How to Reverse A Bad Hair Day By Kelli Zaniel

It’s finished! Two hours and ten minutes later, the salon chair twists around. I, with my newly permed locks, jump to the floor. Curl-n-lock shampoo in hand, my mom and I leave behind our day of beauty.

The next day at school, a smarty pants boy in my 7th grade class shouts, “Your hair looks like a rat’s nest!” First of all, I didn’t realize that rats had nests. Secondly, I was two feet taller than him and way too intimidating to get in my face (or so I thought).

I’ll admit that my highly anticipated beautiful, curly locks looked more like a frizzy, unworkable mess. However, my challenged head of hair was none of his business.

One long, lonely bus ride home and too many tears later, I run into the security of my mom’s arms. She wipes my tears, kisses my cheek, and tries running her fingers through my tangled “rat’s nest.” She grabs a comb and makes me beautiful.

“For you are my safe refuge, a fortress where my enemies cannot reach me. Let me live forever in your sanctuary, safe beneath the shelter of your wings!” (Ps. 61:3-4, NLT).

Now as an adult, when a mean world hurts my feelings, I run to Jesus. He identifies with me. He understands what it’s like to be mocked and ridiculed. I clutch his hand and breathe Him in as if He’s the last breath I’ll ever take.

I snuggle in my Father’s arms. He listens. He wipes away my tears. I stay there until my tender heart mends. He makes me beautiful on the inside, where it really counts!

When your hurt, can you think of a better pair of arms to run to?