Your Closely Cropped Hair Just Screams "Jesus"

1:12 p.m. A conversation I just had in the San Jose airport while checking in at the American Airlines terminal. While checking in, the clerk asked if I was a member of the US military, only I didn't hear her properly, so when I heard the word "service" I thought she recognized me from church, which does happen from time to time.

AA Clerk
How many bags will you be checking.

Me:
Just this one, thanks.

AA Clerk
Can I ask you a question. You aren't by chance *something unintelligible*

Me:
I'm sorry. I missed that last part.

AA Clerk:
The service?

Me:
The service?
(thinking she might have recognized me from church)

AA Clerk:
Yes

Me:
Oh, yes, I...I'm from FCC.

AA Clerk
Is that where you're going?

Me:
No, it's where I came from. I'm going to Chicago.

AA Clerk
Oh, well, then we'll just waive the baggage fee.

Me:
Really?

AA Clerk:
That's our policy.

Me:
Wow. Really?

AA Clerk
Yes. (pause) You know, I saw you and I thought you might be. You just had a look about you.

Me:
Oh. What?

AA Clerk
It's probably your hair cut.

Me:
*confused*

AA Clerk
What branch are you?

Me:
Oh, we're non-denominational. Have you been to FCC?

AA Clerk
*confused*
What?

Me:
FCC. Family Community Church. I'm a pastor there.

AA Clerk:
What? No, I meant what branch of the military.

Me:
*as it dawns on me*

It took about 2 more minutes for me to explain myself. And it will probably take a few more more hours for me to stop feeling like the dumbest person in the world.

*sigh*