The Love Behind a Single Strand of Hair

            But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. (Lk 12:7a)

In the Bible, hair is mentioned over a hundred times. Who can forget the story of Samson’s mighty mane (Judg 13-15)? The tresses of the beloved captivated a king (Song 7:5). Mary wiped Jesus’ feet with her hair (Jn 12:3). Hair gives glory to those who possesses it (Prov 16:31, 20:29; 1 Cor 11:15).

Each person is born with approximately one hundred thousand hair follicles. Each follicle can produce up to twenty strands of hair in its lifetime. Most people shed between fifty and one hundred strands daily. Most of us barely register such hair loss.

Yet, most amazingly, God does. He has counted our hair one by one. 1, 2, 3 . . . 99,999, 100,000. A complete set. Like a collector contently reviewing the number of items that make up His valuable collection, God numbers the hairs upon our head.

Not only does He count them, He also protects them. “But not a hair of your head shall be lost”(Lk 21:18). When Daniel’s three friends were thrown into a burning furnace for refusing to worship the king, they became prime examples of God’s care:

            So Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego came out of the fire . . . the fire had not harmed their bodies, nor was a hair of their heads singed. (Dan 3:26, 27)

One strand of hair reveals God’s immense, immeasurable love for us. If the almighty Master and Creator of the universe cares about one of the most easily overlooked components of our body, just imagine how much He must care for our whole being!

            Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? And not one of them is forgotten before God. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. (Lk 12:6, 7)

When we are tired, lonely, lost, frustrated, or despondent, let us consider our hair. Let us remember that God’s love extends down to a single strand, and is more than enough to help us move forward and upward.

 

            Questions for Reflection:

1.      Think back to a time when your faith was at its lowest. Was there a feeling of a lack of God’s love?

2.      Look around you. Find at least one thing that demonstrates God’s love for you today.

3.      What are some projects or activities you have taken up (or would like to take up) to repay God’s love?