At the beginning of the race, I decided to dedicate myself to growing my hair out. To not cut it through the race. It got pretty long. Here at the end of the race, prayer has led me to cut it. A commemoration of the season here with the race. A commemoration with my brothers and sisters.
At first, I was thinking that if I would cut my hair, I wanted it to be Lord appointed. Secondly, I wanted it to be someone who could give me a fresh cut! I wanted to look clean! Being buzzed was a thought that was brought into my mind and I wrestled with it at first. I never have buzzed my head. I never considered it because I held value in the appearance of my hair. In prayer, I was brought back to God’s calling of complete surrender in my life. That He wants all of my heart. That includes appearances. So here I am. Buzzed. Buzzed by my family here on the race. By those that made this journey so beautiful. I wouldn’t have wanted it to be with anyone else.
Samson. Are you familiar with that Bible story? Growing up I knew the main parts. Samson got with this lady Delilah who wasn’t the best influence on him. She tricked him into telling her where his source of strength came from (which was his hair), and she cut it. He lost his strength and was captured. He was put in a temple and made a spectacle of. In his weakness, he prayed for a last bit of strength to tear down the place on top of everyone. He took the lives of many and himself.
As a kid, it was natural to see the great strength in Samson’s hair. That is where it came from… right? The hair got more emphasis than God. When you read about Samson, he was supposed to never cut his hair as a dedication to the Lord. A covenant not to be broken. When his hair got cut, it wasn’t because his hair was cut, it was because he broke his covenant with God. The hair brought no strength, God did. It said that when he woke up after the haircut, He didn’t realize God had left him. God is the source of our power and strength.
As the race comes to a close, I didn’t know how cool the journey of my hair would represent my experience. Their is a difference between me and Samson from the Bible. Samson lacked self-control. He let his selfish desires and emotions get the best of him.
Throughout this experience it has been a declaration that God is the one that guides my heart. He holds the direction. He is at the center. I know the Lord has me in the palm of His hand. From long hair to no hair. I am so thankful for this season He has blessed me with, and beyond grateful to continue to devote myself to the one true King.
Thank you to all of you for your prayers and support!
Nice look Samson. I can still remember when I went into basic training, I saw lots of young guys cry when the Army cut off all of their hair. Their duck tails were gone. I’ll explain this terminology to you some time.
Can’t wait to see you and hear more about your adventures.
Love Grandpa
you did the thing !! proud of you !
Hey Samson – I was just getting used to the long hair look. A buzz looks good on you. Looking forward to your return and excited for your next adventure. Until then – safe travels – God speed – and lots of love.
Broooo how amazing this is
Well, of all the reasons we go bald… that might be the best one I’ve ever heard. A changed man, a changed heart, a changed hairdo. That’s quite a trip my friend! I look forward to catching up sometime when you return. We’ll keep the prayers going for you!
your words are authentic and good ! This is good stuff!
You are beautiful inside and out regardless of your hair length. We can’t wait to see you soon!
I quite agree with Aunt Michelle–You are a beautiful son of God no matter what your hair length. I adore how you related to your Biblical namesake and how you came to realize strength does not come from one’s hair or any other physical attribute. You know the source your strength, and He will never leave you! The cutting off of your hair does not cut off your relationship to God. I cannot wait to see you and give your bald head a sweet kiss (or maybe a nougie.) And a bit of advice–watch out for the Delilah’s of the world.