Back to the Tea and Now to Tu

I know my last two posts were kind of heavy material--my blog is not about theology per se, nor do I want to pound someone over the head with my opinions (hmm...will that work with my husband?). But when I get pumped up about an idea or need to share something I believe in, it bubbles to the surface and must be released! That is probably not the best image. But I won’t hit the delete button, because it is kind of funny and since I just had the flu for a week, humor is a must.

So, brew a cup of tea and let's talk about my hair stylist. Yes, she is my "stylist." That word makes me feel cool and worthy of her shears. Her name is Tu, and she is originally from Vietnam. She is twenty years younger than I am and I love her 'tude--that's "attitude" in Earl Grey Girl parlance. She loves what she does, and like many creative people, she can't explain why she can do what she does.  She "just can."


She was cutting her own hair at age 9, and had a curling iron in her fist when she was 10. She cut hair for fun in high school, but did not consider it job material until she grew bored with computers in interior design school. An artist needs to use her hands.


When she was in hair school (is that what they call it?), she would watch her instructors carefully, and could quickly understand how to cut the right angles (math-challenged, I would have flunked immediately), and she could also intuit what style would work with a particular client. She told me that when she looks at someone's head, she can "see" how the hair cut should turn out. She has an artist's eye, and that's how she approaches hair styling.


Is there something you just know how to do, but can't really explain how you know to do it? Don't dismiss your capability--it is God-given and probably world-necessary. No woman reading this is going to doubt the necessity and awesomeness of a gifted hair stylist. A good haircut can lift a pound of stress from a harried woman. There are ministries that give away free haircuts and spa days to show the care and love of God, like Good Cause in Maryland. 


When you discover what you are good at--as long as it is moral and legal (Bernie Madoff was really good at raising money--for himself)--shout it! And then, share it. Share your gift. 


"Moses told the Israelites, "See, God has selected Bezalel son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. He's filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability, and know-how for making all sorts of things, to design and work in gold, silver, and bronze; to carve stones and set them; to carve wood, working in every kind of skilled craft. And he's also made him a teacher, he and Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan. He's gifted them with the know-how needed for carving, designing, weaving, and embroidering in blue, purple, and scarlet fabrics, and in fine linen. They can make anything and design anything." Exodus 35:30-35.