I Stand Convicted

So this morning as I was reading one of my new found websites on natural hair (curlynikki), the topic for discussion was the controversy surrounding The United States new Olympic Champion  Gabrielle Douglas (Gabby). The controversy of all things is her HAIR. Yes, her hair. Gabby is a very beautiful African American girl who has won over the hearts of so many people, of all ethnic backgrounds. She is charming, sweet, humble, mild mannered, soft spoken, and she has won two Olympic gold medals. So whats wrong with her? Her hair. Its obviously relaxed, but the problem is she is rocking an unrelaxed front and a straight weave pony tail in the back. So whats the problem, according to her African American fans (mainly women), she is not representing "us" well, because her hair is unkempt. It aint "done" as some would say.

So where does my conviction come in. As I watched her compete on that first night, I sat there with my husband watching in amazement at how she was able to run, flip, and attacked that vault with such strength and grace. And then I caught a glimpse of her hair, and I said and I quote "Why in the world did her momma let her come on tv looking like that"?. Her gelled up front, and weaved out back. I lost focus of her achievements and began criticizing even laughing at her hair. Yet there I sat, with my "kinky" kitchen (back of my hairline), playing in my tight curled, newly natural locks looking "just" like her. Why was I so confident about my new naps, yet so critical of hers? It didn't dawn on me until this morning as I was reading that article and this flood of shame ran through my body that I was being judgmental and I asked God to forgive me. Here I was being judgmental of this beautiful black child, all the while not wanting people to judge me for letting go of the creamy crack (yet they are). How dare I?

Matthew 7:1 says "Do not judge, or you too will be judged. I know the Bible, I'm a student of the Bible and a Teacher of the Bible. I profess to believe in and live by what it teaches, yet here I was failing in my flesh, doing the very thing it says not to do. I stand Convicted! 

So to my beautiful black young sister "GABBY" - I apologize. I think you are an amazing young woman, you are talented, and you are gifted. You are a model to so many young women, and today you have even been a model for me. Thank you for showing me (without saying a word) the error of my ways, and I only hope that one day I grow up to be just like you.