The Barn at the Homestead

The Barn at the Homestead

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

They call themselves covered Christians . . .

'...any woman who prays or prophesies with her head unveiled disgraces her head—it is one and the same thing as having her head shaved. 6For if a woman will not veil herself, then she should cut off her hair; but if it is disgraceful for a woman to have her hair cut off or to be shaved, she should wear a veil. '  From I Corinthians 11

Many years ago, I fancied myself with a veil; I had longed to be a sister with All Saints Sisters of the Poor http://www.asspconvent.org/.  A very wise Mother Superior suggested that I receive a college education before returning to convent life--and, as the saying goes, the rest is history.  I met and married a wonderful man,  adopted a beautiful daughterafter many struggles to have children and later became an Episcopal priest.  Many years later, my beloved All Saints' Sisters left the Episcopal Church for Rome http://catholicreview.org/article/life/10-episcopal-nuns-in-archdiocese-of-baltimore-to-join-catholic-church, which is a profound loss for the Anglican communion!  But I've thought about that veil for a long time.

The lessons and love learned in the Catonsville setting never left me, and I recall the desire to wear a veil continued long after the reality of being a sister left.  For years, I wrestled with the length of my hair--the only Bible my husband ever quoted me was that "it is disgraceful for a women to have her hair cut," sweet man that he is!

For several years now, I have studied Headcoverings--I've read countless blogs, articles, and studied numerous documents and paintings.  And I have noticed an amazing number of Christian woman who post on line who are also intrigued by headcovering--and many who do.  Mennonites, Amish , Hutterites and some other Christian women wear a variety of prayer caps.  There are many good websites that may be consulted for patterns.  At one point in my walk with the Episcopal Church, hats and chapel veils were popular.  But for many reasons, hats and chapel veils are rarely a part of the wardrobe.  This history of Headcoverings is a fascinating study. 
Wearing a biretta at a Tea in Meridian, MS

As a priest, I do not cover my head-- and I am not likely to, unless I wear a biretta http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biretta.  I often do wear a headband or barrette. And as you can see from a few pictures, I've donned a hat or two in my ministry!   But I continue to find myself drawn to headcovering for some strange reason.  I am so grateful for the women in my life who do "cover" and for those who allow me to be a part of their lives. For many, it is out of deep religious conviction that they cover; they are women of faith--albeit different from my own--yet we share a common bond in Christ Jesus.  I'll continue to read and explore and listen!  God is always inviting us!



My Fruit of the Spirit Hat from a preaching series
on the Fruits of the Spirit



"Veiled" at Vacation Bible School