Start a conversation
Have you seen all those colorful wristbands folks are wearing these days and wondered what they represent, beyond the ubiquitous yellow one that started it all? That was Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong’s Live Strong Foundation. Other than those, and pink ones for breast cancer awareness, I haven’t been able to identify right off hand any of the other colorful bands, though they’re multiplying.
Tom Hall reminds me of the purple ones he put out at about this time last year, inscribed with these words: “Periucundum est Catholicum esse.” That translates to “It’s cool to be Catholic”, according to his website, Catholici Sumus. His vision is to get a million Catholics wearing these, providing millions of opportunities a day, conceivably, to talk about beliefs and faith.
Wearing the bracelet makes a statement. More importantly, every time someone inquires about the purple (the color of penance) band on a friend’s wrist it opens the door for dialogue. This can be a welcoming opportunity and unassuming way for people to talk about their Catholic faith.
That’s no small thing, the opportunity to just mention to the right person at the right moment the power of forgiveness. Lately, I’ve found myself in a few conversations in which the subject came up, and people holding onto anger or pain can be startled at the thought of healing by forgiving, and asking for forgiveness. Even (and especially) when the offending party doesn’t even ask for it.
These purple bands are already very low priced, but right now during Lent, Tom Hall has reduced them to half price. They’re little over a buck each now! Great way to get people wondering what this colored band on your wrist means.
