FIELD NOTE 001: THE HAIRCUT

Today I saw a woman come in asking for a haircut.

It made me think about how some people have to rely on the kindness of others for something as basic as looking ready.

The temptation is to assume she is asking for something extra, instead of something human.

But she was getting ready for a job interview.

Mercy does not require someone to prove they deserve dignity. Sometimes mercy is just making room for the simple human things: a clean cut, a steady hand, a place where someone can walk out feeling like they still belong to themselves.

Concrete practice:
Do not make people justify their need before you honor their dignity.