The Body Armor of God
Hats and Hair Styles
Whew! I believe this was the most frazzled Friday I've had since I began blogging! Ever have just one of those weeks when there was more to do than were days of the week?? Ugh! However, there were blessings along the way for which I am most thankful. I had the pleasure of ministering to a precious group of moms in Kernersville, NC. All I can say is "supernatural"; that's it.
Onto our continuing topic of the body armor of God. We have been breaking down the passage in Ephesians 6:10-20. Verse 17 says, " Put on salvation as your helmet,". In John Wesley's commentary he says, "The head is that part which is most carefully to be defended. One stroke here may prove fatal. The armour for this is the hope of salvation." The word hope in Greek translates confidence in, trust, faith. In 1 Thessalonians 5:8, Paul calls the helmet our hope (certainty) of God's deliverance.
In Chip Ingram's series on the Invisible War he explains that "The helmet of salvation is the certainty of deliverance from sin and the protection of our minds in the battle." He goes on to say that this is not something that we can do, but something we allow God to do in our minds. The daily battle is for our minds. (and there are many days that I know that I'm losing mine!!) The enemy (Satan) wants us to believe his lies. So what does a Jesus girl do? She focuses on prayer, worship, God's Word and scripture memory and fellowship with other believers. Chip Ingram goes on to say that "Christians who are not filling their minds with Scripture are like warriors going out to battle without a helmet."
I encourage you to make it a point to study God's Word... it is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. I'm telling you, the Chronological Bible is awesome! I'm starting my third year of reading it and there is something new in each day I read, different from that date when I read it last year and the year before.
Since we are talking about helmets and heads I thought it would be fun to take a look at the current hat-fashion! And then cover a few things regarding hair styles.
If you are like me, and have the "big hair" thing going on, then you may not wear many hats! That's ok! Even I will throw on a conductor cap every once and a while.
For many, many years hats have been a fashion statement. From bonnets to pill boxes to big hats we see at the Kentucky Derby.
My encouragement would be to make sure your hat is proportional to your body frame. No great big hats for a smaller frame body and no little hats (i.e., pill boxes) for a larger frame.
So what about the hair hiding under that hat? Your hair is generally the first thing people notice about you! When was the last time someone gave you a compliment on your hair (outside of your family)? If it's been longer than 2-3 weeks (seriously) then you need to make an appointment for a cut, color or general shape up. The reason I say "other than your family" is that sometimes our well meaning family "likes" our hair a certain way and we leave it that way to please them. When in fact, it really is not the best for you! You need to choose your cut and color because its looks good on you or you just love it! NOT because a family member loves it. That is SO not fair to you! Please understand that I am not suggesting that you be disrespectful to your husband. If you would like to look your very best from head to toe... you need to start with the head! *smile*
There are four face shapes: oval, round, square and heart shape. Disclaimer for the pictures below: These are example haircuts not color. I don't necessarily think that the color is appropriate for each model; nor do I think that they may actually have the specific face shape for that cut.
If you have an oval face shape you can generally wear any style. Just make sure it is age-appropriate.
Those with round faces look nice with a straight style with some height added to the crown which creates balance. Stay away from really short haircuts. Off center parts with lots of layers are best. Try an angled cut styled away from your face with no fullness (which will make your face look rounder).
For those with square faces (hey - and it's hip to be square! I loved Huey Lewis. Sorry couldn't resist) stay away from cuts that end right at your chin, or long, straight hair. Short to medium length cuts are great that draw attention to your cheekbones creating softness around your jawline and with some fullness and lift at the crown creating balance.
Then those with heart shaped faces. Bobs are fantastic! Make sure it ends right at your chin which creates balance. No fullness or left at the crown for you.
So what now? While you are out and about look for someone who has a similar shaped face as you. When you see someone with a cut/style/color you like be bold and stop her and ask her where she gets her hair done! *Maybe* ask if you could take a quick picture for either your or her hairstylist. Otherwise you can always find some styles in magazines, particularly ones that are specific to your face shape.
Next week: The Sword of the Spirit!!
Blessings!
Dawn
