The Significance of Purple ~ Part I

Unless you are a master carpenter or a creative teen, "purple heart" is usually associated with the military in recognition of one's injury or death in the line of duty. I never dreamed to receive such an honor for a couple reasons. First and foremost, I've never been in the military. Secondly, I didn't see myself being injured or dying while serving my country. The closest thing to the military I came, marrying a Marine.

BUT God used a sweet young man and his family to change modify my perspective on the "purple heart" medal. Last December (2011) I started my speaking ministry with Austin and his family at my first one. Shortly there after I heard from his Mom and she asked I could meet them one morning at Dunkin Donuts. Good friends and good coffee? Of course? What time? 

My mother joined me. Nothing could have prepared us for the blessing they gifted me. Once introductions were complete and as our drinks cooled enough to drink I opened a small box containing my very own purple heart. The card and note treasured within moved me and it was hard not to cry in the middle of Dunkin Donuts. Why...because Austin said, “Wouldn’t it be cool if we could come up with a Purple Heart badge for Lisa...I know (she was in battle) the battle for her soul.”

To read more about this humbling exchange, click on either of today's photographs for a direct link. Austin's kindness continues to bless me and my entire family a year later. Only God knew the extent of one child's thoughtfulness and his family's generosity through the next year.

I continue to cherish this necklace and the hope, healing, and friendship it represents. The symbolism was appreciated by my entire family but I didn't realize the impact it had on my parents until Christmas morning.

Did you know there is something called "purpleheart" wood? Well, there is and it is a beautiful, hard, and heavy piece of wood. As my father delves into carpentry once again, he and Mom visit different lumber yards and specialty wood shops looking for unique or striking pieces of wood to create shelves, tables, and who knows what. 

As they enjoyed a walk through one particular business they stumbled upon "purpleheart" wood. They mentioned they found a "purple" wood to me but never revealed its entire name or their intentions but instead started to save and scheme for my hand crafted Christmas gift.

On Christmas morning I opened a typical red and green package to uncover two book ends. Each contains three hearts and a shine to reflect your face when you admire them. The base and two of the hearts are made from "purpleheart" wood. The center heart is cherry, cherry left over from the kitchen counter of my parent's house. 

Underneath the two bookends was a card shaped like a purple heart with a note from my parents. With tears moisturizing my eyes I learned this purple shaded wood is yet another purple heart for me. They wrote, "...stands for courage up and above the call of duty. We feel you had that courage to write your book." 

Humbled, grateful, thankful, and appreciative of the love God shares with me through my parents and so many others. 

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According to "Touch Wood Rings", the meaning behind the "purpleheart" wood is: "Purpleheart is a spiritual wood.  It enhances energy dealing with creativity and knowledge. One of the best woods when dealing with spiritual healing and health issues, purpleheart would be especially useful in eradicating the negative energies that create strife in the home."
http://www.touchwoodrings.com/qualitiesofwood.html

"...The color purple as you know was Heidi's favorite color. 
The color purple also relates to the imagination and spirituality. 
You had the imagination and the spirit to write your book for 
yourself and Heidi. It relates to transforming the soul but 
still keeping you grounded while representing the future. 


We both believe the book is going to be a big 
success and will help many others.


This was made by us not only to hold your book 
but as a reminder of your courage, imagination, 
and spirit while looking to the future..."
Love Dad and Mom

To learn more about the rest of my purpleheart Christmas...read tomorrow's blog. More pictures too!