The aggressive marketing of the pink ribbon leaves the impression that there are no other October hues. But October offers a beautiful spectrum of causes in which you can invest and for which you can champion. However, as often happens, the good intentions of some (to raise money to fund crucial research into curing cancer) have turned into the money-making schemes of others (the statistics about where the money actually goes is shocking!).
I'll lead off with the tips about investing in any cause. These were inspired by Margaret Fienberg's blog post about the Pink month which I've linked below in my listing of the colors of October.
Think Big and Think Little:
About each cause, you can think both big (nationally or globally) and small (locally). There may be large, dedicated organizations to whom you can donate funds that go directly to research or counseling or treatment. You may also know an individual or family who could personally use your monetary gift.
Think Creatively:
Consider other ways to give as well--volunteer time, call a hurting friend, and send a card to someone in the throes of suffering. Be a shoulder to cry on. Be eyes aware of the signs of abuse. Be a heart open to a hurting soul. Be a helping hand folding laundry or washing dishes for the exhausted cancer patient or patient mama of extra-special kiddos.
Think Critically:
Research organizations and individuals asking for money. Don't donate or purchase products thoughtlessly. The money goes somewhere, right? The question we must ask is "Where?". Honest organizations hide nothing in their financials, and you can and need to find out where your money goes because you want it all to go the Cause.
Think For Yourself:
Don't let popularity bully you. Sure everybody else might be wearing a pink bow and running in a particular race. So? You know where you are called to spend your resources whether or not you got a cute t-shirt or a bold bumper sticker to advertise the fact. If you find a good, honest organization, then share the info with others!
Now onto the color swatch of October awareness:
Pink: Breast Cancer Awareness
Margaret Feinberg, a breast cancer fighter herself, gives you very good reasons to stop and think before donating your green to the Pink. The tips she offers for being a wise donor and a compassionate friend protect us from being careless with our money and our attention.
Purple: Domestic Violence Awareness
I read this organization's blog because of the practical and knowledgeable information I glean in dealing with mental illness, trauma, and emotional hurt and healing. This is the counselor's introductory post about Domestic Violence. Regardless of your geographic location, I'm sure there's a shelter or a counseling agency willing to help you help them.
Pink/Blue: Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness
A brave friend of mine recently opened her heart on Facebook to post about her little Hannah, who turned 9 in heaven this month. Many do not feel able to be open with their grief or honest with their pain and so suffer in silence. Cassidy recommends this organization who continue to encourage her and her family they journey through grief. I know one thing that parents who've lost children have told me they want but rarely receive--the gift of someone else saying their child's name outloud. Don't be afraid to tell them you remember their little person too.
Blue/Yellow: Down Syndrome Awareness
I've linked to a blog post written by Gillian Marchenko, mama to two beautiful girls with Down Syndrome. She's written numerous posts and a book about this journey, and I highly recommend them to you if you or someone you know finds yourself facing a future that includes a Down Syndrome loved one.
So pick a color, pick a cause. There are perhaps other causes connected to this month as well. These are ones that have been brought to my attention by friends and women I respect. Please prayerfully consider how being aware of each of these causes might move you on to "love and good deeds" this October. Awareness does nothing if it doesn't induce us to action. May God guide and equip you.
{As a final thought, I'd like to add how uncomfortable watching football games in October is. So few team colors actually go well with those pink accessories. What if instead, each team chose a cause that represents itself with those same colors and championed that cause year round? More awareness, more funds raised, more comfortable viewing. Just an idea. :) }
