Bald is Brave

I've heard it said that bald is beautiful ~ since this is my first time ever seeing myself bald, I will have to say that for me ~ bald is brave. When the word brave is used as an adjective, courageous is a synonym and when it is used as a verb, the definition states, "endure or face (unpleasant conditions or behavior) without showing fear." 

Needless to say, my hair began falling out in clumps this week and it was time to brave the inevitable loss of my hair. My children were struggling a bit with the idea of seeing their mama bald, especially my 9 year old, Noah. I thought it might be good if I let them participate in "helping me" shave my head. At first they weren't sure, but after Terry made the first pass with the clippers, Noah was all about it! Rachel took the longest; my hair was almost all gone before she made the decision to participate. It turned out to be a wonderful family event.

I have always loved for my hair to be played with and for the past few years Noah has been faithful to do that for me and most times without even asking him. Now, he is making special trips to see me. He rubs my head, asks me if I need anything, and sweetly gives me a kiss. He says he misses my hair but thinks the stubble's I have left feels neat (and it feels really good to me). I love that he is not struggling anymore with my bald head and he makes me feel special on every trip he makes to my side.

Rachel has found her own way to bond with me. First she wanted to shave part of her hair, then she wanted to cut her long locks off really short, but I asked her to please keep her hair. So, she found a piece of cloth in her sewing box and wrapped it around her head like a scarf. She wanted to wear it everywhere. She wore it to school on Tuesday, but was told that she had to take it off because it is against school policy to wear a hat. She didn't even get through first hour. It broke her heart but not her spirit. She is going to try again everyday with a different material and ask for approval from the office until she finds one she can wear.

We are all being brave through these unpleasant conditions; each of us facing different things that we are learning to overcome and endure. I think about how this adversity (cancer and chemo) is not only changing my life in ways I could have never imagined, but it is also strengthening the faith of my children and teaching them what it really means to be an overcomer. My husband is always a rock for me because he allows God to be his foundation; which is being strengthened with every passing day.

Whatever adversity you may be facing today I would like to encourage you to be brave. Find your courage in Jesus Christ ~ He will change your life for the better no matter how difficult the situation.

"...We are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; from henceforth expecting till His enemies be made his footstool. For by one offering He hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that He had said before, 'This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days,' saith the Lord, 'I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; and their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.' Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin. Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by an new and living way, which He hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, His flesh; and having a High Priest over the house of God; let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; for He is faithful that promised..." Hebrews 10:10-23.