Nicole’s e-Pistle “The Hair We Share”

August 12, 2026

Greetings, Friends!

Some of you may know that I donated my hair after graduating from seminary. When you met me in April of 2024, it was nearly down to my waist, then when I began as a pastor, it fell just below my shoulders, similar to how it is now. What you may not have known is that I have been donating my hair roughly every 5-6 years since 2007. This last time, I switched to using a different non-profit company called “Hair We Share.” I was impressed with the amount of communication they promised to give.

In the past, I had donated 12 or more inches of my hair and never heard whether it had been used or not, whereas “Hair We Share” has kept me informed of the progress over the last two years. Yesterday, I received an email that a wig using my hair, along with the hair from two other people, has been finished! I even received a picture of how the wig looks!…

We talk a lot about giving in response to what God has done for us, and one of the best ways to give is to see a need in the world that matches a gift or talent you have. In high school and college, I realized that I had a natural pattern of growing my hair out for years and would then have an urge to go short all of a sudden. It seemed a waste to throw all that hair away when there were people in the world that couldn’t grow hair due to an illness or genetic condition. That’s when it occurred to me to begin donating my hair.

What are your gifts and talents? When we lived in Decatur, many people with a talent for growing things came together to create community gardens, in which people with food insecurities could come and harvest fresh vegetables and herbs for their families. Organizations, such as Habitat for Humanity, give people who are great at working with their hands an opportunity to build homes and playgrounds for others. Here in Dalton, several of our own church members volunteer alongside CLILA to help others practice speaking English or pass citizenship tests, and I know many of you use your gift and passion for knitting to make baby hats for newborns in the NICU. I wonder if you are aware of the deep impact you are making on our community!

If you are still wondering how you might use your talents, gifts, and passions to serve others, I have great news for you! The opportunities are endless for you to find a way to make a difference in someone else’s life. In his second letter to the Corinthians, Paul says, “Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not regretfully or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” Today, I was paid for my donation of hair with the joy of seeing a finished product – something that will, I hope, give another human soul hope and confidence to face whatever life has thrown at them. I wish that same joy for each of you, and I’m here if you would like to talk about ways to tap into service opportunities! (Hint, hint – we could use a few more Sunday School teachers to join the monthly rotations!!)

Blessings and Peace, Dear Hearts!