Embracing Gray Hair

Author:
Marlene Bertrand
Sep 12, 2023 6:01 PM EDT

Going Gray

I was in my early 30s when I first discovered a gray hair on my head. I plucked it out. The hair would grow back in, and it would still be gray. Logic told me that this journey could not last forever, as more gray hairs began to show themselves to me each year. I was in my late 40s when I noticed more gray hairs underneath the crown of my head than I cared to pluck out. So, that began a journey of dying my hair. After a few years of dying my hair, I noticed my hair felt dry and brittle. I decided to stop dying my hair, so I began wearing wigs. The wig-wearing journey lasted for a solid twenty years.

I am in my late 60s now, and my head is predominantly gray hair. It is now useless to fight with my gray hair anymore.

A Crown of Glory

One day, as I opened my bible, it fell open to Proverbs 16:31. Proverbs 16:31 states, "Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life." These wise words from the book of Proverbs resonated with me in a profound way. This verse sheds light on the significance of gray hair in our lives. In our society, gray hair is often seen as a symbol of aging. And, let's face it, no one enjoys the tag of being called old. However, as Proverbs 16:31 points out, gray hair is a crowning glory representing wisdom, experiences, and the journey of a well-lived life.

It is part of life that, as we age, our hair will inevitably lose its pigment, leading to the emergence of gray strands. Proverbs convinced me that, rather than viewing this natural occurrence as a sign of growing older, I should celebrate it as a testament to a life filled with experiences and lessons learned. Referencing Proverbs 16:31, I share my thoughts on the beauty of gray hair and why it deserves to be honored as a crowning glory.

Wisdom and Experience
Gray hair signifies the passage of time and the accumulation of wisdom and experience. Every silver strand is a testament to the challenges overcome, the lessons learned, and the growth that has occurred throughout our lives. With age comes a deeper understanding of the world, an enhanced perspective on life's complexities, and the ability to make wiser decisions. Gray hair, therefore, serves as a visual representation of the wealth of knowledge and wisdom acquired over the years.
Character and Resilience
Each gray hair is a badge of honor, reflecting our character and resilience in life's trials and tribulations. Just as silver is refined through the fire, we grow stronger and more resilient through challenges. Gray hair symbolizes the ability to persevere, adapt, and thrive in life's ever-changing landscape.
Uniqueness and Individuality
Gray hair is unique to each person, with patterns and shades that are distinctly their own. Just as no two lives are exactly alike, no two heads of gray hair are identical. This individuality is a source of pride, as it reflects the uniqueness of each person's journey and the beauty of embracing our true selves.
A Connection to Generations
Gray hair also serves as a link to generations past and future. It connects us to our ancestors and the generations that will follow. When we embrace our gray hair, we honor the legacy of those who came before us and set an example for future generations to embrace their own aging process with grace and pride.

As a child, I remember an aging neighbor who lived next door. Sometimes, I would visit her in the morning. As she drank her coffee, she would ask me to brush her hair. She had long, silky, silver-white hair, and I enjoyed brushing it. I remember thinking that when I got old, I wanted to have hair as lovely as hers. She was beautiful, and I enjoyed listening to her stories about her family and the generations before her. As I remember her, I can still sense the aroma of the freshly brewed coffee she would percolate on the stove.
Confidence and Self-Acceptance
Embracing our gray hair can be a powerful symbol of self-acceptance and confidence. It signifies a rejection of societal pressures to conform to unrealistic beauty standards and a celebration of one's true self. When we confidently wear our gray hair, we send a message that beauty is not defined by age but by the authenticity and confidence with which we carry ourselves.

Embrace Your Gray Hair

Proverbs 16:31 reminded me that gray hair is indeed a crown of glory, a symbol of a righteous life well-lived. It embodies wisdom, character, uniqueness, and the strength to overcome life's challenges. Rather than viewing gray hair as a sign of aging, I now celebrate it as a testament to a life filled with experiences, growth, and resilience. I love my gray hair. It is my hope that you would embrace your gray hair as an act of self-acceptance and a source of inspiration for others to do the same, and in doing so, you honor the journey of a life well-lived.

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.