Bob the Barber
Scripture Reading — 2 Corinthians 4:13-18
The grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.
Bob was from Chicago, and he ended up homeless in Seattle. With few resources, he did what he could for work. Bob met a barber who offered him a free haircut and a shave. Bob accepted, and when the barber was finished, Bob looked at himself in the mirror and couldn’t believe what he saw. It was the first time in months that he had looked at his face with more than just a passing glance. He looked handsome and dignified. He didn’t feel like a “bum.” His feeling of self-worth was overwhelming.
Bob began to take more steps to take care of himself. He eventually became a licensed barber. He moved back to Chicago and reconnected with family members. He now sets up a barber chair twice a month at Roseland Christian Ministries and offers free haircuts and shaves to men in the community, many of whom are homeless. Most of the men walk a foot taller as they leave, heads held high.
Something about being given the gift to be your best self is inspiring. Grace is the ignition for the motor of gratitude. Bob lives a life of gratitude, serving others in the same way he was served.
When you look back over your life, think about times when you experienced God’s grace through the kindness of another person. In what ways can you share God’s grace with others?
Lord, help us to remember the grace we have received, and guide us to show grace to the people around us, to your glory. For Jesus’ sake, Amen.
About the author — Joe Huizenga
Joe Huizenga serves as pastor and executive director of Roseland Christian Ministries in Chicago, Illinois. He and his wife, Cate, have four children.
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