Every other television commercial seemed to be heralding the new style. It was the late 1960’s and long hair was in! Groovy! And it wasn’t only for the teenagers, even middle aged men could be cool, and my father would not be left behind. My father sported a crew cut since he was a child. Grandma, his mother, was a barber and for many years, she cut our hair. However, now she was retired and my father needed to find a new barber. But the times, they are a changin’, and with his desire for long hair, he was convinced he needed to go to a hair stylist, not a simple barber. The result was unexpected.
Every evening, my father would place a woman’s stocking over his scalp and face. He looked like a bank robber as we all laughed and teased him. Nonplussed, my father declared, “The hair needs to be trained!” I do not know how many contemporary hair stylists would insist on doing something like this but my father was determined to follow the instructions he was given. After all, the advice came at an expensive stylist’s price, rather than a simple barber’s advice. Imagine my surprise when a month later, he came home, his head completely shorn to a crew cut once again.
“What happened, Dad? I thought you were going to have long hair?”
My father shook his head. “I wasn’t happy with how it was growing and I saw a new hair stylist who told me I was doing it incorrectly. So I have to start all over again!” My father’s initial attempt at growing his long hair did not discourage him. He eventually sported a longer mane which also made it easier for me to adopt a longer hair style.
When we attempt to assimilate or adopt a new trend or idea, our initial attempts may be unsuccessful. From learning the newest politically correct verbiage or joining the newest social media craze, initial attempts may be awkward and fraught with do-overs. My spiritual life is no different. Forty years ago, I struggled to assimilate a new vocabulary of Christian words and theology as I took my first halting steps as a new Christian believer. Fellowship. Quiet time. Devotions. Today is no different. The world is rapidly changing and I still struggle to adapt. Long hair and short hair are black and white. Today’s choices are shades of gray. How do I understand and assimilate transgender individuals and alternative lifestyles into the Church? How do I reconcile the latest advances in genetic engineering, literally redefining the definition of life, with what the Bible teaches?
The answer is by my own efforts, it is impossible. It is only by seeking God’s guidance through His Word and prayer will I be able to find the correct pathway. I have already made many mistakes, stumbling over my own preconceived notions and seeking advice from others who may not have been qualified to give a godly answer.
This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls…
Hebrews 6:19 (NLT)
The times, they are a changin’.
Indeed. Praise God that He is the eternal, unchanging, and permanent Creator of this world that is passing away. He is the only anchor for our souls.
Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.
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