “did I hear you, do you believe
I heard all that you needed to say”?”
I find so often– after talking to someone
that later I want to say something else besides.
Thank you for sharing Holley. This was special. As is all your stories and quotes. It brings encouragement, hope and build up faith. You are a blessing and I am thankful to God for sending you.
Thank you from the full of my heart.
It is just simply so wonderful and beautiful! Thank you. I know who I will give this card to when I read words/saw the video. But I can’t. I once had a very dear friend whom I knew since we were teenagers in church. She overseas now and doing extremely well in status and success. During this period while away, she has distant herself and sent me sms blaming me for this and that, followed by silence. She never realises that I had once held an umbrella for her and even walked with her in the rain In emergencies, she still sms (never a phone call) for help. I have never demanded for anything, just a hand of friendship. But it the end, tons of blames and condemnations are all that I’ve got. It hurts terribly!
Lynette, I really feel for you.
That is totally awful how you have been treated.
I pray for her that she repent of what she has done to you.
Furthermore, I would like go where she is
and confronting her about how she has treated you.
We are in Asia. I am not sure if I hold hatred, anger or disappointment in her. I acknowledge the process has been painful. When she first left our country 8 – 9 years ago, she was broke, I supported her financially initially. I called her weekly to let her know that I am around and I care which also meant I absorbed the phone bill. She needed administrative support, I gave her remotely. I remember I took a half day leave from work last year to run an errand for her (last minute request). While crossing the road, the sky decided to open up and I was drenched from head to toe in less than 15 secs. The staff at the office was shocked to see me dripping wet! At that time my tears just flowed, how did I get myself into this? She never knew because I’d completed what I’ve been tasked to do. I’ve emailed her to asked her what I did wrong and how I felt…. never a reply. We’ve never met since 2007 altho she makes very regular trips back home. Never a phone call to say hello except smses for things to be done. I hate to share this in a blog like this. It’s like stabbing her in her back but I think I’ve held enough umbrellas and walked may trips in the rain with her. Now the word friends scare me. Reality has hit home, “Forever friends” are good for hallmark cards only. Friends I know I’ve distant, I stay superficial. I’ve never woken up a day without asking God why (I havent an answer), what did I do wrong (I am not perfect tho’) and for healing.
Lynette – I hear pain in your words and I also hear myself speaking about a similar situation I had a number of years ago. I have learned that some people that come into our lives are for a reason, for a season, and some forever. Also, we may set our expectations of someone too high for them to attain. A dear woman of God told me “never set your expectations to high for others, otherwise you will have many disillusionments and disappointments. Doing so can destroy a good friendship and our disappointments can turn to hate and anger. Your friend appears to be using your kindness and good nature for her own advantage. This is not friendship at all. Perhaps you might try not holding on to her so tightly. Learn to say no in a polite way when she wants you to do something for her. It is not a sin. You might send this yellow umbrella card to her and explain that you will always have a big yellow umbrella to shelter her, but you aren’t going to walk in the rain alone. Instead of looking at the pain that fills your heart, look to Jesus. Turn your eyes upon HIM. Walk with HIM. HE is our “Umbrella” in every storm. I will pray for you. God bless you in your letting go and giving the whole thing to Jesus.
I recently received this very Dayspring e-card from my sweet little 6 year old grand daughter, Daisy, and I loved it so much that it inspired me to send a 5 minute Friday post (first time ever) to email of Lisa Jo at Gypsy Mama. Simple words, yet powerfully aimed right to the Heart
How ironic that I waited till today to read this-and it’s raining! I watched the mini movie and it was perfect. You understand what it is saying, in addition to the words. You have such a gift for hitting the right places in the heart and soul Holly. Thank you . I will pass this along.
My dearest friend’s daughter lay teetering between life & death with stage IV breast cancer, while she herself had been diagnosed with severe aortic stenosis and scheduled for emergent heart valve replacement during her daughter’s worst moments. My heart ached for them both, but there was absolutely nothing I could say that would touch them in a way that would leave a lasting message of how much I loved them. Then a faithful message from DaySpring arrived and illuminated a “new card” called, “I Wish I Had a Big Yellow Umbrella.” I knew this card is blessed and God ordained – yes – a real God Thing. I e-mailed this card immediately to my friend, and YES, it conveyed a message so touching that we both talk about it now and then. Praise God that you use your talents for Him, that you used your words to bless someone you love, and that you took the TIME to write it and send it. Obedience and compassion – amazing story behind this card. Congratulations for the award Holley – but more than this, congratulations for touching so many lives through your creative thoughts and ideas. Thank you, and God continue to bless you and your writting.
Beautiful
This is such a touching e-card. Thank you.
Last week I send this beautiful videocard to a very dear friend of mine who goes through a difficult time. It realy gave me the opportunity to show her I wanted to be there for her in this difficult time.
Thank you very, very much!!!
Holly
your words touched me deeply and so if they touched me I am sure they will touch others. I immediately sent them to two friends going through tough times right now. I hope they can be blessed in the same way your words have blessed so may others. Blessings to you !
Hi Holley,
Your gentle, sincere goodness shines brightly through your well-composed writings, such as this heartwarmng ‘yellow umbrella’ card. Thank you so much for your Christian encouragement which always points your readers to JESUS.
Abundant blessings to you!
I read the sad story of Lynette, and I truly feel for you. I too, like, Diane have experienced similar situations. I agree with Diane, some people come into one’s life for a reason, or a season. As Christians, we reach out in love, concern, and compassion. Not everyone will return our friendship. I had a friend who I did so much for and who I encouraged, listened to, stuck up for during our educational process (when she did not stick up for herself). I got dumped on, and projected on. When this happened, I was so sad and hurt. In the midst of that hurt, God seemed to be saying to me, “Hurt people hurt people”.
I had to let go of the relationship and commit her into God’s hands, and ask God to touch the hurt in my heart and heal me of it.
Often in life, all we can do is let go, and let God.
I have often done caring, good deeds, or made supper for friends, never to be reciprocated. I had to tell myself, that I am reaching out to them. Maybe they don’t like to cook or entertain, and not to be offended but to give because of the Holy Spirit’s prompting me.
My thoughts are prayers are with you. God bless!
Holly,
I can not totally express with just words the comfort, the healing this letter, this video, brought to my wounded heart.
I thank God for sending it to me THIS day, THIS week, THIS hour.
My heart is breaking over two prodigal children. I could not bear this alone. God knows this and is with me in the rain. He has His wings over me and His arms around me, and His hand holding mine.
Thank you, Holly, for allowing God to use you today in my life.
Love in Christ,
Debbie
If I haven’t told you lately… I WANT TO BE LIKE YOU WHEN I GROW UP, Holley Gerth!
I love you! Cannot wait to see you and love on you and chat with you at Allume!
I saw the card today and I was crying the whole time. I have depression and have had problems with it most of my life (44). I think about how many people over the years have walked through the rain with me: loving, comforting, encouraging, listening and just being there. I am sure some of them have no idea how much just a seemingly little thing did for me. In my last go round with severe depression just getting an e-mail from someone that loved me brightened my day. This is a really good way to describe what depression is like and how much having someone by you makes.
Dear Holley,
A Friend who knows that I’m going through a difficult time right now-has sent me your card-
it’s so inspiring–you are a Blessing; Thank You!
I have shared it with someone else who is very ill and really needs encouragement.
It’s amazing what ‘A Video’ like yours can do for those who are hurting.
With Love and Gratitude,
Beverly.
Holley,
Just your Angelical smile is an inspiring feeling; yet the words and video can’t hardly express the uplift mood it brings to it’s viewers. I have send this to my three daughters as a comforting and supporting message. I am sure every mother would feel the same way. You are a Blessing for sharing this message. May God’s Abundant Blessings continue to Inspire your Talent and Heart.
Kind regards in Jesus,
MariaElena
this is very nice blog.
Your article is quite worth reading, I search through Google and find your post and immediately paste it, I will do readi it again and again in my spare time, thanks.
The message really touching and encouraging. I am going through hard times now and I believe Jesus will walk through with me. He promises not to leave nor forsake me. Thank you Holly, continue to be a blessing!
Hey Holley,you will never know what this yellow umbrella has done for me and my friend.the day you sent this in an email my best friend got robbed.she was so down hearted and upset.I sent her this e-card and she wrote me back in tears and thanked me so much that it touched her heart! well I kept your email cause occaionally I go back and read it,think of her and smile.well recently I was going thru something having a terrible day,she sent this back to me
then I knew I had to do something to keep this between us.so I am working on a cross stitch that will have a yellow umbrella at the top and your words on it for her to keep and think of our friendship.see she lives in Kentucky and I live in North Carolina.we met online awhile back.we quickly became kindred spirits.I have tried searching for a yellow umbrella keychain to buy 2 of,one for me to keep and 1 for her but to my dismay there weren’t any that wasn’t really expensive.have you thought of anything a product,wall hanging or even a keychain to follow such an amazing statement?? thought I would share my story! God Bless you!
I’m convinced I’ve check this out very same kind of declaration in other places, it should be gaining interest with all the masses.