June 8: Combed, Styled and Set

 Combed, Styled and Set

Alana Harry
Kings SDA Church

"Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight."

— 1 Peter 3:3-4 (NIV)

I vividly remember when I started seeing posts on social media of women shunning relaxers and embracing their natural, coily hair. After a few years, there were so many videos, blog posts and other resources that made the transition seem attainable for those of us who may have seen styling our natural hair as a difficult task before. After years of having relaxed hair, I decided to do the “big chop” in March of 2018. Even though I was armed with all the information (and products) I would need, it still took time not just to adjust to styling my natural hair, but also embracing what I looked like.

The saying, “it’s just hair!” is often used by many, but it plays a bigger role in our self-perception than many of us are willing to admit. Hair symbolises so many things to us as women. A new style, a new cut, a new color – all of these things can be confidence boosters. The loss of hair, due to illness or other factors, can be a source of distress, as we feel we are losing our crown.

However, in a world obsessed with appearances, God calls us to look beyond what we can see, and dive in deeper. The type of beauty He wants us to have is a more lasting one, that does not change color or length as time goes by.

In 1 Peter 3:3-4, we are encouraged to give more attention to our inner selves, cultivating a gentle and quiet spirit. This spirit is worth more to God than any hairstyle we could create.

Reflection:

Having a gentle and quiet spirit requires us to be deeply rooted in God’s peace — calm, secure, and steady because we know whose we are. True beauty shines from a heart that trusts in God, a spirit that rests in His love, and a life shaped by His grace.

External appearances will always change, but the beauty formed by God within us grows stronger with time. As you look in the mirror while styling your hair, remember – the inner beauty that reflects His heart to the world, is the kind that heaven values most.

Prayer:

Lord,

Teach me to value what You value. In a culture that prizes outward beauty, help me to cultivate a heart that is gentle, peaceful, and anchored in You. Shape my spirit so that it reflects Your kindness, Your strength, and Your quiet confidence.

May my life radiate a beauty that points others to You — a beauty that never fades because it is rooted in Your everlasting love.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.