dedicated to Bekah Troyer
Soft music plays steadily as the seven us come around you, scissors in hand. Your glasses shake in your trembling hand and your eyes are shut tightly against the overwhelming doubt and fear. Scissors in hand we pour words of truth over you.
Snip! first braid, F earless
Snip! second braid, R adiant
Snip! third braid, E nduring
Snip! fourth braid, E ndlessly loved
Snip! Fifth braid, D aughter
Snip! Sixth braid, O vercomer
Snip! Seventh braid M ighty
Seven long braids hang over the sink. No… 20 long years of pain, heartache and regrets hang over that sink. The weight of them has finally lifted off your shoulders. Your past is not a part of you any longer. It has been cut off and can no longer follow you around. You are free from judgment, condemnation, shame, and all the other lies that have kept you a slave for so long. I hear the chains falling!
I sit down in front of you and enfold your hand in mine. Tears spring in the corners of your eyes as our teammates begin to buzz your head. Hair floats gently down to the ground like feathers creating a halo around you. I look up at your face and am taken aback. Behind your still and peaceful expression I see a warrior dressed in strength and dignity, clothed in righteousness, in the midst of a great battle. A battle for your true identity. A battle for freedom.
Finally the last bit of hair falls away and we lift up a mirror to your face. You run you hands over your newly buzzed head and a huge smile spreads across your face. In that moment you changed. Your quite timidity turned into bold confidence, shame as heavy as chains gave way to pure joy, and identity in you hair became identity in your Savior.
“Bekah how do you feel?”
You pause, fumbling for words, and sigh “Free”
I dedicate this blog to my teammate and friend Bekah. You are the bravest person I know and your obedience to the Lord amazes me and encourages me every day. To hear your testimony and to see and experience your journey on the world race has been so inspiring and humbling. You are truly a new person as you walk in freedom and the joy that lights your face does not fade. You’ve found your true identity! I can’t wait to dance for joy across the field with you and explore this new freedom we both are walking into! This is just the beginning of the amazing adventures, seasons of growth, and lessons the Lord has for you! I love you so much dear friend.
