On Cutting My Hair - Pt. 2

Feel free to read Pt. 1 for the other reason I can't cut my locs just yet.  The final two are below.

2. Witness.  Another reason I don't think I can make "the big chop" (do men call it that?) is because I’ve found out that my locs aren’t just for me.  They seem to be important to others.  One day, a few weeks ago, a young man in the grocery store asked me if someone could be accepted in a professional environment and have locs.  I had to think about it for a second, but after considering my own experience in a professional settings at the Kelley School of Business, I was able to say yes.  Now I know every setting won’t be comfortable with that, but what I shared with the young man is that how you carry yourself is more important than your hair.  People will respect your hair because they respect you.  I was only able to witness to that because I had gone through it.  

My hair has also been the source of numerous insightful conversations that have helped others learn more about black culture.  My hair has helped to make me into who I am... but along the way, it seems to have allowed others to be who they are as well.  Our freedom can free others.  It can also be a unique point of witnessing.  As a minister of the gospel, this is even MORE complex, but some spiritual spark, some theological thought, some curious conversation can spring from something as common as hair.  Rev. Tony Lee's example helped me -(if you can't read it all, at least check out the last sentence on pg 3).

3. Consecration – Having long hair makes me think about Samson, a judge in the Holy Bible.   He was a Nazirite which meant he took a vow that he couldn’t cut his hair (among other things, Judges 13:4-5).  The Hebrew word "nazir" means to be separated or consecrated. It is notable that not all nazirites had to grow their hair forever, but this was part of Samson's vow.  Samson lost his strength because he prematurely ended his time of consecration.  For me, having locs has been more than a physical journey, but a spiritual journey as well.  It represents being separated for a time for renewal and rejuvenation. 

We are currently under a month-long consecration period at an amazing church we attend in Durham.  It will be difficult at times to adhere to everything, there will be moments of regrets and reflection.  But through the process, there will be the re-shuffling of priorities.  My hair's story has been no different.  Like a faithful fast, it has helped me see more clearly. It has separated me for a time and helped to put my priorities in order.  

The time to cut my locs will likely be sooner than later.  (I don’t see being one of those 40-50 yr olds with locs).  BUT I don’t want to miss out on all of the valuable lessons I’m supposed to be learning right now through them.  I don’t want to lose that part of my identity as a black person in America.  I don’t want to miss the chance to witness to others who have locs, are considering them, or are uncomfortable around those who wear them.  And I don’t want to end my time of consecration too early.  So until further notice, my hair is here!  In my cereal and in my life – come on Jocelyn, let’s go play!!!

Lord, help us to be faithful to You.  Give us the grace to look at one another as You look at us.  Remind us we are creatures with different details, but made in one image.  Help us not to look past our differences, but to rejoice in them and learn from them.  We trust that you know better than us.  Thank You for all You do and we look forward to seeing Your hair...  In Christ's name, Amen.

Loc-ed in,

j.a.g.

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Judges 13:4-5

⁴ Now see to it that you drink no wine or other fermented drink and that you do not eat anything unclean. 

⁵ You will become pregnant and have a son whose head is never to be touched by a razor because the boy is to be a Nazirite, dedicated to God from the womb. He will take the lead in delivering Israel from the hands of the Philistines.”

On Starting Over - Part 3: Living Like the Last Witness

This is the third of a three part series. These posts examine the idea of re-creating Christianity. In essence, how would we “start over”? For the introduction, visit Part 1.

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A man with an experience beats a man with knowledge every time.
- Pastor Dave Norris

Now that we understand that the world can know Christianity again through the Bible and the parables of others, it may seem that all is well. Things will fall into place, sinners will come to repentance, and Jesus will be Lord of the earth again. Yet, we are misled if we think this way. If we think that all people need is the Bible and some stories to live as a Christian, we are mistaken. In our past, I’m sure we can think of examples where people had a Bible, had some good stories, yet weren’t living like Christ. So, what else does it take?


It takes an example. This is the part that will keep the world from missing Jesus. If they never see Him they can never be Him. Not only do people need words and stories, they need LIVING epistles (II Corinthians 3:2-3 below). I can know the Word, but if I’m not living it, it helps no one.


In a Christ-less world, that means my example becomes even more important. If I am trying to re-create Christianity, the most effective way to do that is through my lifestyle! I must live a Spirit-filled life of joy, peace, love, patience, self-control, meekness, and gentleness. I must be a positive person in my environment. I must be Christ in the earth.

Will I be hurt? Yes. Will I suffer? Yes. Will I sin? Yes. But I must overcome. I must live in victory. I must live as if I am redeemed. Then, people will wonder, “what does he have that keeps him joyful and at peace?” At that moment, grounded in the word and armed with testimonies, I can begin to share my witness. Combined with my example, my witness will have power and a depth that reaches souls. And one by one, with each salvation, I can see a new world receiving Christ and reflecting his likeness across the earth. What an amazing sight to behold!

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Thank you for traveling through these thoughts with me for the last three months. I pray they have empowered you to be a better disciple. Let’s live our lives as if we are the last Christian on earth. Peace and love on the journey.

Lord, thank You for loving each of us as if we were Your only children. You have never given up on us, never left us, never dismissed us. You are our constant source of strength. Please be with those that don’t know You today. Help them see You. Please also help those of us who say we know You. Help us show the world Your goodness, grace, and mercy. God, bless us to care about souls enough to study the Word, appreciate stories, and live like Jesus. I love You. I keep finding out just how much You love me too. Thank You.

Living,
j.a.g.

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II Corinthians 3:2-3 (NKJV)
2 You are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read by all men; 3 clearly you are an epistle of Christ, ministered by us, written not with ink but by the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of flesh, that is, of the heart.