The color of hope

…but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
—Isaiah 40:31

Ever seen the fall colors up north? Even though they herald the cold and struggle of winter, they speak of hope. The brilliant red, yellow, orange leaves, the muted brown and falling leaves bespeak the coming winter, yet are framed against the indomitable, verdant, never-muted green of the pine and spruce trees.

A statement of hope in the colors of fall!

There is another color of fall that speaks of hope! It adorned the plaza and bodies of thousands of folk at the St. Pete Times Forum as people of hope took to the streets in the annual "Making Strides Against Breast Cancer" walk on Saturday, October 22. Pink was everywhere!
Florida Hospital Tampa Bay Division was the signature sponsor, and rightly so with the remarkable team of physicians, nurses and imaging specialists who make our Breast Care Center the leading regional center of excellence. Pink tote bags bearing the logo of Florida Hospital Tampa were everywhere, carrying a message of hope, aptly describing those who serve in the center as having “the skill to heal, the spirit to care.”
The walk was only three miles long. Hardly a fitting symbol for the long journey so many make in overcoming breast cancer. What was a fitting symbol however; was the experience of walking the three miles together! Women in the midst of their journey with cancer, babies and strollers; women who had recently achieved “cancer free;” along with friends, spouses, dogs and kids walked together, laughing, singing — some just holding hands. But no one was alone.

Hope not only has a color it also has a face…yours! Even the most trying and challenging of times are made a bit more bearable when your face of hope shares the journey.

In a few moments you will be serving with a fellow employee, a physician partner and caring for patients and their families. They are fearful, they are worried and they are most likely alone n their fear. Be the face of hope for them won’t you?