martinman13 wrote:
Those are good questions, Olybeard. I grew up in the Appalachians, so I like the mountain man look. I'm an old-school type of Baptist preacher/pastor. I am also a musician (guitar, banjo, mandolin, piano) and like to hunt, shoot for sport, etc. I'm definitely not a banker/lawyer type, though I do believe those are respectable professions.

I see what you are communicating and it makes sense.

I think it definitely does take a lot of confidence to grow a beard when one is not as follicly blessed as some. Friends would say God has blessed me with self-confidence though I prefer to say I'm just confident in His grace and power. I've never worried much about what others thought of me if I'm convinced of something. That seems to be the one thing that helps me carry this beard well.

Thanks for the provocative questions. They've helped me to think about this.

I come from a similar back ground except I am a ranch kid originally from the Colorado mountains and a conservative Lutheran (even an elder in the church).  I play the banjo, harmonica, piano, and pretend that I can sing.  I consider my beard a gift from God so I am going to show it in the best light that I can.  So see what God has given you and take it from there.

MY NAME IS ROY D. MERCER AND  I GOTTA A CAN OF WHOOP ASS WITH YOUR NAME ON IT!  DON'T MAKE ME OPEN IT.