The Sunday that just passed was intended to be just like any other typical day spent at church; it was supposed to be peaceful, reflective, and so filled with a sense of reverence. I had always found that the regularity of attending Sunday church afforded me a sense of serenity, as it provided me with an opportunity to contemplate and refresh myself for the upcoming week.
The peaceful murmur of voices that occurred prior to the service, the calming scent of incense that permeated the air, and the mellow sound of the organ as the crowd settled into their seats were all elements that had become beloved components of my spiritual experience.
However, something occurred that utterly threw me off balance that morning. I was completely unprepared. My eyes were pulled to a woman who was seated close to the front pew as I entered the church and started making my way toward the seat that I always occupy. I didn’t pay much attention to her at first, but then it dawned on me that she had hair that was a vivid pink color.
However, something occurred that utterly threw me off balance that morning. I was completely unprepared. My eyes were pulled to a woman who was seated close to the front pew as I entered the church and started making my way toward the seat that I always occupy. I didn’t pay much attention to her at first, but then it dawned on me that she had hair that was a vivid pink color.
In all honesty, I was taken aback by it. Taking a moment to rest, I was struck by the remarkable contrast between the quiet and traditional mood of the cathedral and the vibrant hue of her hair. When I was in that environment, I had never seen anything anything like that before. Throughout the years, there had been a succession of individuals, each with their own distinct style; yet, there was something that was distinct from the others. There was a sense that her look did not quite mesh with the spiritual space that we were surrounded by.
Now I am aware that we live in a world that places a high value on and encourages individuals to express themselves. Individuals are able to convey their personalities and feelings by the attire they wear, the hairstyles they choose, and other means. In addition, I am someone who enthusiastically embraces this concept in virtually any other environment, whether it be a coffee shop, a concert, or even the grocery store. In contrast, there was something about it that seemed out of place in the church.
