Messy Hair, Don’t Care
Who We Are Begins With Knowing Who God Is
When I attended a women’s corporate conference in 2017, I felt like I was just another face in the crowd. As each accomplished woman came to the stage to share her wisdom about succeeding in business, I noticed something different about them. As we all sat out in the crowd with our long locks and similar hairstyles, these women had shorter styles. They looked powerful, confident, and so put together.
Before the day was over, I had already scheduled an appointment with my stylist for the next week. I decided that it was time for a change. No more blending in with the crowd. I wanted some of that power and confidence that I mistakenly thought could be found in a haircut.
Since that day 3 years ago, I have been trying to find the real me through changes in my hairstyle. Who was I anyway? Was I the sophisticated bob? The bold, pixie cut? The “blend in with the crowd” long straight layers? The naturally curly crazy mess?
It seemed that no matter how I chose to wear my hair, I still felt the same inside. I was seeking confidence in my outward appearance instead of living in light of who God made me to be.
Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God. (1 Peter 3:3-4 NLT)
When I came across this verse in 1 Peter, I realized that, though our outward appearance is ever-changing and fades with time, beauty that comes from within is unfading and that is most precious to God.
Changing our hairstyle doesn’t change who we are. Our true identity comes from the inner work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. We tend to get wrapped up and consumed with how we look on the outside, when God is trying to do a work on us from the inside.
Knowing who we are originates in knowing who HE is. When we strive to grow closer to Christ, He reveals more to us about who He created us to be. The things that he shows us are not new revelations, they are attributes that have been within us all along. He simply shines the light on who we are and lets us see ourselves more like He sees us.
After years of fighting the frizz, I am learning to love the natural curls that God gave me. In the same way, we should learn to embrace our true identity in Christ by letting God’s Word shape our lives. When we seek Him, we find ourselves.
Reflection
1. What physical characteristics do you struggle with the most? How can you learn to stop seeking to change that trait and embrace your unique qualities?
2. What do you think your discomfort with anything about your outward appearance is keeping you from?
3. How can you seek to know God on a deeper level today?
Goals
Share 3 positive statements about the unique traits that God has blessed you with.
Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God. (1 Peter 3:3-4 NLT)
Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous – how well I know it. (Psalm 139:14 NLT)