Observations While Growing A Beard

I used to grow a beard annually. There was really no occasion for it, I just used the cooler temps as an excuse not to shave.

Now, of course, there's No Shave November—a method of raising awareness (and money) for men's cancer. I didn't begin the No Shaving until November 5th for reasons irrelevant to this post.

So here I'm on Day 13. And it's already been interesting:

1. People who do not like beards are not afraid to tell you. And it's almost like it's a moral problem for you to be growing a beard (especially if they haven't seen your face covered in hair). Funny thing: I did not choose to grow a beard to offend; it's my hair growing on my face.
2. People who like beards tell you you're not growing it fast enough. As if there were some control over that anyway. (And, yes, I realize there's this thing called testosterone, but one is not truly less of a man because his beard doesn't pop out in three days full and bushy. I prefer not having thick hair on my back and knuckles, bro.)
3. God created MEN to grow beards. (Yes, there are exceptions, but oh my please shut up). So, when someone tells me they don't really like it, I have occasionally replied with this point that God designed men to grow beards and I'm doing what God designed me to do as a man. The replies are stunning because to some, they consider beards ungodly. And I'm not kidding.
4. Jesus may have had a beard. Yes, I went there. Actually, I'm pretty convinced He did: "I gave my back to those who strike, and my cheeks to those who pull out the beard; I hid not my face from disgrace and spitting" (Isaiah 50:6). And please, I'm not making this a religious issue, but maybe I should (Matthew 7:1–2).