Locks of Love
The generous heart of my daughter never ceases to amaze me. As you can see by the pictures, Hannah decided several months ago to grow her hair out, so she could donate to Locks of Love. Locks of Love provides wigs for children who are facing hair loss for various reasons. Hair is a big deal for girls, women, and kids. So when Hannah decided to have her hair cut so someone else could enjoy a head of hair, it was quite a sacrifice – at least in my mind.
It makes me think about true sacrifice. I am so often caught up in my own self interest. I don’t put others first. I’m thinking of me – instead of thinking of others. I often fall short when it comes to true sacrifice.
Jesus said, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (John 15:13) Jesus is the ultimate example of true sacrifice. He who was without sin laid down his life on the cross for us that we might be saved.
I’m thankful for Hannah’s example, it reminds me of Christ. It reminds me that I need to be sacrificial if I’m going to be a Christ follower. Thanks, Sweetie!
What does it really mean to make a sacrifice for someone? When was the last time you really sacrificed something for someone?
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About
You might be wondering where the “Stretched” thing comes from. For starters, when I was in high school at Rancocas Valley Regional High School, I was short – 5’6″ to start my junior year. Since then, I’ve grown to almost 6’6″. Many of my friends started calling me Stretch.
On a more recent basis, I often feel “stretched” by all the things going on around me – career, marriage, parenting, church, running, reading, friendships, extended family, relationship with God, etc. (in no particular order). My hope is that this blog will provide an opportunity to express some of my “stretch marks” and to possibly hear your thoughts as well. 
So here is a bit more about me: I’m a Christ-follower, husband, dad, son, uncle, engineer, runner, chicken farmer, gardener, saxophone player, operations manager, adventurer, and the list goes on…. I’m extremely blessed to have the best wife in the whole world. We met at Grove City College. We were engaged on top of the Eiffel Tower. We got married in Greensburg, PA. Now, we live in Schwenksville, PA with our two incredible kids, and our black lab.
Jon Stolpe Stretched 
God bless you, Hannah. A sacrifice is putting aside your wants, desires and perhaps even needs for the good of another person. That is a very hard thing to do in our ME-oriented society. Looks like you have done a great job raising Hannah. Congratulations!
Thanks, Leah! We have been blessed to have good parenting examples around us since before our kids came along. A good reminder to pay it forward to future parents.
Jon,
Great post for a Friday! Looks like you are raising Godly kids who see something bigger than themselves. Great job.
Thanks, Jason! I’m thankful for my kids and for Godly examples that we’ve had along the way.
As they say, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. In this case, the tree has a huge heart and soul. And I also note, if you don’t mind me saying, the apple is quite pretty, with long hair or short hair.
Thanks, Michael!
It’s a beautiful thing and she’s a beautiful girl, inside and out!
I agree, Jen. Thanks!
How touching! Our kids can set such amazing examples of faith and love. Hannah seems to have tender heart. By the way her hair cut is adorable!
Thanks! She’s a special young lady!
[…] 1. (Tied for 1st) Locks of Love […]
[…] post from 2011 was a post about my daughter and her sacrificial gift. The post is titled Locks of Love. Here’s an excerpt to get you […]
[…] the past year or two. On Thursday, I shared the 4th most popular Stretched post of 2011 – Locks of Love – about my daughter’s generous donation. And finally and Friday, I shared another fun […]