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Christian Head Covering

Discussion in '2000-02 Archive' started by Miss Maggie, Nov 30, 2002.

  1. Miss Maggie

    Miss Maggie New Member

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    There were several threads on headcovering I wanted to respond to, so I will do so here. A few of the questions were why I cover my hair, or my head, how I came to it, and how it has changed me.

    I cover my head with a scarf. It comes from 1 Corinthians 11:1-16. I don't know if I should post the whole thing here or not. If someone wants me to, then I will. The most specific verses are 1 Corinthians 11:5-6

    5But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven. 6For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered.

    It started like this. My husband has agorphobia. He has trouble going out into very crowded public places. He is under a doctors care about it, and has improved greatly over the past decade, but still suffers from it to a greater or lesser degree. I am faced with doing most things in public on my own. People have become accustom to seeing me without a husband on my arm, and they tend to forget I am married. I found that single fathers were often considering what a good wife I would make. Seeing as I was already Fred's wife, this was not a very pleasant prospect to me. I prayed to the Lord to send me protection when I was out doing what must be done for the family to continue. I needed a way to be protected from the leering eyes, furvative glances and lustful spirit which I was being faced with.

    That day I learned about headcovering from another lady at a Christian Women's Message Board. I had never heard of it before and it came to me like a bolt of lightning. I asked her some questions about it and she was kind enough to share some links and some answers. That very day I put a blue bandana scarf on my head to see how it felt. It felt good.

    I read as much about it as I could over the next few weeks, wearing my little bandana and praying over it, almost constantly. I noticed some big changes in me, and my family. My patience grew to a vastness I had never considered possible before. My willingness to be kind to my husband on purpose delighted both he and the children.

    The largest blessing was how others perceived me though. The burden I had carried was lifted. No longer did lonely men at Cub Scouts look upon me with hopeful eyes. NO longer did the check out man at the grocery store ask me if I was divorced or widowed. Suddenly, the Lord who I had cried out to had gifted me with a wonderful symbol of my chasitity and status as a Married Christian Woman. The wedding ring hadn't been enough. There was never a husband on my arm to reinforce the ring. But the veil, or covering. My Land! What a Blessing.

    Another favorite reference of mine is when Rebekah meets Isaac the first time. She knows he is to be her husband, so she puts on her vail (veil).

    Genesis 24:65 For she [Rebekah} had said unto the servant, What man is this that walketh in the field to meet us? And the servant had said, It is my master: therefore she took a vail, and covered herself.

    I hope this anwers some of the questions about it and if anyone has any others I'm happy to answer them.

    I don't personally know if every woman is supposed to cover her head or not. I am not skilled enough in religion to know that. I do know I am supposed to. If you are not called to wear one then that is fine, I do not judge you. If you are curious about it, here is a good place to explore the idea.

    :)Blessings
    Maggie
     
  2. Headcoveredlady

    Headcoveredlady New Member

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    Maggie,
    You know that I have alot to add. You have made a very nice introduction to the subject. I cannot post all I want to at this time, but will be back.

    HCL
     
  3. Jim1999

    Jim1999 <img src =/Jim1999.jpg>

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    I live in the Canadian wilds and wear a toque. It does nothing to say I am married or not, and it is not biblical, so far as I know, but it does warm the head and ears.

    Shucks, I don't even wear a wedding band, but somehow everyone knows I am married. It must be the way I talk and live. I have never had the young ladies falling all over me in grocery shops or in the streets. I did have a girl giving me the eye when I was a young minister and unmarried, but that passed too when I paid no mind to it.

    Oh well, I guess that is life.

    Cheers,

    Jim
     
  4. Gina B

    Gina B Active Member

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    Women are different from men Jim. Even married men look at us, and I can't see reminding them that you're married as being a bad thing, even if there IS no strong biblical evidence for doing so. I bought a wedding ring recently just for that purpose.
    Sorry if that sounds prejudice against men, but in my experience that's how life is. Men come on much stronger to women than women do to men.
    Gina
     
  5. Dr. Bob

    Dr. Bob Administrator
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    When I see a woman with a veil covering her head, I immediately assume she is Islamic, Hindu or such.

    Am really surprised if one is a Christian. And has nothing to do with being single or married, since this is for any woman who is preaching or praying publically (I Cor 11).

    Wonder if you all are mistaken for a cult or non-christian by men (and women) who would be too polite to ask why you dress that way.
     
  6. Jim1999

    Jim1999 <img src =/Jim1999.jpg>

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    It must be an American man thing..I do remember we had the saying in the UK during the war about American soldiers: Over paid, over sexed and over here....... Oh, well.....we sterile, unimaginative Canadian men don't preoccupy ourselves with seducing every woman that walks in front of us. Maybe its the cold weather. And then, maybe its the fertile imagination of self imortance on the part of women that we have nothing better to occupy our minds. Who has the baseball?

    Cheers,

    Jim

    PS. By the way, Dr. Bob, when I see some women wearing the headcoverings, I think of the Church of God ladies,,,I think they are called Dunkards or Tunkards or some such name.....usually white bonnets!

    Cheers,
     
  7. Headcoveredlady

    Headcoveredlady New Member

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    Well, I must say that I have been asked alot about Jesus Christ since wearing a headship veiling. I have never been asked if I was Hindu or Islamic. My veiling hangs down the back of the head not the front as the above mentioned groups wear theirs.

    Also, since wearing the headship veiling the best thing has happened: My marriage got better. Not that the fabric itself is some magic piece of cloth. But, the humility that it helps foster does. My husband used to yell at me when he was upset. I honestly believe it was because I treated him incorrectly. But, since wearing a headship veiling he has never, ever yelled at me again.
    I even see him look at it when I have said something wrong. Maybe it is a reminder for him to love me even when I am not lovable, and that he has an awesome responsibility to lead me.
    It has helped me to remember my position under him. When I got married I was a fool. I thought I could still be the boss of myself and have a great time. Wrong! I heard of submission but had no idea what it was. How I am ashamed of how I treated my husband in the early years. How I must have been as rotteness in his bones.

    Wearing a veiling has helped me to not be so concerned with outward appearances. In my life, I have had five stages of dress. First my mom dressed me as a boy and a girl. She chopped all my hair off and put me in some hideous bell-bottoms and other clothes of that era. Then I dressed with the attire of harlot, on purpose, then I just wore pants and dresses occassionaly, then to dresses mostly.

    Then when the Lord showed me that I was to wear a headcovering I went to dresses only. I was about to take a walk with a friend and I had on sweats. I looked in the mirror and realized that they did not match with the veiling so off they went and from that day forward I have only worn dresses.

    Before I was so concerned about what others thought of how I looked. Now, I know that I do have to work on the inner woman. It frees me to spend more time on the inside. It also saves a considerable amount of money as I no longer have to get perms, coloring, and other things for the hair.

    When the Lord first showed me in HIS WORD that I was to wear a veiling I almost could not believe it. I fought and fought with the Lord, saying no, no, no!!! This could not be for me. I will be an outcast, I will be mocked at. But, the Holy Spirit did not relent. He gently guided me and kept showing me that I was to not only wear the headship veiling, but I was also supposed to, (more importantly,) get under my husband.

    When I finally learned that I had to get under my husband and wear the symbol for it I had alot of peace. And new things began happening that never happened before. Men began to rush to open doors for me, carry boxes, assist me with my coat, help me with my stroller, and many other manifestations of gentlemanship, (if that is a word?) I could hardly believe it. I even had a few older gentlemen in particular tell me what a nice family I had out of no where.

    Now, I know putting the veil on does not make one submissive, does not make me have a nice family, etc. But, I think it sets a certain tone about the person. It is a symbol and that is really all it is. It is a symbol that say I am willing to get under the authority that God has placed over me.

    I was once asked by another person for someone else why I had the veil on. The only thing I said to this woman believer was, "1 Corinthians 11." Then I had to take being yelled at and told it was not for today, etc, etc. All for simply saying these three words.

    I have also had professing Christian women point and laugh at me, when I was just shopping and minding my own business. I have been excluded from events at the church we used to go to since veiling.

    But, I am blessed.

    One of the other wonderful things that has happened since veiling is my witness opportunities have increased. Since veiling I noticed a Jewish couple watching and watching us. We were able to share and witness I believe because they see that we are willing to identify with Christ in a way that sets us apart even though we are mocked and ridiculed.

    I have also had people approach me asking for tracts. They seem to know that I have one. I have had another Jewish woman approach me in a restaurant once. The veiling seems to me to be like a beacon that says, "Please ask me about Jesus."

    Now, I will say that there are some very godly Christian women I know who do not cover their heads nor wear dresses only. I mentioned one of them. The headcovering and dress does not make me any more or any less of a Christian. The theif on the cross never had a chance to do any work for Jesus but He is there in heaven with Him today. For some reason He has saw fit to allow me to live, when there were times in my past that I could have been killed.
    So, because of that I want to live my life to the fullest for Him. Not leaving one part out that may seem small and un-important. Even the small things are important to Jesus. He is interested in everything I do. He wants all of me to be yielded to Him. And this is just one of many areas that I believe Christian women are to yield to the Lord in.

    Now, that being said, I know I have not arrived and there are many areas in which I need work. That is what the Body is for. Where I am weak someone else is strong and vice-versa. I have many areas in which the Lord is working at, pruning and snipping away all the rotteness. My prayer is to not only be like Jesus but allow Him to dwell in me as is stated in Galatians 2:20.

    HCL
     
  8. Miss Maggie

    Miss Maggie New Member

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    I know there are cultural differences between Northern Minnesota where my folks live, and Southern Virginia, where I live. I'm sure the differences are more obvious between Canada and Southern Virginia.

    Where I live there are many German Baptists. The women always wear white or black bonnets and the men grow out long beards and wear black felt hats. They look a little like Amish people, but they are not Amish, they are not even mennonnite or dunkards. They are German Baptists.

    In my area I am never mistaken for a muslim woman or a woman of middle eastern descent. I look like a normal, round, maternal country woman. I am a Hillbilly. I look like a hillbilly and most folks just think I am a christian country-woman who is trying to honor her husband and follow the Lord. I realize that other areas of the world do not have this same comfort when they see a woman in a covering or veil or bonnet. I actually had no idea it was as controvercial as it seems to be, until I discovered the high emotions it brings out here on the Baptist Boards.

    In Minnesota my mom wears a prarie bonnet, instead of a veil. This is how she has chosen to cover her head. She started doing it soon after I did. Other people will look at you funny sometimes when you wear a covering, but most folks are pretty relaxed about it. I think the feeling one has about it inside one's own heart sort of reflects out to the rest of the populace.

    When we travel I will sometimes get a few more stares than I do here at home, but really it is a lot less of an issue that one would suspect. I often have folks ask about it, especially other women. I always explain it to the best of my ability because really, that is all I can do.

    I wear a short scarf type of covering, with my hair down. I was wearing my hair up, but folks were confusing me with the German Baptists, so I decided to wear it down instead. I also wear shoes with buckles which they don't do, in order to set myself apart. Six of one, half dozen of the other. If you want to see what my veil or scarf looks like, then click on my profile, I have my picture there. I hope this addresses some of the questions which were raised. If you have any others, please feel free to ask.
     
  9. Gina B

    Gina B Active Member

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    It doesn't even look like it's on your head. What's the point if it doesn't cover your head? :confused:
    Gina
     
  10. Jim1999

    Jim1999 <img src =/Jim1999.jpg>

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    Good grief! Charlie Brown. It's the great pumpkin.
     
  11. Miss Maggie

    Miss Maggie New Member

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    I have longer ones I wear, the one in my profile is my short summer version. I keep them on with little clippies in the front, and a couple of bobby pin underneath on windy days. Below is a picture of one of my longer ones.

    [​IMG]

    I don't know which type of covering is best for every woman. God hasn't revealed that much to me. I only know which kind is best for me. Any one who is interested in headcovering is welcome to email me or PM me. I offer a free white one (short or long)to anyone who is interested in it. They come with little pockets for the clippies to fit into, so they don't show so much.

    HCL, thank you for sharing your testimony with the rest of us. I have read about how you feel the spirit of protection on you as a result of your veiling. I wonder if you could share more about this with us.

    Blessings
    :)Maggie
     
  12. Gina B

    Gina B Active Member

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    It still doesn't look like it's covering your head, just the back of your hair and part of your back.
    I'm not being mean or arguing, I'm serious. If it's worn for a headcovering shouldn't it start in front, like right after your forehead?
    Gina
     
  13. Miss Maggie

    Miss Maggie New Member

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    Hey Gina, I never thought about it, so I don't have a good answer for you. I wear them the way that works best for my head. I have tried to figure these things out on my own, because I haven't had any one to give me examples. The way I wear them seems to do the job they need to do, so I guess that is the best answer I can give. If you have any other questions, feel free to ask. Maybe I'll have better answers for the next one. [​IMG] :D [​IMG] :D
     
  14. Clint Kritzer

    Clint Kritzer Active Member
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    The denominational sect known as the "German Baptists" are more closely affiliated with the Mennonite or Brethren communities than what most modern readers would call "Baptists." The term is derived from the German Schwarzenau Täufer. This group of people, like the Mennonites, have direct ties to the Anabaptist of the pre-Reformation era and are not descendent of the Thomas Helwys churches to which most of us claim ties.

    I just wanted to clear any confusion on this matter. The German Baptists, like the Mennonites, are our close doctrinal cousins, but they are not what most of us would describe as "Baptists." The name is derived from their immersion techniques for baptism, just as is our's.
     
  15. GrannyGumbo

    GrannyGumbo <img src ="/Granny.gif">

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    Awesome testimonies, Miss Maggie and Headcoveredlady! They got me to thinking about when I was little and all the ladies wore hats to church. Even now some old photos or such, shows women in hats. The men always removed theirs when they entered the church house.

    I remember wearing gloves to church until I was an older teen. Sometimes I'd run around with a bandana on my head(I think they call it a "doo-rag" today)...but I can remember how "good" I felt.

    Of course, at that time, I didn't know it was "safety" I was experiencing but after reading what y'all have written, it had to be!

    The daughters wear hats from time to time, I've only worn headbands or a make-do snood. I think I am going to go surfing and dig a little deeper on all this because I truly believe y'all were led here for a purpose.

    I can't believe how my life has changed from just a few years ago and it's exciting to think what God has yet in store for the granny. [Of course, I know too, will come more opposition, but I will stand fast, as always.]
     
  16. Pastor_Bob

    Pastor_Bob Well-Known Member

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    We have a large "pocket" of a group called "Old German Baptist Brethren" in a town 30 miles from here. They drive tractors or horse drawn carriages. The women wear a bonnet type of covering on their head and mostly homemade clothing. The men grow beards and wear black hats.

    My tax preparer is a member of this group. Out of curiousity, I asked her some questions. They believe in "foot washing," and "the holy kiss" to name a few of the differences in them and our church.
     
  17. Miss Maggie

    Miss Maggie New Member

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    Granny Gumbo, I just love to read the stories you share. They are funny and interesting, and they really give me insight to where our society has been. I think this makes it easier to understand where we are going as a people (straight to our Creator's open arms I reckon :D [​IMG] )

    Clint, thank you for clarifying the denominational differences between German Baptists and other Baptists. I know woefully little about the difference between one type of baptist and another, so I appreciate your help.
     
  18. Clint Kritzer

    Clint Kritzer Active Member
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    I found a site that gives a little overview of the German Baptists and the schisms which have emerged in their ranks since 1708.

    http://www.cob-net.org/docs/groups.htm#Schwarzenau Brethren

    Unfortunately, I am unable to link you directly. On the page that loads, click the link entitled "German Baptists Brethren."

    These Anabaptist sects are rather prevalent down in the hills of Virginia.
     
  19. GrannyGumbo

    GrannyGumbo <img src ="/Granny.gif">

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    WoW~thanks for the website! One never knows what will be gleaned from these places! My favorite thing I love to do since I learned the ways of the www, is to visit all the churches. I love looking at the buildings, especially if they're old & the pastors' sermons are a bonus.
     
  20. Jim1999

    Jim1999 <img src =/Jim1999.jpg>

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    We have a very large group of German Baptists in Alberta and some in Ontario, but they don't run about in funny hats or just dresses...in fact, they look and act like Baptists..I think it is called the North American General Baptist Conference (close).

    Cheers,

    Jim
     
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