Windy Days

I’m a type “A” person. Lists are a must, organizing is essential, and knowing what to expect makes me comfortable. Basically, it’s a control thing. And that’s what I’ve been struggling with this week: NOT being in control.

God knew exactly what he was doing when he altered my hair back in middle school. He knew to give me something I wouldn’t be able to control. And as I’ve alluded to throughout my blog posts, I CANNOT control my curly hair – no matter how hard I try.

I can’t control how it dries. I can’t control it in the sun or the rain. And I especially can’t control it in the wind. When it’s windy, I have to come to terms with it. It’s time to release it into the wild.

And by “into the wild” I mean blowing across my face (practically becoming my own facial hair), getting caught on my eye lashes, and somehow getting in my mouth (how is that even possible!?). Ultimately, it looks like I somehow lived through a tornado…and some days, the strength of the wind around campus seems quite similar.

It’s during these times where I truly just “let go” and let it do its thing. As much as I wish my curls wouldn’t be so easily influenced, I’m learning there’s no point in trying to stop it because it’ll happen either way. I can either count it all joy (James 1:2-4) knowing that in some sense it’s producing maturity and perseverance, or I can complain about it.

My curly hair is something God created me with and every good and perfect gift comes from above (James 1:17). And through this perfect gift, God is teaching me that I don’t have to be in control. I can let my lion’s mane run wild and free.

(Honestly, how cool is that? That God can teach you something through a simple aspect of your everyday life. He doesn’t have to and yet He so lovingly does. What an intimately personal God we serve!)

God is teaching me that I can give up control in more than one area of my life. I can give up control in knowing what my day will look like tomorrow, how I’ll get my school assignments done, my friendships and relationships, what my summer will look like, what my future holds, and SO MUCH MORE!

Once you start giving up control in one area, it’s amazing what you’re willing to do in other areas.

Of course we’re stressed when we try and control things that happen in our lives. God didn’t command or make us to be able to plan every detail and know everything that’s going to happen. THAT’S WHAT HE DOES. I need to stop trying to do things He’s clearly better at.

For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
    neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.
For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
    so are my ways higher than your ways
    and my thoughts than your thoughts.

{Isaiah 55:8-9}

My curly hair reminds me that there’s far greater freedom in surrendering control. Surrendering control to Someone who is infinitely more wise and mindful of me.

Although it might feel like you’re being inactive, you’re living one of my favorite verses: Psalm 46:10.

“Be still, and know that I am God.”

Curly Cue #6: Be flexible and let God be in control of your life. There’s freedom in the wind.

Love,

Brenna, the girl with curly hair ❤