My daughter decided last summer to cut over six inches off her hair. She likes comfort and anything to make the whole ‘getting ready’ routine faster. Therefore, a pixie cut fit her desires perfectly. She also chooses clothes located in the boy’s section due to a baggy fit, covering more area and the style fits her athletic personality. At first, we worried. At first, we asked too many questions. At first, we didn’t understand.
We failed to trust God with our daughter. We failed to love her where she was at this point in life. We failed to seek out the heart behind the decision. Thus, she felt slighted, sad and separated. Our worldly view pushed her away, creating turmoil with every ‘getting ready’ scenario. Worse yet, she received the same misunderstanding in the world. Longstanding friends rejected her due to a simple haircut. Every encounter with the world labeled her a boy due to her desire for comfort. She received questioning of character, clothing choice, hairstyle, etc. in this world. And we could not offer her a safe place to land each day.
I am thankful to report, it did not take long before realizing our actions were not desirable as parents. We realized to embrace and love her just where she stood at this phase in life. It is a phase of her life that will soon pass; if we spend the entire time conforming this sweet girl into a mold that we choose, she will miss out on what God desires for this phase. We will miss out on loving her through life. We will miss the joy of watching God mature our sweet girl. We will miss it!
No matter the world’s comments, opinions and looks, I just could not understand how they did not see a sweet girl staring back at them. I never once thought my little girl appeared as a boy. Why couldn’t the world see innocence, beauty, joy, peace and love radiating off my daughter? Why did the world want to steal my daughter’s identity? Why did the world choose to judge before seeking out truth?
Because the world is broken! The world sees through broken lenses. The world loves with tattered hearts. The world strives to be #1. The world offers misery.
18 “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. 19 If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. John 15:18-19
This world could not see the beauty, joy, peace and love radiating from our Savior. This world worked to steal our Savior’s identity. This world judged our Savior harshly. Why should we expect anything different when the world views us? We may live IN this world; but, we must not be OF this world. Live each day standing firm on Truth, regardless of the environment or situation surrounding. Live for the building of His Kingdom. God chose to breathe life into you, placed you in this time for a purpose. This is a simple phase in your plan. . .DON’T MISS IT!
Love others as He has loved you. Seek to understand. Embrace the hurting. Be a light for the lost.
It’s DAY TEN. . .will you love others where they stand at this moment in their lives?
Live life. . .One Day at a time!
Sheree Craig
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