Wear The Ribbon by Bishop Peter Fox.
When it was dangerous to be a Christian there was a sign that helped believers find each other; it was the sign of the Fish --- a simple loop crossed at one end. That sign on the door of a house was a sign that Christians lived there. Sometimes even now you will see that sign as a badge, even on a car sometimes. It can surely be no accident that the Red Ribbon of HIV/AIDS Awareness is so similar. The Red Ribbon too is a sign of caring.
All over the World a loop of red ribbon has become a symbol for people living with HIV and AIDS. It is a simple thing. Anyone can wear it. Any piece of red ribbon will do and you do not need someone else to give it to you. Get a piece of red ribbon, make a loop with it and pin it on your shirt or blouse front. In this simple way you can send a message to all who see you; “I care about people who suffer because of HIV and AIDS. I want to help.”
You could put the sign of the Red Ribbon on the door of your house. It can be a big piece of ribbon, or a strip cut from a bigger red cloth, or a painted sign. Home-made signs are fine. Tell the World you care. There is nothing to stop churches doing the same thing. If you put the sign of the Red Ribbon on the notice board of your church, your work-place, your home it says, “You are welcome” to people who are HIV-Positive and their families. You do not have to be an expert on the illness to show God’s love to others. It does not need a workshop to teach you how to smile and show friendship.
You can help by having leaflets and information at the back of your church for people to pick up and read for themselves. You might even like to ask your congregation to talk about ways of helping out in the battle against HIV and AIDS. We must not ignore the problem or the people who live with it. The problem belongs to all of us, and all of us can do something to help.
Bishop Peter.
