GOD BLESS OUR HAIRDRESSERS

Arthur Hudson - Galston Adventist Church

Reports of an increase in the rate of domestic violence have surfaced since lockdown became part of life. Already a bad scene—88,000 family violence related incidents have been reported in Victoria in the last 12mths—an increase of nearly 7%.

Enter a seemingly unlikely source of help: “Hairdressers with Hearts.” We all appreciate from time to time the cheeriness or listening ear of our hairdresser as we share. But in this case not just an affirming word in time of need but real action. Starting with one hairdresser who responded to a client’s need for immediate intervention by connecting her with helpful services; to storing personal treasures for others who were planning to leave violent relationships; now partnering with experts to train other hairdressers, beauticians, real-estate agents—anyone who may be in the position to discreetly help.

Isn’t it wonderful that people still resonate with the heart of

God for those in need? In this way God put us as His hands and feet to see and to respond and to be with a person in their hour of need. Micah 6:8 gives us an indication that true godliness is to act to bring about justice for those in difficult situations. In this way God puts us as His hands and feet to see and to respond and be with a person in their hour of need. Matthew 28:20 gives us as Christians encouragement that “(He is) with you always” and therefore the strength to reach out to others. Isaiah 41:10 reminds us to “not fear or be dismayed because He will strengthen you and help you.”

Surely the encouragement that we and others need to face the disappointments from enforced restrictions to wedding and funeral attendance and worse— the uncertainty of life due to the threat of violence.

God bless our hairdressers and as Romans 15:13 says, “May the God of hope fill us with all joy and peace as we trust in Him.”