When I learned I needed chemo­therapy, my biggest fear was losing my hair. I knew this was a vain thought and should have been a minor concern, but I rationalised that it was okay to grieve what the Bible calls a woman’s glory (1 Cor. 11:15).

I knew, however, that the loss I was grieving was not my glory but my identity. My hair, which hung to my knees, was so much a part of who I was that I was afraid of losing myself when I lost it. In the past I’d had nightmares about having my hair cut. What would happen when it was really gone? I feared the worst.

But the worst never happened. I had my hair cut short—a little anxiety but no nightmares. And then it fell out—some sadness, but no despondency.

Several weeks later my dear friend Marge said to me, “Julie, I can’t tell you how often I have grieved the loss of your hair. It’s so much a part of you.”

Suddenly I realised that Marge was fulfilling the command of Galatians 6:2, “Bear one another’s burdens.” She was coming alongside me with prayers and empathy to ease my burden.

Satan wants to defeat us with heavy burdens, but fellow believers by their love and support can minimise the suffering he causes.

Author

Julie Ackerman Link

Topics

Our Daily Bread