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.
Made to order and shipped to your door.
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.
