As I was reading through the letters in the New Testament, 1 Corinthians chapter eleven stopped me. It made me pause. I've always been told that head covering was just a cultural thing of new testament times so we don't have to follow that tradition anymore. But that's not what I read. I read that is was during prayer or prophecy in honor, with authority, and because of the order of creation. I cover my head. I don't judge those who don't. Afterall, it says "Judge for yourselves: is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered?" It seems to be a personal conviction. And trust me, I've done my homework. I've talked to a pastor, and read a number of commentaries, and a few writings on the subject.
But I wish that people wouldn't judge me.
I'm a stumbling block.
I'm the weaker Christian.
I'm extreme.
I'm part of an ultra-conservative cult.
I've lost it.
I've gone off the deep end.
I need counseling.
I'm legalistic.
I wish that people wouldn't mock me.
The man who loudly told the woman walking into church with him, "WHAT is that THING on her HEAD????"
The girl who told me it was hypocritical to cover my head, and yet wear jewelry.
All the comments from so many people who have said, "Nice head piece!" with overwhelming sarcasm.
I cover my head in obedience; in love; in submission; in honor; in modesty. I don't cover all the time because I don't want it ever to become legalistic. I cover at church, Bible study, and small group. If it slips off, or gets hot, I take it off. It's a symbol; not a rule. Sometimes I wear it around the house, to work, or when I go out running errands. It's such a good reminder of my role as a woman and where my heart should be. A symbol to me. I like wearing it.
And I've come to think that it's beautiful too. I've used hats, scarves, bandana's, Russian style scarves, and hand sewn coverings. When I first started covering, nothing about wearing one made me feel beautiful. In fact, I didn't feel pretty at all. I alway pull my hair back out of my face with it, and I personally feel prettier with my hair down around my face. And I'm a hair stylist so of course I feel prettier when I've used products and a blowdryer and my hair looks nice, instead of being hidden under the fabric. But it is flowing and feminine. Beautiful. A beautiful place of the heart.
I've drawn closer to God's heart through my obedience in covering. I know Him better. I'm aware of His presence more often. I'm more convicted of sin, and I'm more prone to have a better attitude and a soft heart when I'm wearing one.
Head covering is a blessing.
Indeed :).
ReplyDeleteHmmmm...I've gotten the same reactions....it must be fear of the unknown...I've been covering for over 10yrs now and I still get those reactions! When I go to PA to visit friends I don't get that reaction cause sooo many women wear a covering...its more common and even respected there!
ReplyDeleteI remember when I first covered my head my cousin crocheted me this really cute dare I say doily type veil...it was my all time favorite...totally wore it out....welll I wore it to this local farm stand I frequent and I had only been covering for a few months.Well the owner (a christian) rung me up and hes like "ummm Karen were you cleaning the house?" and I said "well yeah why?" and he says "were you dusting?" and I said "no Walt what are you getting at??" and he says "well I thought maybe you were dusting your tables and needed a place to put that thing on your head and forgot to put it back!" WELLL I just cracked up!and explained to him my conviction and of course in the coming weeks he tried to talk me out of it...I was like "listen Walt I'm not trying to convince you to do this so why do you feel you need to convince me not to cover?" How does this even matter to them? I don't get it! He never really said much after that but I thought it was hysterical...why would I put ANYTHING on my head from the table I was dusting?
My dad is still waiting for me to "get through this phase in my life". God Bless you and stick to what God leads you to do!
Julie, I think it is awesome that you are heeding a conviction of the Holy Spirit. I remember reading a story of a woman who felt God calling her to wear a covering. She was NOT from an area where that was done commonly so she was really out of place. She was married and was convicted that she needed an outward reminder of how her inward heart should be- humble and submissive. God called her to do it for two years, during which time she and her hubby's married blossomed and grew in ways it couldn't have without her outward reminder. Then after two years she felt God calling her to remove it.
ReplyDeleteI don't know exactly why I just told you that story, but I guess it made me think of it when you were talking about the legalism aspect of it. It really is a heart condition and if God is calling us to an outward symbol of humility, then by golly, we need to obey! I'm proud of you for not caving to worldly or even other Christians' judgements! You live for an audience of ONE!
Tiffany
you are truly admirable, julie!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks, all. Thanks for the stories, and the encouragement.
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