11 Comments
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Ken Schultz's avatar

Hmmm ..... whodathunkit?

A beard as a metaphor for life; as a metaphor for a career!

I can honestly say that I never would have made that comparison but - again, honestly - I do think that you brought off those comparisons.

You should take up writing as a full time occupation, Sir; it appears that you have a talent for expressing yourself in a creative way.

Of course, that last was sarcastic - but it was also heart felt. Well done, Kevin!

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E Lee's avatar

Very interesting. Lots of thought provoking comments about how life unfolds and the decisions we make along life’s path.

Thank you.

E

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Maria Monica Beltrami Arbulo's avatar

Beards are as long lived as human life.

There's no reason to qualify them as ugly or beautiful.

My male ancestors wear them in a lot of models, from a moustache "Prince Humberto" to those which clung to the waist.

All of them looked honourable and "a la mode" .

The truth behind this was the difficult to know who was who!!

I love your books. I've read them more than once, as is my custom with the ones that touch me deeper.

KEEP WRITING KEVIN!!

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Jon Howski's avatar

Thank you for the lesson, it was beautifully written and I could hear every word in my head being narrated in your unique voice. Good work number one 🖖

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J. Kevin Tumlinson's avatar

I feel seen.

[swings leg over the back of the chair and he stands and leaves the ready room]

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Kate Niklasson's avatar

I Lovey-McLove-This! I’ve had many an “ugly beard phase” of my own, though thankfully without the actual beard. I’ve also supported and encouraged my husband through many a beard phase, both literal and metaphorical, in our life together. I’m a grateful Catholic wife, happy to make room for beard care products in my shower and in my heart.

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J. Kevin Tumlinson's avatar

Making room in the shower for beard care products is going to be my follow-up metaphor. 🤓

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Leslie's avatar

So glad I took a few minutes to read this! I have 2 sons and can fully attest to every phase of beard management as mentioned here. Such a testament, in this writer's words, of the various phases of our walk with the Lord. I am currently a caretaker for my beloved 91 yr old mother. Brought me to tears as I read of the journey of beard growing and maintenance, as I struggle some days with maintaining my best self! A sweet and humble writing.

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Tit4Tat's avatar

As we strive to become better people, try to remember that sometimes we are the teacher, that reflection in the mirror for other people. Sometimes they can't see just how ugly they are being until that slap back shows them. You are a child of GOD, a spiritual being having an Earthbound experience. GOD works in mysterious ways. Don't beat yourself up for being his instrument to teach a lesson. Even Jesus was known to show his rump occasionally. If he can act out, so can you. Come to think of it, according to the Bible, even GOD has his limits when it comes humanity's ugliness.

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Johnny B. Truant's avatar

I doubt this was the intended lesson out of this post, but I'm pretty gratified at having learned the difference between a van dyke and a goatee. FOR MY ENTIRE LIFE, I have been calling van dykes goatees. Now, thanks to you, bearded folk will stop throwing garbage at me.

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J. Kevin Tumlinson's avatar

We’ve both grown, this day.

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