Praying Always

I came across this article and discussion which specifically addresses the Sikh - and the topic is one that is very close to others of us who are not Sikh: "Can one pray to GOD with head uncovered?" Of course, the words of my question here are not the words used in the article, where Sikh tradition, ritual and culture are being discussed. But when I initially skimmed through this article, I found several interesting thoughts - in that prayer is indeed a blessing and is more than outward ritual. Of course, when one covers their head or removes their shoes, for the Sikh, this is an outward sign of their highest respect and regard.

As a Christian, I also understand a reasoning for covering my head in respect during prayer. It is not always the most opportune situation when I may feel a desire to pray. Does this mean that because I cannot kneel, or have a chance to cover completely, or have someone present to pray with me, that I should not pray at all? By no means! I will always attempt to pray in the best circumstances that I can, with proper regard for GOD and for prayer itself, which is a wondrous privilege. But if it is not all that prayer can and should be, then should one refrain from prayer? What if unbelievers are present? Or I'm in a place where things may be going on that I do not take part in? Or if I have forgotten a scarf when I left the house in a hurry?

I know that some women will wear covering 24/7, just in case they want to pray at any moment. Does that mean that GOD will not hear prayers of the uncovered? That I "sin" if I am not covered I offer up a prayer? What do you think?

Perhaps you will be interested in some of the comments at "sikhchic.com | The Art and Culture of the Diaspora | The Roundtable Open Forum: Round Three".

"Canadian-designed hijab lets girls play sports safely"

CTV News | Canadian-designed hijab lets girls play sports safely

Photos and video included.

Dispelling the myth that headcoverings are limiting in what a girl can or cannot do under them. I read recently of a man who traveled to Iran, and during his travels was surprised yet satisfied at the young woman who explained to him that headcovering was "just the way it was" and was not bother to her. Headcoverings are not as hot and uncomfortable as I used to think either.

It's good to keep an open mind.

"Experimenting with Headcoverings"

The Anchoress: Experimenting with Headcoverings. | Little Miss Attila

Short and sweet and practical too. A sort of middle road opinion.

I do believe they are a good idea for women in public worship, at least on a theoretical level. I prefer scarves or caps for women, as brimmed hats seem a bit anti-social: no one loves a nice hat like I do, but anything with a brim is likely to cut off the other parishioners’/congregants’ view of the mass/service. (I know, I know: I ought not to care about seeing the human beings, but as a practical matter one must at least be able to see the person leading the music, so one knows when to sing, vs. when the choir is carrying the load.)

I suppose I think it’s good that someone women are wearing them, and that some are not. The women who wear them minister, in a way, to other worshippers who need to “up their game.” They certainly are likely to enhance their own focus. Those who are not wearing them minister to newcomers, and Easter-Lily types.

So I shall have to be, once again, a squishy in-the-middle sort of person on this, just as I was on the question of how casually one ought to dress for church. (My feeling was, well enough not to distract anyone, but not well enough that one would distract anyone. Attractively, but not provocatively. No bare shoulders unless the AC is busted.)

Now, that link in this article... click where it says "a good idea" above. Good reading there.

History and Romance - Studies in H.C.

Lucy has been busy lately finding articles about headcovering that are both informative and illustrative (they include nice photos). :) Thank you, Lucy, for forwarding these links!

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Romantic History Historical Clothing includes a short article describing and detailing how to make a pretty "classical cap". The author, Sarah Jane, describes:

"Although this cap is not taken directly from any particular period, I think it looks best with late 18th century and early 19th century styled/inspired gowns since the way the crown is shaped conveniently accommodates the hairstyles of the time. This pattern could also be used for a cozy nightcap, made out of cotton for summertime wear or flannel (wool or canton) for cooler weather."

"Tignon Laws in Louisiana" is an article in "19th-century American Women--a museum in a blog", depicting a 19th century headcovering of another sort, the "tignon".

A tignon is a series of headscarves or a large piece of material tied or wrapped around the head to form a kind of turban resembling a West African gélé.

It was the mandatory headwear for Creole women in Louisiana during the Spanish colonial period, and the style was adopted throughout the Caribbean island communities as well.

On Gender Distinction

"Baptist Press - FIRST-PERSON: Boys wearing skirts to school and sexual sanity - News with a Christian Perspective"
by Albert Mohler Jr.

This article contains some good thoughts about the differences between men and women, boys and girls - and various cultures - from a conservative Christian perspective. I believe that part of the reason for many people's problems with women covering their head, or their hair, stems from the confused perception that men and women are really not different, except in who can give birth and who can use a standing urinal. Even the problem with men who choose to cover can be traced to this uniformitarian-ish attitude that everyone should fit the current cultural norm regardless of gender or anything else.

As soon as I began to understand more about the differences between us women and men, then I saw more sense to the point of head covering, modest and feminine dress, gender "roles" and strengths, and what propriety means in general. Women were lied to, and told that unless they were a man then they were worthless. Men have been lied to and told that unless they explore and develop their "feminine" side they are worthless. Here's a couple of quotes from this article that I am on the side of:

"Clothes are never a frivolity -- they always mean something." ~ James Laver


Kay Hymowitz of the Manhattan Institute argues that this is one reason that so many schools have shifted to students wearing uniforms. "It's hard enough to get students to concentrate on an algorithm," she reminds, "even without Jimmy sitting there in lipstick and fake eyelashes."


The controversy over boys wearing skirts to school is a symptom of our loss of sexual sanity and the will to preserve any reasonable and healthy understanding of gender.


God made human beings to show His glory, and an essential part of that glory is the visible difference between males and females that is reflected even in the public presentation of dress.

One Muslim Girl's Decision

"Middle school tests Va. Muslim girl's decision to wear head scarf - washingtonpost.com"

And with a video too. I like this girl. I'm wondering if there is a head covering lady out there who can't relate to many of the things that this girl thought and experienced as she chose to start wearing a head scarf to school. Please read and watch and consider.

Smar Abuagla is 13 years old and a typical American teenager. She also happens to wear a head scarf at school. In her own words, she describes how she arrived at this decision and how her classmates have come to regard her.

Who the Head Covering is For

"The head covering - Black Preaching Network"

The question was asked in this forum : "My wife is a prophetess and wants to know is the heading covering still necessary, because people come at her as though she is a muslim, but she only living according to 1 Cor 11 th chapter!"

(The picture here is from a news article from a long time ago that I liked and wanted to use. In this photo the women are wearing the "doily" style headcovering, but I know of several Christian women who use the traditional hair wrap style -- and I think it is most becoming. - LisaM)

Here is one response at the forum:

Reply by Bishop R.G.Mallory -- "The covering is appropiate however there is no need to call attention to oneself. the covering in the scripture fit with the customs of the society hence the vail. your wife can wear a hat or some kind of Scarf wrapped the way sisters wrap them and the only people that will know she is obeying 1 Cor 11 is you, her and your church family. The Doctrine of head covering is for the church not sinners therfore it should not be used as something to witness. Nor should churches grab unsuspecting visitors to make them conform. It is the Doctrine of the church for the church! why have a sinner cover her head?"

Something to think about. People do have a problem with thinking that "if a headcovering draws attention, then it goes against modesty and is unnecessary". So listen to this thought, ladies: your headcovering is not a witness. Right? How many women have said, especially as beginners, they do NOT wear head coverings to draw attention to themselves, or to proclaim that they think that they are "holier" than anyone else. So many who do not believe that the head covering is necessary bring this up. But consider - that is NOT what the Christian woman is wearing a head covering for. Many times the poor thing is embarrassed to act on her desire to be obedient to GOD because she is worried that she will cause others to think that maybe she is trying to look like she's better than they are. But the headcovering, as stated by this man so simply, is for her, for her husband, and for her church family. So think of the modesty passages in other scriptures, and dress accordingly with your headcovers - avoid the sparkles, and eye-catching colors, and wild hats, and other "frippery". And, men who believe in headcovering, please be patient with the unbelieving women. Forcing a headcovering to make someone conform is like baptizing a baby who has no choice in the matter, or feeding the LORD's supper to someone who cannot discern the body and the blood of Christ. Are you thinking, better safe than sorry? Wait a minute. You cannot save anyone. Obeying laws cannot save anyone. Give the example of the older or believing women a chance to teach the Word without a word but by the beautiful manner of their lives. (Not meaning to preach to you or judge your motives, men and women, but this is my opinion at this point; I hope you understand where I'm coming from and what I'm trying to explain, from my point of view).

Though others may not understand what the headcovering is for, pray that they find letters like this one, or any of the blogs and articles written by the Christian women who have chosen to cover their heads. It is done in obedience to GOD, in deference to their husbands and other messengers of GOD, in reflection of the creation order, in the attempt to hide their own glory of their hair when in fact the emphasis during prayer and speaking the words of GOD should be on GOD's glory.

What do you think, readers?

Headcoverings Manditory in Hospitals

Head coverings are manditory in hospitals. Not banned, as we've read recently concerning one lady doctor in Texas, USA. And not just any head covering - they must cover all of the hair.

Yes, if it's a health issue, as we've seen in Australia, then "forcing" one to cover their head and hair is completely OK. No one complains that the supervisory powers are bullies, or are demeaning to the staff. And it can be a federal policy.

So what is the problem with people not wanting Muslim women and Sikh men doctors and other professional physicians to cover their head and/or hair again?

"St. Francis Hospital In Hartford Is On Probation For One Year -- Courant.com"

"The investigation report also cited several problems with hospital facilities.

. . .

"Meanwhile, the report said, numerous staff members in operating suites were wearing head coverings that failed to completely cover their hair, even while they were directly over or within direct contact of the surgical sites."

Yes, I did notice that it says "operating suites". Which is kinda funny, because if hair is not a good thing during surgery, then how is it OK during any other procedure? Wouldn't it be wise to allow head and hair coverings in other suites as well? Of course, I've not studied medicine.

Off Topic - Foot Covering Contest

Excuse me, everyone. I am only human, and I would dearly like to own and wear a pair of these Whooga Ugg Boots. I thought maybe you all would be interested too?



"Win a pair of ugg boots in 2 simple steps. Open to everyone in every country!"

Click the image above.



Here's what the factory has to say about their product:

"You've found the world’s most comfortable ugg boots. The thicker merino sheepskin used in our ugg boots cools your toes in summer and warms in winter to produce a supremely comfortable 22 degree constant temperature. Unlike other footwear, ugg boots are made from a natural insulator. Constantly circulating air prevents heat exchange keeping you comfortable regardless of the temperature. With thicker sheepskin we offer greater insulation, comfort and strength."

(all images are from the Whooga webiste)