Barber Shop Conversations

BARBER SHOP CONVERSATIONS

Last evening I carved out time to get a haircut. If you ever want to take the pulse of the Black community go to a Black barbershop.

The conversations took many twists and turns as customers came and left. We of course discussed the pandemic, President Trump, the vaccine, the recent election, the riots in Washington and even the meaning behind the movie the “Matrix”.

Opinions were as varied as the hairstyles that the barbers expertly churned out in the midst of the passionate conversations. If you think Black folks are monolithic in our thought patterns, politics and religious views you are sorely mistaken. Go to a Black barber shop and if you’re sensitive I’d advise you to put your feelings in your pocket.

I heard right wing views, left wing views, Democrat and Republican views, conspiracy theories, disdain for values I treasured as sacred and to me just some plain nonsense. Anyone just walking in would’ve thought we were arguing because of the passion of our views.

I saw this as a perfect time to share God’s views and why I fly under God’s banner (Exodus 17:15). And basically I shared that whatever happens in Washington, whoever is in office, whether or not Covid-19 is a hoax and vaccines are an attempt to kill us, my God has my back (Psalm 23:6).

God turned that open forum into an opportunity to share of His goodness and protection.

And what really stood out to me is that we all shared our different opinions without judgement and hate. As we left we gave air high fives, fist bumped and returned to our families.

I think most of us know that our nation right now is reeling from the consequences of hateful rhetoric from political and religious leaders who know better. Leaders who allowed the idols of power, money and pride blind them to mercy, faithfulness and humility (Micah 6:8).

Just as sure as what goes up it must come down, God is not mocked and we reap what we sow (Galatians 6:9). And God’s will is that those of us who declare Jesus as Lord sow seeds of righteousness and peace whether in the barber or beauty shop, the grocery store, the gym or wherever.

We all can do that!

(James 3:18)

“And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness”.

(Matthew 5:9)

“God blesses those who work for peace,

for they will be called the children of God”.

IT’S TIME FOR PEACE!