Randall

Bearded since: 1999. I am a dedicated, permanent beard grower.

Comments:
I grew my beard because it is a part of my spiritual heritage, a minister wears a beard. Plus, it actually feels countercultural today since most men are clean shaven. The men in my family wear beards as a sign that they are married or ministers and because it represents masculinity. They wear full untrimmed beards without a mustache (identical to the Amish).

I believe that my beard defines me as a minister, a husband, a man and is a part of my identity. My wife prefers my "chin curtain/Amish/Brethren" beard over any other style I've worn in the past.