Casualties of a Cause

Sacrifice for the sake of one’s family, friends and fellow citizens is a noble cause. Most of us have done a wonderful job of being selfless in this regard for the last eight months. What do we have to show for it? Many studies have discovered isolation and lockdown do not control the virus. Even the World Health Organization (WHO) now says it only affects the poorest of the poor, making them poorer. So many occupations are being hit hard, suffering big losses in revenue and forced layoffs due to lock downs and isolation from this pandemic. And if it continues, many people could find themselves becoming impoverished.

Hairdressers have been hit hard by this pandemic. Many salons are reporting revenue losses in excess of 40%; many have closed. Most hairdressers work solely on commission in Florida, their salary is dependent on their clientele. And while they are not counted as unemployed, they certainly are underemployed. Being labeled non essential has many talented stylists questioning their God-given abilities.

Grey Hair Matters

As for my clients, they are far too young and full of vitality to just let their hair go. Yet that is what is happening. You see, If hairdressers are non essential, then maybe hair is non essential as well. Having no place to go due to isolation and lock downs is robbing people of their vitality and zeal for living.

Are you among those ignoring your hair and sacrificing healthy self care by physically neglecting yourself? It definitely exacerbates your feelings of anxiety, depression and  unhappiness. Are you patiently waiting for all of this to go away so you can eventually get back to life as normal? If you answered yes to any of these questions, I caution you to consider the cost it is taking on you personally.

According to the International Journal of Surgery (London, England), “Covid 19 social isolation measures have had a profound impact on the psychological and mental well-being of individuals across society.” It sites consequences of suicide, self harm, substance abuse, and domestic and child abuse and more. You can read  the full article here.

Self care is what people need more of now to avoid consequences that will far out weigh the good of self sacrifice. Women are neglecting their hair. Many are just letting it grow, which is not a bad thing, but they are growing out their color too. Those regrowth lines are just plain unattractive! Grey hair has its benefits on some people. I’ve seen gorgeous grey hair, some natural and some enhanced by talented stylists.

My ninety year old mom looks fabulous with grey hair. Her natural ash blonde hair  blended beautifully as she began to turn grey. But, not everyone is that fortunate. Grey hair does nothing to enhance your youthful appearance. It definitely makes you look older! Although I am officially a senior now, I prefer to avoid premature aging. There is a big difference between aging and getting old. Vitality and youthfulness still appeal to me. Therefore, hair color makes a big difference and grey hair matters.

I know that some of you may be okay with your grey hair and want to remind me about Proverbs 16:31, which says, that grey hair is a crown of glory for a life-well-lived. While this is true, I have news for you, if you color your grey hair, it is still grey underneath the color. Your crown of glory is still there, God knows you have it because He gave it to you. Personally, I don’t feel the need to advertise it. I’m still enjoying a life of vigor and vitality, looking as youthful as possible. I’ll advertise my crown of glory later down the road, God willing.

I understand the desire to simplify, especially when it comes to coloring your hair on a regular basis. Even as a hairdresser, I have attempted to minimize the necessity of monthly re-growth touch ups. It started out as some creative well placed panels of pale blonde strategically placed in my hair by my talented Big City Style co-workers. Then I got even lazier and decided it might be better to grow out my gray hair, so I added more blonde highlights through out my locks. That was a BIG MISTAKE! My husband and son were appalled, wanting to know who the old lady was that was cooking their dinner. The next day I colored it back. But I kept my sexy platinum blonde look in the front. The effort to keep coloring my hair is worth it for the sake my self image and to keep my husband admiring me.

Haven’t we sacrificed enough of ourselves already in these lockdowns? We’ve sacrificed our churches, restaurants, small businesses, hair salons, spas, boutiques just to name a few. It’s not just jobs that are being lost, we are being diminished! Our faces are covered; our identity is being sacrificed and we have lost our zeal for living. We are becoming casualties of a cause, waiting for change to come.

Naturally the pandemic is the cause of it all! Personally, I refuse to be a casualty of this cause and I hope you won’t be either. Don’t allow yourself to be a prisoner of your own mind by becoming listless, nonchalant and easily manipulated. If you are healthy and not considered high risk for this virus, please go back to your hair salons, and get your hair done. When you look good, you’ll feel good! And then go and support other local businesses. This virus will be around for a while, but life must go on. We learn more and more each day about therapeutics, vaccines and prevention. Let’s keep living and make the best of it!

The Promises of God

Let us remember to put our trust in Almighty God. He has given us His Word and God cannot lie. His promises are guaranteed and He is faithful to them. Here are a few questions to ponder: Where are you putting your faith? Are you putting it in God or in yourself? Is Covid stronger than God?

I am suggesting that if you are not suffering from pre-existing conditions, or a weakened immune system, you don’t have to be overly concerned about resuming your life outside of isolation. You can trust the Lord to keep you safe! Continue obeying government mandates to practice social distancing and mask wearing, so you don’t experience consequences for dissenting. (Romans 13:1-2) Naturally, continue proper hand washing, and if you are sick, by all means, stay home! Both of these concepts have Biblical roots found in the law of Moses.

Please click on the address bar of the following scriptures to help increase your faith and give you hope for your future.

Thanks again for reading my blog. I hope you’ll continue to stay tuned for more. I love you and pray for you all to remain safe and heathy by God’s mighty hand; in Jesus name I ask. Amen!