Long Hair Freaky People

"And the sign said, 'long haried freaky people need not apply.'" Remember that old song. I think the title of it was "Signs." I think it was a song about how the establishment was kicking around everybody who didn't look and act like them. It was written in a time when the "hippie" movement was in full swing.

Though I don't agree with all that came with the hippie movement, the whole "judging-a-book-by-its-cover" approach to life can be a real drag. Stereo-typing is not just a thing of the past and I guess in some ways it will never go away.

We are all, to some degree, judged in some way--by what we do, where we live, what we wear, and you can probably add to that list. When people introduce me as a "preacher" it automatically skews the attitude of the person to whom I am introduced. Sometimes it is good, but more times than not, it is not good. People begin to act differently--sometimes to the point of being fake. How I hate that!

My dad has this guy who works with him who is in his late 40's at least, has long hair, smokes, has an ear ring, and appears as though he doesn't shave that often. He speaks with a southern draw and wears old clothes. Got the picture?

I don't think so. Though I don't know the man's spiritual status, he is just one of the nicest guys you'll ever want to meet. He is friendly, concerned, and intelligent. My dad says that he is one of the hardest working people he has ever had. He is even teaching him to do some of the more difficult things of cabinet building.

It is my prayer that we can get to the point when the heart of a man is all that matters. I know that when I say that, even I am thinking that it is an impossibility. I immediately think of people that need to change the way they "do life" and that's not all bad either. I just think that we need to give people a break and allow them to find their way. God only knows how many times He has given the patience I need to turn my life to Him.