I yank it.
I pull it.
I stretch it.
I rake my fingers through it carelessly.
Yes, I’m talking about my hair.
God has been showing me that the way I treat my hair is a barometer for the way I treat myself and others. When I yank, pull, stretch, and treat my curls with haste, I tend to treat myself and my family the same way.
- · I snap.
- · I scrutinize.
- · I criticize.
When I’m gentle with my hair—unravel knots delicately, finger-comb it in sections, work it with love and patience, I tend also to exhibit gentleness with my husband, my children, and myself.
- · I treat each one with care.
- · I give them my undivided attention.
- · I pour out love and compassion on them.
It’s the strangest thing, I know, but consider this: A barometer measures changes in atmospheric pressure. Our atmosphere is our home. Any number of issues can raise the atmospheric pressure in our home:
- · Financial issues.
- · Problems with children.
- · Lack of spousal support.
- · Not enough “me” time.
It’s no wonder an otherwise gentle wife takes out her stress on her unsuspecting locks. Stress can do that to a person!
Even in Biblical times, when someone was overwhelmed with grief or sorrow, they let their hair go disheveled or pulled it out (Ezra 9:3).
How we handle our hair is our barometer!
So the next time you catch yourself over-manipulating and potentially damaging your hair, stop. Evaluate the pressures in your heart and home.
Remember, whatever is in your heart and on your mind determines what you say (Luke 6:45). In this case, how you brush and comb.
Prayer: Father, I want to be an example of Your love and patience. Help me to be like You. Help me to see the pressures in my home that lead me to act hastily. Help me to be gentle in all ways and at all times. Amen.
Daphne Tarango is a freelance writer and recovery speaker. Her spiral curls challenge her regularly, but she’s working on being gentle with her God-given locks. Her prayer is that this quirky article encourages others who might be over-manipulating their hair due to the pressures in their lives and home. For more information about Daphne or to subscribe to her blog, visit: http://DaphneWrites.com
June’s Rooted in Christ theme is Gentleness.
Reading God’s Story Schedule today, 6/25/13: 2 Kings 5:1-8:15.
Join hosts Page and Cindy on Facebook where we are discussing today’s reading. Everyone is invited to join by clicking the ‘Join Group’ button. We have 590+ women reading the Bible through together. Join us and invite your friends too!
About Daphne Tarango
Daphne Tarango is a freelance writer who comforts others with the comfort she has received from God. Daphne is a recovery speaker and writers’ group president. She has published numerous inspirational articles in print and online magazines. She has three stories in the inspirational collection, Women of the Secret Place, published by Ambassador International. Daphne is married to Luis and in the past year, has resigned from corporate life to take a position as a stay-at-home mom of three adopted children. To connect with Daphne, visit her blog: http://DaphneWrites.com.
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