From Ruth Heilman, Minister of Music …
I should have seen one of my favorite people on March 29, but lock down happened. Kim and I get together about every two months, always at her place. We laugh and talk as we catch up with each other’s lives. We met by chance almost 15 years ago, and the pattern has remained the same through many life events. This wonderful woman is my hairdresser. I really miss her, and not just because I need a trim – badly!
One thing I hope we have learned during the time of quarantine is that beauty is more than skin deep. It’s about who we are on the inside. Hair salons remain closed, but beauty is everywhere. We see people doing beautiful things all around us. Our congregation, like many others, gathers weekly for online worship. Prayer ministry, by God’s grace, is growing! Members donate all kinds of items for those in need, sew masks and blankets, and support the work of the congregation with prayer and financial giving. Bible studies, new Bible studies, teen ministry, Pre-School classes, staff and board meetings, music-making, and Confirmation classes all happen regularly.
In Matthew 11:28, Jesus says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” He doesn’t mention anything about getting your hair done first. When we gather on video forums with friends and family, we don’t notice shaggy hair, dark roots, or messy backgrounds. We just feel happy and blessed to be together. God loves us and wants us to be with Him, and because of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, God doesn’t see the shaggy, dark, or messy parts of our lives. Psalm 86:15 says, “But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.” I pray that we will see and love each other the way God sees and loves us, and not just during a pandemic.
I’m thankful for my friendship with Kim. Not only is she a great hairdresser, but she is beautiful inside. I look forward to getting my hair done, supporting her livelihood, and laughing with her soon. “Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” (Proverbs 31:30)