As you guys know, a few weeks ago I got my hair extensions out and cut my hair shorter than I’ve had it in my whole life! I had so much anxiety leading up to that hair appointment, as silly as that sounds. I’d had hair extensions in for almost 3 years, and realized how much security I found in having long hair, which is part of the reason why I wanted to get them out. Now that I have short hair, I absolutely love it! Not necessarily or solely because of how it looks, but because it made me realize that who I am has absolutely nothing to do with how long or how short my hair is. Whether I have short hair or long hair, I am still Lauren – a loved daughter of the King, and my identity should be rooted and grounded in that alone.
I realize you’re probably thinking “what in the world does hair have to do with identity?” It probably seems like a stretch. But since my haircut, I’ve been thinking a lot about the concept of a security blanket – what is it in your life that you depend on, or feel like you need, for security? What is it in your life, that if it was taken away…you would feel insecure or unsure of yourself?
I can point to a few things in my life that I lean too heavily on for my security. What I look like, working out, having “stuff”, pleasing people, etc. If those things were taken away from me, I’d probably freak out. Now, I don’t think there’s anything inherently wrong with any one of those things. Working out is a great and healthy thing. Desiring to please people or make them happy is fine! BUT, when there is something in your life that you are leaning on to make you feel complete or enough or secure outside of Jesus…then that thing becomes unhealthy, and even an idol.
Just to be really vulnerable with you guys: I had anxiety leading up to getting my extensions out because I was so afraid – what if I’m ugly without my hair extensions? what if I hate my real / natural hair? what if I don’t like how I look without long hair? And the Lord just made me so aware that I was tying way too much of my security and identity in having long hair, or in what I look like. And choosing to not have hair extensions anymore (for me), meant taking a step to towards living in the truth that who I am as a woman and as a daughter of Christ is not tied to my physical appearance or having to look perfect. I no longer have long hair, and yet I am still fully loved and fully complete in Christ!
Maybe this story doesn’t resonate with you at all and you think I’m crazy, and that’s fine. But this year I’m striving for Jesus to be my only ‘security blanket’. I long for Him to strip away anything in my life that I am leaning on for security outside of Him. So, I just want to encourage y’all to do the same! Ask yourself “what is my security blanket? what am I depending on to make me feel complete?”, and then ask yourself “is this healthy?”. Because I promise – you are so much more than what you look like, or a relationship that you’re in or desiring, or the money that you make. Who you are as a woman and as God’s child is so much more than those things. Remember that, and find freedom in that!
Outfit details: Free People sweater (can be worn two different ways!) | skinny jeans | OTK boots here and here | beanie (similar here) | tassel earrings
Thank y’all for reading! Have a wonderful Thursday!
xo Lauren