- photo by Susan PageThe colour pink has never been one that I particularly favour. However, one morning, arriving at the program where I volunteer, I was eagerly greeted by several of my special friends adorned in pink shirts, and they looked fantastic.
I was enthusiastically informed that it was Pink Shirt Day and was asked to take their photo.
Just as the group was being arranged in formation in the hallway, a few stragglers wandered out of the classroom. This group of latecomers were not adorned in pink. They were bluntly told they could not be in the photo, as it was only for the people in pink. This did not sit well with me, especially when I saw the disappointed faces of those who had been rejected.
I quietly asked the supervisor what Pink Shirt Day represented. I was more than a little astounded by the response. “Pink Shirt Day in Canada is an annual anti-bullying campaign celebrated on the last Wednesday of February. It's a day to raise awareness about bullying and promote kindness, inclusivity, and healthy relationships. The day encourages people to wear pink shirts to show solidarity and make a stand against bullying in schools, workplaces, and online.”
Somehow, I thought the message got lost in translation. This illustration was a regular moment in my week that gave me pause and brought conviction to my soul.
It’s easy to know the truth without putting it into practice. We can have the right motivation and not notice where we miss the mark in practically living out the message. We can have artistic posters, well-phrased slogans or mission statements, and even the proper coloured clothing, but without the love of the message embedded in our hearts, we may still fail in the delivery.
While I know this supervisor was not intentionally trying to be cruel to the students who weren’t attired in the correct colour, it still makes me question what was being modelled.
We never have to do anything sensational to be dismissive of others. Our tone, body language and intentions can be read quite clearly without us even being aware. Mr. Fred Rogers once said, “the really important “great” things are never center stage of life’s dramas; they’re always “in the wings.” That’s why it’s so essential for us to be mindful of the humble and deep rather than the flashy and the superficial.” I believe this statement packs a powerful punch.
James, the brother of Jesus, put words to what I am trying to convey. He said, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like” (James 1:22-24).
It’s one thing to know about something, but to put that knowledge into practice is something we do in and through the power of Jesus. “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13). Later in that chapter, the Apostle Paul tells the church to practice what they have learned. The challenge follows with the promise that God’s peace will be with them.
No amount of Bible reading, memory work, sermon note-taking or theology class holds much meaning if the truth doesn’t move from our heads to our hearts. Then from our hearts shall flow love in action. We can all be ministers of compassion and care by remembering the Scriptures and treating others as we want to be treated. “Do to others as you would have them do to you” (Luke 6:31).
I received a message written in pink, but God’s Word speaks the truth to us daily. May the message go from our heads to our hearts, and then to love in action!
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience” (Colossians 3:12).
Susan Page is the daughter of the King, His beloved child, wonderfully forgiven and blessed! Susan longs to age gracefully, becoming more like Jesus as she seeks the hidden treasures revealed to her through Scripture, literature, the arts, humankind, and nature.