I have naturally curly hair which I have alternately hated and loved through the years. Recently I’ve had several conversations with other women with natural curls. Some are friends or co-workers and others complete strangers. There is an instant connection followed by talk of products and how they take care of their curls. We have shared laughter about the illusion of controlling our curls when really, they do as they wish most of the time. We find common ground as we share our exploration of different products, wash routines and refreshing techniques. The process of taking care of curly hair is unique to each person with natural curls. The curly connection is visible and lends itself to easy engagement with others, even people who have straight hair but are curious about the curls.
I’ve delighted in these random curly connections and I am contemplating how I can generalize that ease of connection to other encounters. I see in those with curly hair visible common ground that starts the conversation. What would happen if I looked at others with the belief that they are trying, just like me, to do the best they can in the challenging times we live? What if I approached with the thought that we are more alike than our differences suggest? Perhaps, that belief in the common ground with the other, might create just enough space for a connection even amidst our differences. Perhaps each encounter might help me to embody more fully the gospel call to love. Perhaps the encounter also gives grace to each of us as we navigate together our very human world. I’m grateful for my curly connections and I look forward to more random conversations and to exploring this invitation to find other ways to foster connection in our current times.
