Pink on Purpose, Pt. 3

It’s amazing and inspiring to see the many events and activities during this month to raise awareness about breast cancer, i.e., bra decorating contest , power of pink luncheon, and much more.

The most meaningful and memorable occasion for me this month was the opportunity to celebrate  with my colleagues last week during our annual statewide manager’s meeting in San Antonio.  Our evenings were spent enjoying the riverwalk, Rivercity Mall, Market Square, Alamo, and of course, the variety of restaurants along the riverwalk. As usual, there was a lot of laughter.  This trip was different because one of my peers, a breast cancer survivor, suggested that we make a statement by wearing matching t-shirts…”SUPPORT THE CURE.”  And we did make a statement…we captured the attention everyone in our purple t-shirts with pink letters and ribbons.

For the first time, since our October meetings, I realized this was a defining moment.  I was in the midst of champions who had beat the challenge of breast cancer.  These women are the living testimonies that can give hope to others who face the fears.  Wearing a ribbon for them is not a fad for the month, but has real purpose.  Personally, I believe the greatest awareness for any of us during the month of October is to have family and friend who know and understand that there is a reason to celebrate life. They are survivors with a real story to inspire others, and promote support for the cure.

“Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you’re scared to death!” —Earl Wilson

Here we are enjoying each other as always, but this time making a statement that understands there is a purpose for the pink.

Pink on Purpose – Pt. 2

“I lost everything I had earned in this world—but gained much more through Christ.” – Janelle Hail

Watching and reading  Janelle Hail’s story  reminds us of the faithfulness and sovereignty of Jesus Christ.  Of course, life has a way of knocking the breath out of us.  I haven’t been diagnosed with breast cancer, but I have had the wind knocked out of me a few times by the hard-hitting blows in the ring of life.  But, like so many of my sisters that have been knocked down by breast cancer, they get back up; keep going, refusing to hear the countdown.  We’re in the ring of life and won’t give up without a fight to the finish. I applaud you! I honor you.

I often reflect, how could I have survived without Jesus Christ.  I dare not pretend that I know what it’s like, or how it feels to be diagnosed with breast cancer. But I’m convinced that for those who would give Jesus Christ a chance by placing your faith and hope in Him, you won’t be disappointed.  Like Janelle you may lose everything you earned, but you’ll gain more through Christ, even for an eternity. Her story is the perfect example of how tragedy evolves into triumph for purpose.

What appears to be unbearable is an opportunity to accept the invitation that was extended so long ago and is still standing today: “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).  The best rest is the peace of mind in the midst of a violently raging storm in life…that assurance that you are not alone.

I thank God for Janelle Hail and all my sisters —survivors —fighters in the ring of life.

Be sure to become more aware….visit National Breast Cancer Foundation website.

Pink on Purpose- Pt. 1

OCTOBER IS BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH.

For the first time in my writing ministry I’d like to take this opportunity to express my sentiments on a subject that so many women battle with, and that so many have overcome—they are Survivors.

Each year a member of my office management team provides pink ribbons for everyone to boldly make a statement: This is breast cancer awareness month.  As I proudly pinned my ribbon on, I became aware of my ignorance.  Sure, October is the month designated as breast cancer awareness, but just wearing a ribbon again this year wasn’t enough.    When I arrived home from work, I took my ribbon off, finished up  of some household duties, ate my Sunday dinner leftovers, and sat down to my laptop to become more aware about what this month is really about.

I began by visiting the National Breast Cancer website. It’s simple! October is the month designated to become more knowledgeable, or cognizant about breast cancer.  In essence, wearing a “pink” ribbon has a real purpose. It’s an opportunity to “arm yourself with KNOWLEDGE.”

After visiting the website, I met the founder of National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc., Janelle Hail.  I watched her story at I Am Second, and read her blog. Check it out!  It’s absolutely amazing how life’s tragedies are turned into triumphs through faith in Jesus Christ.

Throughout this month, I will be sharing my innermost thoughts and musings about breast cancer awareness month.

Until my next post… I am

Becoming aware…