So Why the Color Purple????

When diagnosed with such a rare cancer as Primary Vaginal Adenocarcinoma there is no symbol, no color, no statistics or cure rates.  There are no facts or clear cut treatment plans.  So many unknowns and so many uncertainties.  However, there is one thing that I could hold fast too and that is my BELIEF in a Savior that has the full ability to heal me; HOPE that my Savior will indeed heal me; and SECURITY in the fact that I have an amazing family and friend network that will support me and walk this journey with me 100%. 

When someone said ( I think it was my sister, Katy) that I needed a color I started thinking about what it would be without any preconcieved notions.  One night we were reading on-line about a retired military man now making a huge difference with Project Christmas Shoe Box and there were pictures of his medals.  One such medal was The Purple Heart, which today means one thing....SACRIFICE.  It means that blood was shed (through combat death or wound) in the defense of liberty.  Most probably wouldn't know this, but in 1782 General Washington established our first military medal, the Badge of Military Merit.  It was made of cloth or silk, purple in color and bordered with a white lace.  It could be worn either suspended from a ribbon placed around around the neck or sewn to the left breast pocket of the uniform. I certainly do not want to take anything away from the meaning of either of these medals as the men and woman who have earned them for the freedoms of our country have earned these particular badges in a way more deserving than I.  However, it did get me thinking about a cancer medal and what that would look like and why.

Cancer patients are fighting a battle.  They are fighting a battle for their own personal life.  The opportunity to make new memories with their families and friends and to be the warrior with a victory at the end of their own personal war. 

I was still determining a color on the day of my first gynecology oncologist appointment and my sister, Katy, came into the room to check on me and what was she wearing?  Purple and so was I.  We laughed, hugged, cried and said...our color is purple! 

My sister, Amy, added so much depth to this color as well on her blog that I'm going to steal a few quotes to share with you. 

"Purple is the color of good judgment. It is the color of people seeking spiritual fulfillment. It is said if you surround yourself with purple you will have peace of mind. Purple is a good color to use in meditation"

Daniel 5:29
Belshazzar did what he had promised. He robed Daniel in purple, draped the great gold chain around his neck, and promoted him to third-in-charge in the kingdom

Purple combines the stability of blue and the energy of red. 

Purple in scripture signifies Honor and Royalty

Esther 8:15
[ The Triumph of the Jews ] When Mordecai left the king’s presence, he was wearing royal garments of blue and white, a large crown of gold and a purple robe of fine linen. And the city of Susa held a joyous celebration.

Jesus was dressed in Purple before his crucifixion

Mark 15:20
And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him out to crucify him.

Acts 16:14
One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message.

I have claimed this verse along with the color Purple to represent my own personal battle.

"In times of trouble, may the Lord answer your cry.
May the name of the God of Jacob keep you safe from all harm. 

May he send you help from his sanctuary

and strengthen you from Jerusalem. 
May he remember all your gifts
and look favorably on your burnt offerings. 
May he grant your heart's desires
and make all your plans succeed. 
May we shout for JOY when we hear of
your victory and raise a victory banner
in the name of our God. 
May the Lord answer all your prayers!"

Psalms 20:1-5

I am sincerely touched by the amount of people who have purchased jewelry, shirts, socks, robes, notebooks, pens, flowers, frames, cards, you name it in the color purple to show their support to me during this time. 

What an honor it is to call you family and friend!

Christmas in Purple!

Birthday Visitors in Purple!

Valentines in Purple!

Birthdays in Purple!