I went to see my regular barber a few weeks back for my quarterly hair cut. The barber I use has a shop where you seem to step back in time three decades when you enter. My barber has a two-chair shop, although he is the only barber because there is just not enough business for two chairs. I have been patronizing this barber for around 14 years. I like him. A visit to him reminds me of years gone by when my dad would take me to his barber. I enjoy the conversation we have which does not cease during the whole cutting process. Usually there are a couple of men in the shop sitting in the chairs waiting their turn and adding to the conversation. We discuss politics, the weather, the economy, price of gas, etc.
This day was to be different. It was only the barber and me in the shop. The usual conversation between the two of us would normally take place as we look at each other through a mirror. This day he stepped away from the chair to speak to me face-to-face. As he spoke to me, I noticed a tear in his eye.
He said, “I know you are a Christian man so I’m going to ask you to do something for me, I want you to pray for my granddaughter.” His very young granddaughter was in a serious situation where he knew God’s help was needed. I was glad he considered me as one who could pray in his granddaughter’s behalf. He said he would appreciate me remembering her the next time I prayed. Since it was only him and me in the shop, I stood, placed my hand on his shoulder, and prayed for his granddaughter.
Read the book of Psalms and be impressed with the knowledge that God hears prayers. He hears the prayers of His children. The apostles urged prayer upon the followers of the Lord. Hannah prayed to the Lord for a son. He answered her prayer by blessing her with a son, whose name was Samuel, meaning “heard by God.” These words are an explanation, not merely a translation of the name!
I am hoping this barber shop talk will lead to great things in the future.
For the elders, Tony Williams