On Thursday, NBA player #LonnieWalkerIV who plays for the #SanAntonioSpur, took to social media to share a very personal story with his fans.
Walker uploaded a video to social media of him receiving a haircut, which had a symbolic meaning behind it than just a general haircut. Walker went into detail for the reasoning for his haircut in the caption for the post.
“The real truth as to why I started doing this early 5th grade, it was a cloaking device for me,” Walker wrote to over 222k users that follow him on the Instagram platform.
Walker continued by revealing that as a kid, he was sexually abused.
“During the summer of my 5th-grade year I was around more family. Some that names will be left alone I was around more. I was sexually harassed, raped, abused, I even got accustomed to it because being at that age you don’t know what is what,” Walker continued. “I had a mindset that my hair was something that I can control. My hair was what I can make and create and be mine. And it gave [me] confidence.”
Walker got even deeper, expressing that as of lately he hasn’t been in a good place, as he reflects on the traumatic experiences from his past.
“As of recently, I wasn’t at my best. Previous History popping up in my head and it sucked mentally “demons”….. because of this virus, I began to truly look at myself in the mirror and see who I truly was even behind closed doors. Long story short I have found peace and internal happiness through this journey god willingly. I forgave everyone even the people that don’t deserve it why? Because it’s dead weight.,” Walker shared.
Walker shared that him cutting his hair was a symbol of him removing a mask that consisted of insecurities.
“Time doesn’t wait on anyone so why should I waste my time on it,” Walker added. “Me cutting my hair was more than a cut. My hair was a mask of me hiding the insecurity’s that I felt the world wasn’t ready for. But now better then ever.”
The basketball player continued by writing that cutting his hair has had a big impact and effect on him spiritually.
“Out with old. In with the new. I have shed my skin mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Life will always be hard. Gotta play with the cards your dealt with and try and make a winning hand. And if you lose. It’s never a lost. It’s a lesson,” he wrote.
Walker ended his post by sharing that he’ll be taking a break from social media as he’s still working through healing from his past experiences as a kid.
“I’m gonna be off this for awhile still growing through this. Just know I love each and everyone one of y’all. Peace love and happiness,” Walker concluded.
