I recently read an article that explained the 11 hair mistakes that people over 40 make. As I am heading towards that age I thought I would read up on where I could possibly be going wrong.
The article included photos and thorough descriptions of certain hairstyles they felt were no longer appropriate for people in their 40s. Such hairstyles as short and spiky and high ponytails were all ruled out.
As my hairstyle really isn’t pushing any boundaries in any age group I felt I dodged all that the article deemed inappropriate.
A couple of days later, whilst driving along in the car, I saw a lady walking along the footpath. I would estimate that she was mid-40s and sporting a very high messy bun. To be honest I initially noticed her hair first. It was a beautiful auburn colour and looked fabulous stacked high on top of her head.
It was only when I took a closer look that I noticed the woman’s age. I automatically realised how wrong the article had been. Age did not determine this lady’s hair style and neither should it.
So often we are put in boxes or stereotyped by our age, our gender, our race, our social position, or even how we look. I don’t believe this is how God created us.
He did not need groups of people in his mind to be able to create the nations. We actually see his creativity and diversity every time we look at someone different.
Let us not be confined by the stereotypes of this world but strive to live every day according to how God has created us.
Lord, you knit each of us together in our mother’s womb. In scripture it declares we are beautifully and wonderfully made. May we live to the potential You have for us, not by the standards of others. Amen.
Who has God created you to be?
This article was written by Linda Bailey
Linda started theological studies in 1999 in Australia. After working for ten years in various church ministries, she now works as the breakfast producer at 89.9 LightFM - the Christian radio station in Melbourne, Australia. She writes blogs every day about passages she is currently reading in the Bible. Follow her on Google Plus +Linda Bailey or Facebook by clicking the like button on the right of this page.