Today marks 6 years since I decided to lock my hair. I remember when I talked to my cousin Fifi before I decided to make the bold step. I was doing sufficient research to make sure I had all the bases covered. She told me, "you're going to learn to be patient". My friend Mujo gave me this useful warning," you're going to start getting a lot of attention from the wrong kind of people". One of the ladies from the gym gave me a skeptical look and told me "make sure you keep them neat".
6 year later I can confidently say that they were all right. My hair doesn't grow so fast so waiting for it to grow was like watching grass grow ( only slower :) ). I did get attention from "the wrong" type of people but it only made me more interested in learning about the rastafarian culture and I found out that I had a lot in common with some of those "wrong" people. The other day when I was walking through Ngara it was nice to have the guys call me Ras which means King. As a member of Christ's Holy Nation and Royal Priesthood it felt like an acknowledgement, an affirmation of who I really am.
And as for keeping them neat, I think knowing that people would judge me and instantly choose whether they approve of me just by one glance made me dig deep into my creative juices and come up with fun ways of wearing my hair.
Overall though I think the best lesson has been learning to love myself. My hair was such a burden in the past but now its a celebration. After trying so many ways to wear my hair I have found rest.
Dear Lord, Today I thank you for my hair. Amen
But if a woman has long hair, it is her ornament and glory? For her hair is given to her for a covering.
1 Cor 11:15
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