Buzzed

Yesterday I sat in a chair and let a friend of mine take a #2 guard to my hair. Am I joining a cult? Wanting to be different? Trying to convince women (including me) that we are more than our hair products? None of the above....well maybe #3. I buzzed my head to raise money for Susan G Komen. I didn't realize what an impact it would have on me. The freeing sensation that comes from being a bald woman. I never worry about my hair anymore. Because I've let it grow (knowing I was going to do this) I've saved some major bucks. I spend about $100 every two months on my weave and cut. I've skipped 2 appointments and doubt I will have a need for another one for at least 6 months. So, let's see....I'm saving about $800 - give or take! Should I be at a moral dilemma here? What could $800 give to a family in a third world country? I'll have to give this some more thought. Another interesting side of walking around buzzed is the reaction from others. People look at me with the "Oh, poor thing. She's got 'the cancer'. " Or, 'hmmm; I wonder if she's a lesbian." Or, as my dear friend (who happens to be a lesbian) says..maybe you're a lesbian with Cancer! Which brings me to another moral dilemma. How many times have I looked at someone not as a human child of God but a 'condition' or a 'label'? The labels aren't always bad. But they are labels just the same. I think that is what happens when we do not take responsibility for exploring and owning our unconscious material: I believe we live poorer lives when we choose to absent ourselves from the ministry of hospitality to and justice for the stranger. And we defy the longing of our God
when we turn away those who are different than us. The Golden Rule says we should treat others as we would have them treat us. And, so, you and I have to answer the question of how we would want to be treated if we walked as strangers, immigrants, outsiders. And, assuming we answer the question honestly, we know in our hearts what must be done.
Peace