Very few people (close to none) have every asked me why I headcover. I put my headcovering on; I go to church. I come back home; I put my headcovering away. Every now and then I feel the desire to cover while praying or reading the Bible at home. It’s all very simple — totally non-extravagant and non-dramatic. And yet . . . it really sets me apart visually from everybody else. Am I hungry for attention? Trying to be extra-holy? Confused and unbalanced? Why would I do something like this? I think most people are a little afraid of what the answer might be.
Here is what they think will happen: They will ask me why I headcover, and I will launch into a one-hour tirade on how important it is and how they need to headcover, too. This will feel very awkward. They will look for a polite way to escape. They will regret they ever asked.
Or, they won’t want to seem rude by questioning my practice. If I want to wear a scarf, so be it. They’re not going to be the one to criticize my choice. We’re all very tolerant people around here, very non-discriminatory. We’re not one of those churches who makes big deals out of little ones, so we’re not going to get mired down in some debate over a questionable practice like headcoverng. Leave that to the weirdos who can’t get their theology right.
Okay, I know that sounds a bit tart. I don’t really know if people think that; I just imagine they do. They’re probably secretly curious about it but don’t know how ask without getting themselves into some sort of uncomfortable tangle. So then — I will write a little explanation that any curious soul can read without getting embarrassed. I will now reveal my mysterious secrets (friendly smile, here).
The Main Reason I Choose to Headcover
Why do I headcover? One, big reason sums it up: I love God’s Word.
I could really just stop right there, but I suspect you were expecting more. Well, how shall I expand upon that idea for you? Let’s see . . .
“O how I love thy law! it is my meditation all the day” v. 97
“How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth.” v. 103
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” v. 105
“Therefore I love thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold.” v. 127
“The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.” v. 130
“Rivers of waters run down mine eyes, because they keep not thy law.” v. 136
“Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it.” v. 140
“Thou art near, O LORD; and all thy commandments are truth.” v. 151
-from Psalm 119
Headcovering is in the Bible, right there in 1 Corinthians 11:2-16. It’s not an Old Testament Law but a New Testament Command for believers, a Biblical Tradition handed down to us by the apostle Paul (1 Cor. 11:2), who was inspired by the Holy Spirit.
Because I love God’s Word, I want to obey it. For me (and for many other Christian, headcovering women) this is really about the heart, not appearances. Our hearts adore God and treasure His Word! His Word is like droplets of dew on a thirsty land. We cherish each drop!
Faithfully, we gather the drops and collect them into our lives:
This drop is the truth about salvation in Christ alone (absolutely crucial!) . . .
this drop is the truth about needing to forgive others (huge!) . . .
this drop is the truth about the importance of being thankful and content (another biggie!) . . .
and there are many more. All the droplets merge into one, combined pool of Spirit-filled living. Another one of those droplets of truth is the Bible’s teaching on headcovering. How foolish we would be to overlook this dew from heaven! No — we scoop it up and add it to the others.
I can hear someone say: “But headcovering is an outdated cultural practice of the First-Century Corinthians. I know you love God’s Word, but you’ve interpreted it wrong.”
You know what? It’s okay if you think that way. Really! I’m not going to hate you for it. I’m not going to argue with you about it. Have no fear. I only want to obey what I believe God’s Word is saying; I am taking responsibility for my own walk with Jesus, just as you are responsible for yours (John 21:22). If you have another interpretation that you think is valid, you go on ahead and do what you believe is right. Be convinced in your own mind (Rom. 14:5).
However, if you want to know a few more details about why I headcover, about why I interpret 1 Cor. 11:2-16 the way I do, here’s a quick look.
Other Important Reasons I Choose to Headcover
These aren’t reasons in addition to the one listed above (“because I love God’s Word”) but are branches growing out of it. These are the reasons I believe headcovering is for today, followed by the reason headcovering is an important ingredient for revival (in my opinion).
Headcovering for Today
The 1 Corinthians 11:2-16 passage lists several reasons in support of headcovering. It also doesn’t list several others. I will give both lists (this should be fun!):
Headcovering for Today–Reasons Given in 1 Cor. 11
- Headship & Creation Order. “The head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God” (v. 3) “For the man is not of the woman: but the woman of the man. Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man” (vv. 8-9)
- Glory. “For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man” (v. 7)
- Nature. “Doth not even nature itself teach you?” (v. 14)
- Angels. “For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels” (v. 10)
- Church practice. “If anyone wants to be contentious about this, we have no other practice—nor do the churches of God” (v. 16, NIV)
Headcovering Reasons Not Mentioned
- Prostitutes with shaved heads.
- Matrons who never left their homes without a headcovering.
- The need to not offend a society sensitive about headcovering.
- First-Century Feminist movement.
- Old Testament command about headcovering.
- Corinthian church having a specific problem not related to other churches, and therefore being the only one who needs to follow this command.
I’ve heard that if we study the culture of that time and place, we will be able to understand this passage better. I agree! But what happens when one person’s assumptions about a culture conflict with another person’s facts? Such as these:
-The culture isn’t even mentioned — not a single time. Instead, some very clear reasons are given which are sturdy enough to stand on their own without needing to buttress them with cultural explanations. I can understand the desire to research the context, but when something is this clear, there’s really no need.
-Though some honorable women covered their heads in the Corinthian culture of that time, not all did. Not wearing a headcovering did not necessarily associate someone with prostitution. Not all matrons wore a headcovering.
-God says he wants women to cover their heads while “praying or prophesying,” which are actions associated with how we worship in church, not with how we act in public. If it were dishonorable for a woman to appear in public without a headcovering, then why not just say that? For example, “Don’t go out in public without a headcovering because that would be disgraceful.” A common-sense reading of the text would naturally lead us to conclude that the command to headcover isn’t rooted in the culture of that time but in something else –something which transcends culture . . .
-If Paul were just asking the women to follow Old Testament traditions in order to not offend the Jews, he would have appealed to an Old Testament command. Well, he certainly does appeal to timeless, Old Testament concepts such as the Creation Order, but any clear reference to a specific command about headcovering is lacking. This isn’t an Old Testament Law revived — this is a new “Ordinance” (v. 2) for the church age, just like Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.
-This practice was not intended just for the Corinthian church, but for ALL the churches of God (v. 16). The other churches would have had different cultures in their different locations, but they were all practicing headcovering.
And we can’t move on without mentioning something about the “hair is the covering” idea. Real fast, here’s why this can’t be:
- Throughout the passage, a certain Greek word is used for covering the head (katakalupto). When the covering of long hair is mentioned (v. 15), a different word is used (peribolaion), indicating that Paul is differentiating between these two types of covering. Though Paul brings up women having long hair as being “what nature teaches,” he is using it as support for why covering with a cloth covering is consistent with Nature. It does not appear that these two things are eqivalent. (See this page on BibleStudyTools.com to start a word study; click on the words to view the Greek.)
- Praying and prophesying are said to be times when a woman should cover. If she was meant to have long hair as a covering, she would have long hair all the time, not just while engaging in those actions.
- Substituting the word “short hair” in verse six doesn’t make sense if by “not being covered” Paul meant “not having long hair”:
- “For if the woman be not covered [doesn’t have long hair/has short hair], let her also be shorn” . . .
- A woman’s hair is said to be her “glory” (v. 15). But revealing her glory in the presence of God would be prideful (1 Cor. 1:29). Man’s glory (the woman, v. 7) and woman’s glory (her hair, v. 15) should be covered while we worship God.
- The Headship order is displayed by the woman covering her head with a cloth. With her head covered, it is visually apparent that she is not the “head.” This visual symbol doesn’t work as well if the covering is her long hair, since her head would still be visible, even with long hair.
Headcovering for Revival
I believe that headcovering is for today. If someone reading this article doesn’t think that it is, even after I’ve given my reasons for it, that’s alright. Now remember: I haven’t given the details, just some general reasons. If you want to study this topic more deeply, I invite you to click on the links, and especially to read 1 Cor. 11:2-16 for yourself, without any preconceived notions (hard to do!). If you have questions about any particluar item, just let me know and I would love to do a post on it in the future — in fact, I already have some ideas for future posts that you might enjoy, focusing on specific points.
But I think that headcovering is not only for today, it’s for today. Meaning, yes, it’s a command rooted in timeless concepts such as Headship & the Creation Order, the Glory of God vs. the glory of man & woman, Nature, Angels, and Church Practice (this was meant for all churches, not just the Corinthian church), and in that way it’s for today; but, it’s also for today in another way: God is reviving the headcovering practice at this time because He’s reviving our hearts toward Him and His Word.
Headcovering is part of a modern-day revival of the heart.
When God gets a hold of your heart, you want to obey Him. You love His word. You stop caring what everyone thinks of you. You stop trying to fit in. Your whole life changes.
We begin headcovering because we realize we’ve stopped obeying part of God’s Word, and we care about that. We care about what that disobedience has done to our lives, to our churches, to our society. Headcovering brings to mind how we’ve lost our way these past 100 years, or so. It recalls how we’ve abandoned our roles and smudged the edges of God’s design. We’ve colored outside the lines of God’s healthy boundaries. This isn’t just about a piece of cloth; it’s about what that cloth represents.
Headcovering is prophetic.
The prophet Ezekiel was asked by God to do many strange things as signs to the Israelites in captivity. Here are a few examples: He had to lie on his left side for a time, then switch to his right (Ezek. 4:4-8). He had to eat a certain kind of bread cooked in dung (Ezek. 4:9-17). He had to dig through the wall and carry a burden through the opening (Ezek. 12:3-12). These demonstrations functioned as symbols, messages to the people of what God was about to bring to pass upon Jerusalem.
God instructed Ezekiel to say,
“I am your sign.”
In the church, perhaps not all women will headcover, and not all men will want them to. They will see me, or you, or someone else covering, and they will think, “That’s interesting.” And then they will move on with their lives. I’m not saying that they don’t love God. We have different ways of interpreting the Bible, and though I believe those who oppose headcovering are wrong, I think this may be due to misinformation, or possibly to a different (mistaken) emphasis on certain concepts found in that passage. We’re all growing, but not all at the same time in the same areas. But here’s what I think is happening:
God is using those of us who headcover as human messages to the rest of the church that they need to return to His Word and to His Ways. We are signs. We are “prophesying” in the sense that we are demonstrating a truth of God’s word in a visible way. We are saying, “This is true about our roles. This is true about the Church. This is how far we’ve left God’s ways.”
God’s Word is being visibly acted out. Men with heads showing = men leading. Oh, that men would lead! They represent Christ, the Groom. Women with heads covered = women submitting. Oh, that women would learn to cherish their role! They represent the Bride of Christ, the Church. (See Ephesians 5:22-33.) And as we arrive at the church service with a headcovering on, we quietly communicate, “Remember? This is the way it’s supposed to be.”
Prophets are often lonely; that’s just the way it is. I no longer expect women to see me in my headcovering, say “I wonder why she’s doing that?” go back home to study 1 Cor. 11:2-16, and show up several Sundays later in their own covering. In my nine years of headcovering at church, that hasn’t ever happened — not once. But that’s okay. God has chosen me — and perhaps you, too! — to prophesy to a church in need of purifying. Not in a prideful, “I’m better than you” sort of way, but in a humble, gentle, loving sort of way.
This is our family, and we want God’s very best for them! Our heart is for their growth, for their welfare. Our heart is also open to whatever they can teach us, through God’s work in their lives. He has chosen us to teach about roles through the symbol of the headcovering, and He has chosen them to accomplish other things. There’s no pride, there. Just different people receiving a different emphasis from the Lord on what He wants them to focus on right now. Is the headcovering teaching for every Christian? I believe wholeheartedly that it is! I’m not in any way saying something like, “This is for me, but not necessarily for you.” Not at all.
What I am saying is that since we’re human, we’re not all going to arrive at the headcovering truth as quickly as would be ideal. We often have “tunnel vision” and focus well on only one thing at a time, one truth at a time. I think God tolerates a certain amount of tunnel vision. He’s patient with our sometimes slow rate of growth.
However, even if other women don’t hop on the headcovering wagon with me, if I can at least continue to pursue God’s Word with all my heart in my own walk, that’s something (actually, it’s huge!). And, if I can at least be used by God to remind them of what headcovering was meant to symbolize, that’s something, too. I think I can live with that. 🙂
~Jessica
Another great post, Jessica.
I started covering my head about 11 years ago and the only other woman I know who covers her head is one that I taught. Like your experience, I have had very few people ask me about covering. I wish they would because, like you, I have studied it extensively…and I with I had known all of this so much earlier.
I do cover full time because I pray – and often talk about the Word (a form of prophecy) outside of the church gathering and because I don’t understand any of the reasons for covering to be exclusive to the church gathering – but I love to see any Christian woman cover their head at any time because I love the heart behind it.
I have seen a lot of my favorite headcovering resources on The Headcovering Movement (like Finny Kuruvilla’s & David Bercot’s talks), but I don’t think I’ve ever seen Bruce Terry’s fine article, “No Such Custom” listed there. It’s very good.
Thank you for writing so graciously on these important topics.
Oh my. I was finishing up the above comment while talking about something else with my husband and hurrying to get to the table for dinner and posted my comment too quickly. In re-reading my comment, I realize that my second paragraph wasn’t very clear. Here’s what I meant to say:
“I do cover full time because I pray and often talk about the Word to my children and other women (a form of “prophecy” similar to a preacher’s practice) outside of the church gathering. I also cover full time because I see Paul’s reasons for women covering (the headship order, the creation order, and “because of the angels”) are universal in time and place and not restricted to the worship gathering.”
One thing I did communicate as I intended is my appreciation for how graciously your write on important and challenging topics, Jessica. This morning as I read in Colossians I was reminded of the need for our words to be seasoned with grace. You do that well.
Thank you, SBS! I appreciate both of your comments!
I understand why you cover full time (your reasons are similar to ones I’ve heard from other full-time covering women), and I think they make sense and are beautiful! Like you, I am so happy to see other women cover, whether part time or full time!
Thank you for your kind and encouraging words!
~Jessica
Thank you Jessica. It just occurred to me I’ve been covering for about twenty years but it doesn’t seem like it. I don’t get asked very often why I cover. I still get nervous about being asked. Its hard being the only one in church and women’s conferences who cover. I would love to see another woman cover at my church but for now I just need to be faithful to God’s Word.
Regina, Twenty years — wow! That’s wonderul! What great commitment! You get nervous about being asked, while I get frustrated at never being asked! 🙂 Do you think you’re nervous about what to answer? And if you were asked, what do you think you would say?
I can relate to wishing there were other headcovering women at church. Yes, I really wish that, too! But you’re right, being faithful — even when alone — is so important. I’m glad we can be faithful together, though each in our separate churches! 🙂
~Jessica
“How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers!
“But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night.
“He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season and its leaf does not wither; and in whatever he does, he prospers.”
– Psalm 1
Thank you, Jessica, for your writing and creating this community. I am another lone headcoverer where God has placed me. I so appreciate your interpretation of “prophesizing” from the passage. I delight in learning how to better embody the intention of my creator for my creation as a woman and I desire so much to share the freedom I’ve found in biblical womanhood with other women! For other Christian women specifically, I desire to model a really easy way to love and honor God better – Headcover!
Your writings are encouragement to keep going. Thank you!
You’re welcome, Angela! And thank you so much for sharing that beautiful passage from the Bible!
~Jessica
Amen powerful post :).
Thanks, Kevin!
~Jessica
I love being able to share the reasons why I cover but, like you, I rarely get asked. I’ve noticed kids and strangers are more apt to than typical church people. I do think it plants a seed though. 🙂
Great thoughts again. I love how clearly you communicate.
Thanks, Moriah! It’s so great to hear from you! Interesting how many headcovering women seem to have similar experiences with people asking (or not). I agree that talking about our reasons for headcovering can plant a seed (if we ever have the chance to talk about them). It’s about more than the cloth; it’s about our roles, it’s about the authority of God’s Word, and it’s about interpreting it consistently. There’s so much food for thought, there!
~Jessica
Your post has, once again, encouraged me, Jessica! While I do headcover for church (and sometimes at other times, as well), I’ve only been doing it for a couple years, and still feel very alone in it. Also, I worry that people will think I’m being legalistic. But, what you’ve said here helps a lot, because it’s true for me, too: I cover because I love God’s Word. Thank you for putting it so simply…yet so powerfully. That is a great answer to give people when/if they ask, or if I just want to explain what headcovering is all about. And, most women I know say they love God’s Word, too, so this gives them even more reason to listen & consider why I headcover. Thank you!
You’re welcome, Angela! I’m so glad this post was an encouragement to you!
~Jessica
I’ve been covering for about two years now. I used to argue with people about it more, but over the years, I have realized it’s not really worth it. If they don’t think it’s important, my arguments won’t change their minds. And honestly now, it’s become such a part of me that it doesn’t bother people as much now.
Thanks for your honest response, Elisa! I can certainly relate!
~Jessica
Great post, Jessica!
I’ve been asked about headcovering three times in nine years: (1) by a child – awkward, because I knew her mama was strongly anti-headcovering, so I didn’t want to lead her against her parents’ wishes, (2) by a stranger, a young Mormon mama who I found out had grown up Brethren, so she was familiar with headcovering, and (3) by a fellow homeschooling mom who was genuinely curious and was exploring the possibility.
Our current church is strongly anti-headcovering – the second sermon preached after we arrived there was “why headcovering is wrong.” Oddly enough, that made us respect the pastor more, because he knew that we practiced headcovering and was still willing to preach against it in our presence. Many pastors don’t have the guts to preach against things that their own parisioners are doing (like divorce, etc.), so that actually made us know that we could trust him to be courageous and honest. But still, one isn’t likely to find fellow headcovering women in a church like that! 🙂
Thanks for this lovely post.
Diana
You’re welcome, Diana! Thank you for telling us about the times you’ve been asked about your headcovering!
After reading about the sermon your pastor preached, I really felt for you. If I had gone through that, I might have cried. You said that it helped you respect him more; that’s good. I wonder: what were his reasons against headcovering? And what is it about that church that makes you want to stay despite the fact that the pastor is so strongly against headcovering? 🙂
~Jessica
Hi, Jessica!!
Thanks for the note! I can’t remember what the pastor’s reasons were for being against headcovering – I think they were just along the lines of “it was cultural,” etc. It is a Lutheran church, and I have never found any Lutheran churches that support headcovering, or Lutherans that practice headcovering. Seems to be a dead end at the moment, though you never know! J. had determined that he liked this church and wanted us to attend it, after wanting to leave the Reformed (Calvinist) tradition behind. It’s not a perfect fit, but does okay for us. It’s hard to find headcovering-supportive churches outside of Anabaptist fellowships or a few niche groups, I’ve found. Hopefully that situation will improve in future years!
Thank you for all of your hard work writing! I enjoy your articles so much! 🙂
Diana
You’re welcome, Diana! Thanks for the additional info! Yes, I too, hope the headcovering situation improves in future years! Right now, we’re being gracious models of “what it means to handle God’s Word consistently,” and that’s a meaningful contribution.
~Jessica
Old Apostolic Lutherans practice headcovering in worship. https://www.oldapostoliclutheranchurch.org/
As a Catholic I was always strongly called to cover for Mass and my husband’s leadership lead me to extend this to all times of both public and private devotions many years ago. My own conviction lead me to see (in common with other testimony here) through logic and scripture that I should cover full time and although I did not do so until my husband gave his consent I have now been doing so for some time and feel an ever growing conviction that it is an important part of my devotion to God and my submission to him and my husband.
Thank you for your lovely response, Susanne! It’s beautiful to see how your headcovering journey has progressed!
~Jessica
I want to thank you also Jessica, for this good article.
I like the paragraph where you say headcovering is a sign. I believe it is.
My experience is rather that a few people in church aprove my practise in headcovering., they say they like it.
Let us continue to be a sign, like a light that shines in the night…
We know that there will be a reward.
God bless you, Marguerite
Dear Marguerite,
I really appreciate your kind words! I’m so glad to hear that a few people in your church are supportive of your covering — that’s wonderful!
Thank you for the uplifting words! Yes, let’s live for God’s reward!
~Jessica
Speaking as a traditionalist Catholic I think that many women want to veil in Church but are afraid to stand out. So once one does others feel able to follow.
Susanne, thank you for adding that! I think it’s true that one headcovering woman can give courage to other women to start covering. You never know!
~Jessica
May I add a few words? With my husband we have been attending a church in Basel for almost ten years now. Nobody ever says anything about my headcovering.I am the only in this practise, but a few did say anything and they said good things.
Marguerite
I should have said also that for now about one year two other ladies have begun to cover their head in church.
Marguerite
My experience as a Catholic is that many younger women want to cover for Mass, but are embarrassed to be the first or only one in the congregation, so it is a real service to set an example and when you do others often follow.
Thanks for adding those additional thoughts, Marguerite!
I’m so impressed with your perseverance, despite being the only woman headcovering in your church for awhile. I’m glad that those who said something about your headcovering were kind toward you. How wonderful that two other ladies have now begun to cover, as well!
~Jessica
Hello Jessica!
I’m so glad that although you might get discouraged by being the only headcovering woman in your church, you continue to faithfully obey God in this area. I see throughout Scripture the emphasis God places on obedience and as I’ve been reading some OT passages, being uncovered (clothing) and baring the head are related to shame and punishment. God believes in coverings. Really great study!! Thankyou.
Thanks for the support, Ruthie! It really, truly, does help to receive uplifting comments such as yours!
~Jessica
Dear Jessica,
Thank you so much for your headcovering article. I realized that I do need to hear my fellow hovering sisters’ words and messages in order to continue this journey.
I’d just wanted to ask your opinion on a short video comment by a priest regarding the headcovering. I want you to pay attention to the reason why he is not really in favor of headcovering practice in the church service. If he had told it you directly, how would you have responded to him?
Hi, MK!
I watched the video today. Here is what I got from it:
-The Friar is not really opposed to headcovering. He readily acknowledges that it has been practiced for centuries and that until recently was something the Catholic church required.
-He is concerned about one headcovering woman drawing attention to herself in a church full of non-headcovering women. He advises that we analyze our motives.
-He doesn’t say it’s wrong to wear a headcovering (” it’s not a sin”). He says that if we want to do so because we want to honor God, then that is a good motive.
I would respond to his comments by saying that the reason I cover isn’t a selfish one — it isn’t because I want to stand out. It’s because I want to live in a way that is consistent with my understanding of what God’s Word says about headcovering in 1 Cor. 11. I am deliberately choosing to walk a path that does not force me to live in conflict with my conscience.
Secondly, I would respond that though I may start out by being the only headcovering woman in church, that may not always be the case. It may be that some other women would like to cover, but they would feel uncomfortable beginning to do so UNLESS someone else took the first step. So, in choosing to wear a headcovering, I may be doing them a favor! I may help them have the courage to do something our culture tells us is “silly,” “wrong,” “attention-seeking,” “hyper-holy,” etc. I will help to change that perspective and help make headcovering more acceptable again in our churches — leading to it eventually being LESS attention-getting, LESS daring, LESS controversial. The more women practice it, and the more normal it becomes, the less “weird” it will seem.
Thank you for sharing the video link and for asking my opinion! In what way would you have responded to him, if it were you?
~Jessica
Thank you so much for your heartfelt reply. I really want to learn from you how to response to people with various views and ideas with clarity and charity!
I like your idea that by our presence as the only headcovering woman in the church, we are actually helping and encouraging other sisters who are inwardly drawn to headcovering. Indeed, whenever I happen to see other veiled woman, her mere presence just gives me tremendous joy and encouragement. I would look at her affectionately and say to her in my heart, “thank you, my dear sister!”
If this priest had told me directly, I might felt intimidated and did not know what to say on the spot. In this age when headcovering sisters are usually alone in practice, positive and straight affirmation from male clergies is priceless and I want to thank them for their courageous voices.
I agree! To receive affirmation from male leaders in the church for the headcovering practice is priceless! (whether in person or through videos, articles, or books). And it would definitely be a huge encouragement to me, too, to see another woman covering in church! 🙂
I don’t usually have something to say right away when I’m in the middle of a conversation. I think best after I’ve had time to ponder. Then, I can write down how I feel much better than I could have expressed it in person. Probably in person, people think of me as awkward and not very well-expressed. I write much better than I speak, I think!
~Jessica
Hello Jessica,
I enjoy your posts and videos. Lovely points. I have been covering ( full time mostly. For a few yrs I occasionally tried to do it just for worship, but didn’t feel right.) for about 21 yrs. I felt so conspicuous at first – overly concerned with what people thought, but eventually that stopped. I, too, have rarely been asked about it. Some women say they have been asked frequently, but not me. I DO think people definitely notice and think about it because at times I am treated in a specific way at times due to it, I am sure. Some do everything but genuflect. That makes me uncomfortable. Some glare at me. That is ok. But rarely do they ask. Curiously, I have had more men ask than women and when they do I am always surprised at how I answer. It just flows easily. I dress plain as well, so sometimes they wanted to know what church I belonged to etc… , which required more than an explanation of head covering. I am not out to convince anyone to do what I do and so I used to wonder what I would say if asked. I couldn’t figure out what to say, really, so I just let it go and figured the Holy Spirit would help me out. When they finally did it was not something I ever planned to say. I also have to be honest and say that it has not been an easy road for me. The plain part mainly. I didn’t want to talk about it because I was struggling to deal with it – I didn’t want to discourage anyone who was curious enough to ask with a less than positive countenance or attitude, but that didn’t happen at all – I shared convictions I truly had that were not dress or covering specific and all went well. My husband wanted me to dress plain and I had difficulties carrying it out, but it has taught me so much about myself and my place as a wife. As a couple we both grew from this and he is now telling me I can choose to wear “street clothes” if I desire, as long as they are modest and any type of covering I am comfortable with. I haven’t changed yet and am not sure I will, but I will definitely cover and always be truly modest. And all this is why I don’t judge others who don’t choose to cover. I only say that if they have studies 1 Corinthians, truly studied it prayerfully and preferably with their husband, I can respect their decisions about what they feel it means.
Wonderful thoughts, Joanie! ” . . . I don’t judge others who don’t choose to cover. I only say that if they have studied 1 Corinthians, truly studied it prayerfully and preferably with their husband, I can respect their decisions about what they feel it means.”
It is my aspiration to try and have such a gentle, patient, understanding attitude, which can be hard, sometimes, when we (I) feel so strongly about certain things. 🙂
I was impressed with your remarks about just saying what comes to your heart when people ask you about headcovering (and dressing plainly). Though I believe there is no problem with trying to be prepared with a well-thought-out response, sometimes going with the flow may be the better approach, and the most natural one. Thank you for those thoughts!
~Jessica
I live in Canada and wear a variety of hats to church and sometimes wear a scarf. I remember that many women in the 1960s and early 1970s wore scarves on their heads when they went out, even if it was just shopping. I’m not sure why the headcovering verses are so skipped over. “Because of the angels” is so beautiful and should send women running for a scarf.
Hi, Michelle!
I always appreciate hearing from other headcovering ladies! Thanks for sharing with us about the styles of coverings you wear. I agree that “because of the angels” is a good reason for wearing one, among all the other good reasons. 🙂
~Jessica
This definitely gives me something to think about. I’ve always just used “the hair IS the covering” as my reason why I don’t need a physical clith to cover my head. I’ve never felt the need to research because that always just jumped out at me. But you have given me more to think about. Honestly, I don’t want another reason to “look odd” in public or to “stand out” amongst the crowd. I HATE that feeling immensely. I especially hate that feeling I get with my Christian family for “being different.” But more than that, I want to obey God’s word. I will be talking with my husband more about this at my earliest opportunity. Thank you so much for your insight.
My husband was very against for a long while, because he was afraid it would make me strand out. He got used to it at home during the covid lockdown and is now not just supportive but adamant that I should cover.
Hi! I do not use coverings as of yet. My husband and I have been listening to Pastor Gino Jennings on YouTube and he talks about women covering their heads. This has put me on a path of prayer and research of my own. I have been pentecostal for most of my life and have never seen any women using coverings or teachings about it. And here I am browsing through the internet and find your article and I have to say it was God! How can I start covering ? Is there especific cloths I have to wear?
Thank you so much for letting yourself be used by God to teach other women like myself. May God bless you abundantly!
Hi, Nathaly!
I’m so glad to hear that you have been considering headcovering! I used to go to an Apostolic church (also Pentecostal) where all the women wore veils. I don’t go there anymore, but I thought you might like to know that.
Starting headcovering is easy! Any bandana will do. Just make sure you put a couple clips on the side of your head above your ears to keep it from falling off (and tie it loosely at the base of your neck, too). I’ll link to a video of mine which shows you how to wear the triangular scarf:
You can also wear a wide headband, a baseball cap, a beanie, a tube scarf (find these at Walmart in the purse section), or a regular or infinity scarf wrapped over your head. Experiment and find what you like best!
I suggest you go to headcoveringmovement.com to find out more. If you go to menu>writings>articles, you will see a long list of articles. They are all good, but you may be interested in the articles under the heading, “Practical Issues.”
https://www.headcoveringmovement.com/articles-series
Hope that helps! Thank you so much for your kind words!
~Jessica
You’re welcome, Sarah! May God bless you as you dig deeper into His Word.
~Jessica
Hi! I am new to this website! And to the belief and support of head coverings for women within the church. However I have a question! If I am not married, should I still be wearing head coverings? Is this passage in 1 Corinthians addressing all women or just wives? Thanks in advance!
Hi, Michelle — welcome!
Good question. If you read the whole passage (1 Corinthians 11:2-16), it becomes clear that God is talking about “men” and “women,” not just husbands and wives. You might find this article of interest:
https://www.headcoveringmovement.com/articles/should-single-women-wear-head-coverings
Hope that helps!
~Jessica
I am convicted recently to start head covering but after studying and reading more through the biblical text. It seems like I should cover not only in Sunday worship services. But from when I wake up until bed. Obviously not in the shower though lol. Not trying to overcomplicate this.
Just curious on your opinion?
Hi, Gabrielle,
So nice to hear from you!
I have an article about covering full time vs. part time, which you might find helpful:
https://theheavenlyhearth.com/2018/10/30/full-time-or-part-time-head-covering/
~Jessica
Jessica, woman is the glory of man and glory of woman is her hair. A woman needs to cover her hair because revealing her glory in God’s presence in prideful. So does that mean, a woman needs to wear an abhaya or purdha( the head to toe covering in Islam) that fully covers her because, woman is the glory of man, glory of man should not be revealed in God’s presence.