Jim's Rainbow - October Newsletter
October 2026
Jim’s Rainbow
In October, I usually want to talk about gourds, pumpkins, mums and autumn leaves. This October is different. I must share the story of Jim’s Rainbow. Jim and Kathy Foresee are neighbors and dear friends. We celebrate the Jewish holidays together. Jim is a very fervent and learned Messianic Jew. We rely on him to lead us in prayer, translate Hebrew and explain the significance of our holidays.
Who is that person in your life?
This year was unsettling and poignant. Earlier this year Jim developed some health issues and almost died in ICU. Jim is amazing in that he never complains. He was so weak on Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year) that he could barely sit up. Jim bravely insisted on coming to the dinner table to eat and pray with us. When I dropped by before Yom Kippur (the Jewish Day of Atonement), I knew Jim was in pain, but he wanted to join the family for a snack. He even smiled, joked, and encouraged the rest of us. Jim always thinks of everyone but himself.
Could you be that strong and selfless?
Jim and Kathy joined me at my house for the second day of Sukkot (a Jewish holiday that involves sitting in nature and expressing gratitude for all of our blessings). Despite his serious health challenges, Jim looks forward to the future and talked about his plans to set up a wood working shop in his garage. We reminisced about a special Sukkot where Jim did all of the cooking, preparations, and interpreted prayers. Jim’s wife Kathy has also been very brave. Her mantra during Jim’s whole ordeal has been Gam Zu L’Tovah which means “this too is for the good.”
What would you tell yourself during a very stressful time?
When Jim and Kathy got ready to leave there was a beautiful rainbow in the sky at sunset. I’ll always think of it as Jim’s Rainbow. Rainbows represent God’s promise to always be with us. Rainbows symbolize hope, encouragement, peace and a promise of future blessings. We all needed to see that Rainbow. Lately, many of us have been through some very hard times. Some of my business clients and associates are struggling with the current state of the economy and unrest. I was personally going through a phase of discouragement and wondering if I was doing enough to fulfill my life purpose.
What are you going through?
Seeing the wondrous rainbow and being with Jim and Kathy reminded me that we are really never alone and without hope even in the darkest storm. Jim teaches us that it is best to step outside our own suffering and care for other people. It fosters hope to recount our own past blessings and to express gratitude. Seeing Jim’s Rainbow reminded me that I had been through a number of rough times and had persevered. Listening to the old gospel song “His Eye is on the Sparrow” kept me grounded in simple childlike faith that “this too is for the good.”
What will you hold on to during the storm?
Now that I have experienced Jim’s Rainbow, I’m feeling renewed and ready to share my hopefulness with others. I am grateful to be in BNI (Business Network International) during these difficult times. BNI gives me a platform to encourage other business owners. In BNI we are united in our mission to help each other, not just with referrals but to also support each other in our everyday struggles as business owners. In my home chapter, Referrals Faster 2.0, we strive to be a place where members can feel comfortable enough to ask questions and get advice. Being a business owner, especially these days, can be lonely and scary. As a business coach and BNI Chapter Director Consultant I never want an owner to feel isolated. I think of BNI as being that “rainbow arch” that is promising our core values of Givers Gain, Building Relationships, Lifelog Leaning, Tradition and Innovation, Positive Attitude, Accountability and Recognition.
When will you visit us at 7:30 on a Thursday morning for breakfast, networking and inspiration?
Originally posted by Coaching for Success via Locable