Hair.   A year ago I had hair almost down to my waist.  It was hard to tell how long it really was,  because it was always in a ponytail or a bun.  When I wore it down, it just looked bad.  Then I was at the mall with my friend, Judy, and I told her I should get a haircut.  We were outside a salon and she drug me in.  Okay, not really drug me, but highly encouraged. 

I signed in and waited.  We commented on who I would get to do my hair.  We laughed when the girl with pink hair and the nose stud came into view.  I hope it’s not her!  What kind of haircut would she give me?  Then we commented on the muscular guy, clearly gay, would it be him?  Then there was the more conservative older woman, would I get her, I could probably trust her to give me a good cut. As we waited, there were other comments made about some of the other stylists we saw.   Then they told me Misty would be doing my hair.  Misty, a sweet name…  Then she came to get me…. the girl with pink hair…  Well, Judy and I looked at each other with that look that close friends give each other and laughed.  Oh, no, what was I in for?!

It was a very emotional day for me.  This was the start of my “new beginning”, I was getting a haircut.  I was crying and Misty was asking me if I really wanted my hair cut.  Through tears, I said “yes, I have to do this” and “no, I didn’t want to save it or donate it”.  Then Misty looked at Judy, who confirmed those were good decisions.  Then the cutting began.

She went shoulder length and I said, “Shorter”, then about an inch shorter and I said, “More”.  When she finally finished it was below my ears, at my jaw and it looked great!  Misty had done a wonderful job and could not have been more caring.  Through the year, Misty has continued to do my hair, going a little shorter each time.  I have learned through hospital stays and not feeling well, short hair is much easier to care for. 

Everyone noticed my hair right away and that it was a new start for me.  Truly, new beginnings!   People don’t necessarily see what is going on inside, but they see my hair, how that has changed and that it has been very positive. 

Recently I have thought about changing hairdressers.  The cost is going up and I have wondered if I could afford it.  My friend, Judy, recently found a new salon and I went with her for her first visit.  That is something I wouldn’t normally do, but I was looking for somewhere, too.  Judy looked good and seemed happy with the results. 

Last week I went to the shop to make my first appointment.  I sat outside and prayed about it, feeling a little uneasy.  I always am… It’s my hair!!  I couldn’t do it.  I called and made an appointment with Misty.  I knew what it was going to cost me and prayed God would somehow provide the money and  whether I was really supposed to stay with Misty.  I know that must sound weird.  Praying over something as silly as a hairdresser, but think about a woman and her hair; it’s a HUGE deal!! 

So yesterday, Misty did my hair.  It wasn’t necessarily the best cut I have had.  But, that isn’t really why I was there.  Misty had been out sick for a week.  She told me that she came in yesterday because when she called to get her client list, I was on it.  She knew I’d be coming in yesterday.  She had some questions for me.  She opened her bag and took out 6 pill bottles and asked me if I took any of them.  I pointed to the ones I either am taking or have taken - all 6.  She then proceeded to tell me that she is 27 and dealing with a possible diagnosis of colon cancer.  She is going through more tests this week. She asked what she could expect and I told her.   Misty knew she could ask me because, as all women do, I talk to my hairdresser.  She knows what I have been dealing with, medically, for the past year and has heard me vent about past issues and how they are still affecting me today.  I was diagnosed with cancer when I was 27 years old.   I am very familiar with her fear. 

So… I didn’t get a great haircut, it’ll grow.  I know that God has put me with her for a different reason.  She needs an intercessor, someone that will stand in the gap for her, to pray for her and tell her how God can help her through it.  He sent His Son to walk with me and I know He wants to do the same for her. 

The next time you do your hair, think of Misty and pray for her.  Just like the rest of us, she needs Jesus, to see Him face to face, daily in her struggles. 

As I wait for my hair to grow, I will use the smaller curling iron and hope it looks good.  I’m glad my hair grows fast, but more than that, I’m glad Jesus guided me to Misty.

(This cutting is of my daughter, Kallista.)