No Shave November!

Yesterday was November 1st, a day that has become known as the first day of No Shave November. For the next 30 days, men will delay their normal practice of having a clean shaven face in attempts to grow a beard. Like many, I too have participated in the month long event. But this year, as I prepared to put down my razor, I thought that I would take a look at the birth of No Shave November.

When I got online to begin to search out the origins of No Shave November, I found a number of different reasons for No Shave November. While no one article contradicted another, it interesting to see so many variations. So here is what I found.

For many in the college years of life, November is a month of cramming and preparing for the end of the semester. Papers, finals, and the busyness of the end of classes can keep a diligent student pretty busy. Some time ago, guys started put down their razors during the month of November. While there doesn't appear to be any real connection between the shaving strike and the end of the semester, it seemed like a great excuse to avoid shaving for a month.

Along with No Shave November, you might hear of Movember. According to one source, the term, Movember, was coined in 1999 by a group of Aussies who instead of growing out all of their facial hair focused on just growing a mustache. In 2004, this group of 30, created the mustache event to raise awareness for prostate cancer and depression in men. That movement has since grown and become a sizable fundraiser for various cancer research projects.

Today, No Shave November has grown into a month of awareness for men's health issues. Along with the cancer awareness, many use the month to highlight and promote routine check ups, healthier lifestyle choices and education for men. In instance, the Today Show (NBC) runs a month long series that looks into mens health. www.today.com/health/how-check-yourself-no-shave-movember-t104550

Now all of that is great. I think it is good that men are encouraged to care for themselves. But let's not focus on just the physical health of men. Let's also consider the spiritual health of men. If November is a month where men can embrace the manhood, then let's also embrace our spiritual manhood! Let's explore what it looks like to be godly-men who are passionate about their faith, family, and responsibility to lead. Let's talk about what it looks like for men to be godly husbands and fathers. Let's talk about what it looks like when men sharpen iron with iron.

As a man, a husband, a father, a pastor, and a leader, I find that I am often craving manly relationships; godly men to mentor me, good guys to hang out with, close friends to confide in. Guys need guys, whether we realize it or not. The trouble is, we don't allow ourselves the time to forge those types of relationships. And sadly, we're the one who suffer.

So what can we do? Well, if we can make November a month to talk about a guys physical health, why not use November to also talk about our spiritual health? Let's make some time to be guys. Let's get open and honest and realize that we need each other.

Women, encourage your man to seek out other godly men. Pray for them that they might build new relationships. And together, maybe we can help men become spiritually healthy as well.

- the higham family

What say you? Could you or your husband use a little attention in the spiritual health department? Have you benefitted from a godly mentor, a small groups, or just some good guy time? Share your thoughts and experiences and encourage someone today! Comment below and share your story! Thanks!