Purple Strides...What a Difference a Little Ribbon Makes!

Yesterday, I attended the DC 2011 walk to raise awareness and funds for a cure for pancreatic cancer. I attended in support of some friends whose mother recently passed away from this disease and because of my personal experience with losing loved ones to cancer. Although my father didn't have pancreatic cancer, I felt that I wanted to take the walk anyway in honor of him this Father's Day weekend.

I showed up early Saturday morning to register and as I walked through the purple balloon arch-way, I gathered among a community of people who thought it not robbery to honor, acknowledge, and help support those who've been affected by this disease in some form or fashion. While there were several pictures of loved ones lost and a memorial board filled with messages to people who'd passed on, the spirit of the event was not somber. People were really celebrating the power of life. I took pride in being there.

As I approached the registration table, I prepared to join the line of those who were filling out forms and getting their magic purple shirts, the uniform for the 5K procession. I made the exchange of forms and donation for my purple shirt, and then was offered a purple ribbon from a pile gathered in the table. As I crowned my outfit, I was encouraged to think about how powerful this little symbol was; as this simple loop changes colors it brings awareness to many causes, many heroes, many survivors, and unity. As I contemplated the power of this symbol I was encouraged to think about an experience at work from earlier in the week.

So, as I've told you, I've been blessed with a summer employment opportunity; this job carries with it a title unique to my resume: data analyst. Behind the fancy description, however, what I get to do is read reports on community service projects that young people ages 5-25 engaged in around the world as part of a global youth service day initiative. While I was reading through material for international youth contributions, I came across a project that wowed me. A young girl gathered friends, relatives, and other volunteers, and one simple spool of ribbon to help make a difference. This youth was aware of a woman in her community who needed money to defray the cost of an important surgery; in this situation the young girl saw an opportunity to be bigger than circumstance. From her spool of ribbon, she made 400 simple bows and sold these bows in her village, ultimately raising over $2,000 to support her cause. I was floored. I stopped data analyzing, and simply allowed myself to take in the brilliance of this example. There is no problem too big that we don't have the capability to surmount. There is no one too small to inspire transformation in the lives of others. Sometimes, if we simply choose to be determined to make a difference, we can be victorious by any little ribbon necessary.

I'm Hired!

Being a student is a huge undertaking; you've got to stretch your intellect and your pockets to make it through! This summer I began searching for a way to earn income, and hopefully some type of research experience to add to my resume and enhance the skills I've been learning in the classroom. Last week I interviewed with an organization for a data analysis position, and yesterday I heard the magic words "You're Hired". Thank God!

I'd been praying for an opportunity to present itself that would meet my financial and academic needs. I asked nearly everyone I encountered for leads and even registered to babysit in the community. As always, God came through.

Tomorrow morning, I will head out for my first day of work. My clothes are ironed, lunch packed, and I'm ready to roll. I'm excited and a little nervous, but I'm comforted by the reminder from today's devotional message from Girlfriends in God:

Matthew 21:21-22 I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and it will be done

Many times, we won’t take the first step because we’re afraid we won’t be able to make the whole journey.
Don’t wait until you believe it all.
Don’t wait until you can see it all.
Don’t wait until you understand it all.
Step out in childlike faith and put your trust in God.

First day, here I come!