I am blessed to work for an organization that was founded on the principles of the Catholic Church. As time has gone on, there has been a direction of turning over the leadership of the organization to lay leaders. As part of my personal growth, I was asked to journal about how I feel as this transition and transformation occurs.
The question was posed, “if you were to write a thank you letter to the Sisters, what would you say?” My mind immediately went to ROY G BIV, the color spectrum pneumonic I learned as a kid. ROY G BIV stands for the color spectrum of a rainbow: Red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet.
ROY G BIV also summarizes my thankfulness for the knowledge and memories I gained.
Sister, Thank You
As I sit here and write this letter of thanks, it is through a prism of color created by my tears of joy and trepidation.
- R – Responsibility: I feel a huge responsibility to carry forth our mission and values. This responsibility brings me great joy, and some fear. The fear that I will not live up to what has come before me and the fear of the unknown. Part of my responsibility is to use the community with whom I serve to help me through this fear.
- O – Openness: You have taught me to be open to the voice of God in all aspects of my life.
- Y – Yesterday: On a daily basis I think of you and those who have come before us as guides for tomorrow.
- G – Gratitude: I am so grateful for the opportunity to continue my calling within such an organization co-created under the direction of those that made up our heritage.
- B – Bravery: Whenever I feel a bit down, I think of your bravery and of those that have truly forged new paths.
- I – Inspiration: My heart is filled with inspiration by you and all the goodness you represent.
- V – Value: You have truly helped me see the value in all and of all.
Through this spectrum of “color,” I pledge to do my best, walk humbly, and be true to our mission and values.