So, I have tried writing, numerous times. Given up, thrown it out, deleted the document, tried again. I sound like an absolute snob. :)
Basically this sums it up. For years and years I've wanted to really serve, impact, minister to and have an impact on the women around me. I always thought about this in the context of "women's ministry." Never have I thought about it in terms of - impact your coworkers... Like, that's so easy. Invite them to church, create a safe place, and help create a safe place for them to ask the hard questions. Ask the hard questions, don't hide or hold back, and "Let your little light shine," (as my doctor reminds me every time I visit him)
I'm in a salon, so I sure am around an awful lot of woman, a lot of the time. And there's definitely your cosmetologist prototype.
Confession - I don't even have a tattoo.. and I've never gotten drunk... umm... or have even finished a glass of any size of any alcoholic beverage (not that I think it's evil or a sin or anything, it's cool. I just don't like it)... Oh, umm, and I've never dated... like ever. Not one single date (happy chicken dance :-) Oh, I like guys (ehem, young men), and I'm totally not gay (which is always a legit question in the cosmetology field)... So, I do color my hair, but don't really go out Friday nights... or have facial piercings (unless you count my ears)... sooo.. I'm not really cosmetology material, and get asked a lot of questions out of confusion, "why don't you date?" "Are you... ya know... queer?" "Why haven't you dated?" "Aha. You don't like drinking. Snob." Hmmhmmm... and people call me judgemental (I truly laugh at the second question every time its asked, as well as the last statement.)
So, as you can see, I'm not really your a-typical beautician. I'm home school girl, pretty firmly grounded in my faith, absolutely love my family (although I thoroughly enjoy time away from them as well); I'm a closet artist and find nature the most beautiful, relaxing thing; And I'm a rocker... like, punk rock, pop, hard rock... ehem... some screamer, sort of, if it's tasteful. I knit, write, read, paint, run my dog... I anticipate the day of Christ's return... But, I really, really want to see a lot more people fished first (Matthew 4:19).I always thought I had to go to a ministry, like, major inner city, or overseas, or something. And I'm learning, slowly, solely by the grace of God, that your ministry is wherever God puts you, like, right now. Whether that be in your family, or in your community, or in your work.
My job is extremely physical. Sounds weird, but I'm touching people all day long. For eight hours, with a half hour lunch break somewhere thrown in... But other than that, I am touching other peoples' heads. Sounds kinda weird, hunh? It takes a lot of energy. :/ I always thought that I ministered to clients. Not that I could actually have an impact on my coworkers.. and maybe I won't, I dunno.
But, focus has changed. These are young woman I'll be spending 34-42 hours a week with. We'll get to know each other in a work context, but fairly well, none the less (already getting to know each other, perhaps a little too well). I don't have to go anywhere to find my ministry... Honestly, this is a perfect opportunity to learn how to reach out in a loving, passionate, gracious manner. To continue to hold firm to my beliefs, and stand up for them, not backing down, not giving into intimidation (and have seen plenty of that), to cast the net, go fishing, to burn brighter, to own:
dude, it's not about me. It's purely about God.
It's not about who I am, who I am not, who I can be,
who they are trying to make me, who I've become, who I will be...
It's about Putting on Christ. (Romans 13:14)
God before me,
God beside me,
God Behind me.
God go with me...
God, be all I am, all I am about.
God, teach me to how to fish.
Amen.
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