How does a woman start wearing a covering?
Question:
I've read a few of your statements on head coverings and find it interesting. How exactly can a woman begin to wear some sort of head covering within a church where this is not practiced or even mentioned? The key is to not present it as though they are "showing off" or having others feel as though that person believes they are a "better Christian" because of that piece of cloth? Our church is going through many changes lately -- new minister, new ideas, restructuring of the Sunday services, etc. So I know it's a time of change but I don't know our specific Church's stance on this practice so I'm not sure if it would be taken offensively. Also, would it only be worn when praying? Or just during the whole service from start to finish?
Answer:
I know of no better answer than to simply do it. My own wife carries a covering with her Bible. When she sits down for worship, she puts it on and at the end, she takes it off. She doesn't put it on and take it off with each prayer since doing so messes up her hair. She doesn't call attention to it. She'll answer women's questions about it if they ask, but she doesn't go out of her way to tell others they must wear a head covering -- she knows that it must be a personal choice. When asked, she presents the passages and evidence that God had asked women to wear them.
It is amazing, though, how some immediately take offense for something that another woman does for herself. Some of the women here who began wearing coverings because of her example generally get some flack when they first begin. The only reason I can think that it happens is because it embarrasses the women who chose not to wear a covering to have their choice noticeable. When I am asked, I point out that something done must be done in faith. "Do you have faith? Have it to yourself before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves. But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does not eat from faith; for whatever is not from faith is sin" (Romans 14:22-23). If you have been convinced from the Scriptures that you should wear a covering, then do so, being confident that you are following God's will. However, if you are uncertain that it is right, then study the subject more.
