Instruction in women's attire from the early Church

What follows is a selection of quotes from early fathers on veiling and women's attire. I'll let them speak for themselves.

But we admonish you, too, women of the second (degree of) modesty, who have fallen into wedlock, not to outgrow so far the discipline of the veil, not even in a moment of an hour, as, because you cannot refuse it, to take some other means to nullify it, by going neither covered nor bare.
(...) Arabia's heathen females will be your judges, who cover not only the head, but the face also, so entirely, that they are content, with one eye free, to enjoy rather half the light than to prostitute the entire face.
(...)
It is incumbent, then, at all times and in every place, to walk mindful of the law, prepared and equipped in readiness to meet every mention of God; who, if He be in the heart, will be recognised as well in the head of females. To such as read these (exhortations) with good will, to such as prefer Utility to Custom, may peace and grace from our Lord Jesus Christ redound

- Tertullian, "On the Veiling of Virgins." approx 200 AD

"Let the woman observe this, further. Let her be entirely covered, unless she happens to be at home. For that style of dress is grave, and protects from being gazed at. And she will never fall, who puts before her eyes modesty, and her shawl; nor will she invite another to fall into sin by uncovering her face. For this is the wish of the Word, since it is becoming for her to pray veiled." [Clement, The Instructor 3.12]
Clement of Alexandria, Egypt, approx 190 AD

"And let all the women have their heads covered with an opaque cloth, not with a veil of thin linen, for this is not a true covering."
-- Hippolytus (200 AD), Apostolic Tradition

“Woman, because she was created by being drawn from man’s side, is constantly trying to return to him. She desires the original unity of one flesh and one bone. The desire for unity between man and woman is a mirror of the relationship between Christ and the soul. As woman longs for union with man in human relationships, she is also drawn to unity with God. He calls her to become one with Him: to come under His side and become flesh of His flesh and bone of His bone. This occurs during reception of the Eucharist. The covering of the head with a veil symbolizes the reality of woman sheltered in the side of her Source and becoming one with Him. She becomes covered and hidden in her Divine Spouse.”

~ St. John Chrysostom, Father and Doctor of the Church

Random Rant: Headcovering 101.

You've seen us sitting in the backs of Catholic Churches, waiting to go to confession, or neatly lined up with twelve children against the hard-backed pew. You've seen us hanging around the Halal meat market in the arab district. Pushing strollers with long-lashed, smiling children. Sitting together sharing a laugh on a bench in the park. Driving by in fancy cars with tinted windows. Waiting in line in airports or movie theaters.


You've openly stared, then avoided our eyes if our paths crossed. You may have smiled. You may have frowned.


No matter who you are, you have an opinion about what we do. No matter who we are, we have a reason for what we do. We are veiled women, and every day there are more of us.


Why do we cover?


We do it for the glory of God. Women have been veiling, mostly for religious and practical reasons, since the beginning of time. Evidence of this can be seen in archeology and historical writings, and there is no use enumerating here the many reasons, styles, and seasons the feminine veil has gone through. Needless to say that when a woman makes the decision to veil, be it during worship, in certain situations, or all the time, she enters a sisterhood of grace which only the veiled can understand.


I have talked before about my personal experiences with veiling, my upbringing, and my personal reasons for veiling. I have also discussed that in my own journey, I have an addiction to the very things which, to other women, are designed as "challenges" or "penances" for salvific purposes. Some people need to pray more. I, on the other hand, need to learn to pray while SERVING more.


Just as I am currently called to detach from my beloved Carmelite order, in order to live Carmelite spirituality all the more, so I am called to somewhat detach from my beloved act of perpetual veiling, in order to live what veiling represents all the more. For me, it is, as they say, a great mystery of life and salvation.

Not that I am saying I am saved by my veil (or lack thereof) but rather that I am in a constant relationship with my veil daily, which purifies my soul as I struggle and obey, struggle and obey. It is a physical

representation of an inner battle, and of an inner truth.


Of the major religious bodies represented on the earth, veiling can certainly be considered "traditional" or at least "cultural" in all of them. Because I am a Catholic, I will deal here with the Catholic concept of headcovering, but will give practical tips for any "style" of headcovering at the end.


The theology of the Veil is based in the foundation of the Church, the source and summit of our lives: the Eucharist. Sacramentally, it represents to us the privilege of a woman's dignity and the sanctity of her vocation.






As I said, the veil is eucharistic in nature. In the beginning, Genesis tells us, woman was created from the side of man. St John Chrysostom (who also advocated against women wearing makeup, for similar reasons, especially at church) compares this creation to the creation of the Church. To paraphrase, he says that as Eve was brought forth from Adam's side, so the Church was brought into being from Christ's pierced side on the cross. Practically, this means that man's vocation is to symbolize Christ and His love for His Church, and woman's vocation is to represent the Church in her love for Christ (see Ephesians 5) It also explains the feminine desire to "return to man's side" and the Church's desire to "return to Christ's side," to be One.






Just as when man and woman are sacramentally married, uniting into one two things which, from the beginning, should have been one, so is the Church united to Christ through the eucharist, which is the consommation of the heavenly marriage. This is what a veiled woman and a veiled man represent, which is why in the presence of the Eucharist, a man's head should be uncovered, and a woman's head should be covered, to symbolize the Church's receptivity and love and submission to Christ, her responsiveness to Christ, her "yes."


It is clear, even for protestant women, although many have invented all sorts of reasons why it is a scripture not to be obeyed, that 1 Corinthians 11 describes the veiling of women.






2 I praise you for remembering me in everything and for holding to the traditions just as I passed them on to you. 3 But I want you to realize that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God. 4 Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head. 5 But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head—it is the same as having her head shaved. 6 For if a woman does not cover her head, she might as well have her hair cut off; but if it is a disgrace for a woman to have her hair cut off or her head shaved, then she should cover her head.

7 A man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God; but woman is the glory of man. 8 For man did not come from woman, but woman from man; 9 neither was man created for woman, but woman for man. 10 It is for this reason that a woman ought to have authority over her own head, because of the angels. 11 Nevertheless, in the Lord woman is not independent of man, nor is man independent of woman. 12 For as woman came from man, so also man is born of woman. But everything comes from God.

13 Judge for yourselves: Is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered? 14 Does not the very nature of things teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a disgrace to him, 15 but that if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For long hair is given to her as a covering. 16 If anyone wants to be contentious about this, we have no other practice—nor do the churches of God.


There are many available teachings on this passage throughout the internet, so I will spare you the lesson, and I will focus on just one sentence in this passage: "because of the angels." (v 10)


During the passover, the israelites were instructed to use hyssop to paint a sign with the blood of the lamb over their doorposts, in order to make a 'sign for the angels,' who would be passing through to kill the firstborn children of the egyptians, a sign that God's servants lived inside. To me, the veil is this same sign... a sign of the blood of the lamb, a covering, a representation of the covenant (as a wedding ring symbolizes the covenant between man and woman, the sacramental union of man and wife.) between the Bride and Christ, through which a woman is heard and protected.... a sign "because of the angels." Another reason is that the angels atop the ark of the covenant had their heads covered with their wings. the Glory of the Lord rested atop these angels when He came upon the ark and dwelt with His people.


Because women are called to be "like Mary," the New Ark of the Covenant (who, incidentally is always veiled in her apparitions and in her representations and was throughout her life on earth) we are called to be "Set apart" and holy. In the old testament, the Holy of Holies, in the temple, was veiled, as was Mount Sinai (in clouds) when the Glory of God came upon it. Mary's body was a tabernacle, thus she was veiled in her splendor... as are our tabernacles today (ideally! :P)


In the ark of the covenant, God's glory overshadowed the covered angels as he overshadowed covered Mary to be with His people. Like Mary, a veiled woman becomes hidden, or "covered" in her Spouse.






In Catholic tradition, consecrated women (nuns) veil ALL of the time, because they represent this symbol of the Church at all times in the world. Lay women, however, veil in the presence of the Eucharist (either at home when a priest is bringing them communion or when inside the church building where the Eucharist is present) because it is at this time that they "receive" and "say yes" to their heavenly spouse. Participation in veiling at mass by lay women, then , began to dwindle as Catholic people lost their reverence for the Eucharist, and will rightly rectify the problem of disrespect for the Eucharist we see daily in Catholic churches the world over today. If you are a woman and desire to see more people approach the Eucharist as LORD, I encourage you to veil.


Further, I could probably go on for hours about the sacredness of the female body with regards to it's symbolism in God's economy of salvation. Women are set apart for this reason.... we participate in creation, our bodies nurture and feed new life, and in our bodies miracles are made. God uses female symbolism to increase our understanding of his creation, which is a whole blog by itself. Many, many women veil for modesty... in so far as they "cover" themselves away from prying, human eyes. Have you ever covered your entire body and gone out in public? Even if you do not regularly veil, I challenge you to try it... for you will see the liberty it gives you to rest in God and escape the harsh, polluted world full of sexual depravity and objectification. Who you are becomes much more important than how you look.



A woman's veil is the "sealed garden" of Song 4:12 who produces fruit reserved for God.


"A garden locked is my sister, my bride;" says the Divine Lover, and the beloved responds: "Let my beloved come to his garden, and eat its choicest fruits."


No, it is not a sin not to cover. But when we consider the beauty and richness of symbolism for the Catholic woman, not to veil seems.... a loss.






So how do we begin? For many women, who will veil only in church and during liturgy, it simply means going to any of the numerous sites where Chapel veils are available for purchase and keeping one in your purse for those times when you happen to enter a church where the Eucharist is present. For other women, there will be other situations to veil in, or different styles. Perhaps because their own personal or family culture will be represented in their veiling choices. Here is a guide to the basic styles you might see around that interest you.








THE TRADDIE LOOK






This is the first and foremost look to explore for Catholic women. My favorite place to purchase mantillas and chapel veils is through the Roman Catholic Sacramentals Foundation, but they are available in many other places as well. (Try a google search for "chapel veils" or "mantillas" and always check e-bay for good prices.) Note that modesty is a very important thing for a Catholic woman and thus most traditional Catholic women will probably give you the once over if they see you veiling in church but wearing an immodest outfit. This goes for pretty much ANY veil style you might choose. The general rule is to ask yourself: "What would Mary wear?" We know that Mary has said in her apparition at Fatima that "certain fashions would arise that would offend Our Lord very much."


Thus we avoid such fashions, focusing instead on looking pleasant and sensible and pure. Holy Mother Church has given us a wonderful guideline for such fashions: "A dress cannot be called decent which is cut deeper than two fingers' breadth under the pit of the throat;; which does not cover the arms at least to the elbows; and scarcely reaches a bit beyond the knees. Furthermore, dresses of transparent material are improper." (The Cardinal vicar of Pope Pius XI) It should go without saying, then, not to wear backless or sleeveless dresses, skirts above the knee, etc etc. For more information about modesty, click here.


As for the wearing of a chapel veil or mantilla, it is quite simple: you literally place it on top of your head. It will stay just fine, unless you have small children or live somewhere quite windy, in which case you can purchase a few bobby pins to keep the veil in place. Weave them through the lace (don't worry, it won't wreck it) and into your pulled up hair. If you like this look but don't have the patience for bobby pins or have a very active baby, you can always purchase a lace snood from a specialty jewish shop or from garlands of grace (I LOVE theirs) that has ties on either side for ease of use but is still so pretty and girly. Here I am wearing one at our youngest's baptism and I quite like the look...lacy and pretty but super convenient.






But don't be mistaken, the Chapel Veil, without ties, is super easy to wear, even for little girls. My daughter loves hers:












In fact, it's the single easiest and most fun style to wear with your daughters. And it helps to teach them that something sacred is about to happen.... who would want to miss out on that?

















TZNIUS LOOK:






This is the typical Jewish look with all or most of the hair covered in front and either an open, triangular tie with the ends hanging or a snood style (closed back with the hair enclosed) In the picture I am actually wearing two different scarves, one rectangular one to hold the hair in place and one thin cotton square one on top.


Turban-type looks also fall in this category although I'm not a fan. Observant Jewish women cover their hair at all times (some even at night!) and again, modesty rules apply (minimum of 3/4 length skirts and sleeves and loose around the curves.) This look can be achieved with a long rectangular scarf or with (my preference) a large square scarf which you fold over into a triangle and knot at the back of the head like a big bandana. This look is very easy to wear and will keep your veil secure and your hair out of the way, so I highly recommend it for those of you with active lifestyles and kids. Your neck will show, so if you aren't comfortable with that wear a turtleneck. I purchase scarves for this look from two Jewish suppliers: Tznius.com and ModestWorld.com. I have also used large square hijabs for this look but they are a little bit larger, making it a bigger challenge for the beginning veiler. I also recommend this (or it's smaller twin, the actual bandana) for sports, housework and what not, since it is so easy to keep in place. In my experience keeping your hair in a tight bun and out of the way makes this style easier to keep in place. Be forewarned... this style is "different" out here in the west, so you will get lots of stares, even from Muslimahs in full hijab, LOL. What an adventure! :P For that reason, this is usually my "in the house" look and not so much what I would wear going out.








THE EURO/ RUSSIAN LOOK






This is typically called a "Babushka" and consists of a medium sized colorful scarf (usually cotton, wool , or silk) which is simply knotted around the FRONT of the chin as opposed to behind the head. This look is easier to get away with if your clothes are not as modest as the clothes I described above, since it is very forgiving as far as fashion goes... hello, Audrey Hepburn anyone? A variation of this look is a VERY loosely draped long rectangular scarf that frames the face but still shows the neck and hair, usually knotted or looped and thrown over the shoulder one side. I use this look a LOT (I sometimes do this with a large chapel veil, too.) It's very practical when you have kids and bags and things to tote around, easy on, easy off, and is -almost- so "simple" and basic looking that people don't do a triple take (or open mouthed stare) when they see you with it. I would buy scarves for this look at the Italian Scarf store (or ask anyone's grandma, they usually have a few extras. Also, I buy pashminas for this look. They are awesome because you can wear them as a neck scarf and then just pull them up real quick for prayer, and quite honestly, they are not as noticeable as a covering in our society, especially in the winter! When I wear them like that, it looks something like this:





















EASTERN/ARAB LOOK






This is pretty much the classic hijab look and can be done with a similar colored underscarf or with a different style/pattern underneath to hold the scarf in place. This style requires (yes, requires if you're going to be doing anything other than standing still) pinning in place and is the most "difficult" of the headcovering styles to learn to wear. Or rather, it has the biggest learning curve. Very important to remember if you are going for this look is that if your neck shows, you have missed the mark. I can pretty much guarantee that if you wear your scarf like this nearly everyone will assume you are a muslim, even though many greek and russian orthodox women dress like this daily (my husband prefers me to wear a visible cross on my person when I wear full hijab so that people are aware that I am not a muslim.) I have to say, this is my FAVORITE of all the scarf wearing possibilities, but it is also the least practical and the most challenging. Very simple things become a challenge in full hijab, such as going out to breakfast and realizing that whether you eat bacon with your eggs or not, people are judging you. Here in our conservative military community, Islam is not exactly considered a blessing so people have gotten angry with me, first for being muslim, and then later for representing myself as one when they saw me dressed that way. Again, in our culture, at least, Islam owns this look, so it takes guts and glory to pull it off in most situations if you are NOT muslim, at least it has for me.There are practical solutions for making it easier, like getting really comfortable with the wrap style you are going to use before you ever try to leave the house with it, and exploring things like Al-Amirahs or kuwaiti hijabs which help for beginners. In the church proper, I have never had anyone complain to me about veiling this way, and I find that when I wear this style of veil (which again requires a very modest outfit) I am completely "protected" from creepy looks, gazes, and comments from men AND women. No one bothers me, it's as if I don't exist. Which makes it rather humbling, too. I buy most of my scarves from HijabGirl or from lots of random internet and IRL arab shops. I find it to be beautiful, prayerful, and an incredible visual reminder of WHY we veil... which, once again, is a great lesson for my daughters. (Note, in the picture below, that I have hair showing, which is considered a no-no for muslim women and one good clue that I might not be muslim when I wear it.)


















CLASSIC AMERICAN CHRISTIAN LOOK


The last look is one I rarely, but sometimes, sport and is a bit too "stuffy" and anglo and .... plain american for my olive oil and sunshine drenched taste, LOL. However there are times I think it's quite appropriate, like when a headcovering is too "wierd" for a certain situation, or just at home where you need things to be quick and easy. These are small kerchiefs that tie with a tie under the pony tail or braid and which are often held in place by barrettes on either side. You can purchase them through any number of sweet little handmade web stores by scores of helpmeets and their daughters trying to make a buck, and they usually come in plain white or plain blue. Try googling "plain prayer coverings." or something similar. They are also very easy to make. As far as "traditionally" Christian, these are it (as opposed to the frilly and lacy mantillas and chapel veils of Catholicism, reserved for visits to the Blessed Sacrament in Church) and they make good partners for housework and the nitty gritty of life. Alongside these prayer coverings you will find traditional bonnets and caps. I classify those as "hats" but that's me. Regardless, they are super cute and will make everyone think you are amish or mennonite or a quaker (again with the cultural conundrum! :D) Sunbonnets are another practical option for moms with kids and oh so pretty.






What works for you will basically depend on what you feel called to do and how. Pray on it, try different styles, and see what happens. One day, something will stick, and when it does, you'll never be the same! Let me know if you have any questions or ideas I didn't mention here... Or if you sell your own headcoverings and want to let my readers know.

A modesty primer, for the curious.

Inevitably, as I write about and "put out there" some of my thoughts on an issue (via Twitter, Facebook, and right here) I get emails and responses from people who are also thinking about these things and have questions. Modesty is no different.
Today I got an email from someone who has been reading and thinking about modesty as well, but who is not really certain about where to begin and what it all means for HER.
Soooo, I thought that would be a great topic for a blog: an overview of modern clothing, some ideas on where to begin, etc etc.

First things first: History.
Historically speaking, women (and men, for that matter) have never been as "uncovered" as they are in our generation. Over time, of course, there have been fashions which rose and fell that exposed certain parts of our bodies (bustles, low bustlines.... hello?) But not until this century, and even the last forty years, have women been truly able to "bare all" the way that they do.
We have been fed the idea that this is liberation, this is freedom. But is it? It's up to you to decide. I'm not a fashion historian, but I think you'll agree that as a general rule, fashion used to be FAR more functional than flattering, and has always been about SAYING SOMETHING- making a message. If you were poor, your clothes said that you worked hard and suffered much.
If you were rich enough to afford new clothes, you chose clothes that said something about who you were. Things are not that different today, in that sense. Our clothes send a message. Modest clothes send the message that modesty is important to us.
Further, our clothes are no longer functional. Many of us have abstained from one activity or another because we were not "dressed for the occasion." What does that say about us since we are called in scripture to be "All things for all people?"

But what IS modest?

We live in a world where there are truly no more standards. Anything goes. Thus, nothing is truly shocking anymore... except radical modesty. In the city I live in, a military town, there is an abundance of "gentlemen's" (haha) clubs lining the main streets. Often times, in the late morning, strippers and their boyfriends will grab lunch and then head back to work. They do not cover up much from their "work clothes." At these moments, I've noticed, it is getting harder and harder to tell an ACTUAL stripper from a regular girl... and I've also noticed that while men continue to leer and women continue to look disgusted, very few people actually say anything to a woman dressed in a completely revealing outfit. Well, other than the whistling, cat calls, etc.
On the other hand, when I go out covered up, EVERYONE has something to say to me. It's very bizarre.
Because of this lack of standards, it's very hard to say what constitutes "modest" and what doesn't. Whereas one person may find admirable the wearing of something like this:


Another might find that totally immodest and prefer something like this:



But even then, another might see that and find it completely innapropriate, choosing instead to look like this: (and I love this picture because it was taken in my hometown and it just goes to show how totally DIFFERENT our concepts of modesty truly are...)



Even among women who wear Hijab (and thus completely observe a specific law of modesty) there is disagreement about what that entails... Abaya (overcoat) or not, cover face or not, etc. All this to say that I think the question is not so much "how much" to show but what the interior motives of your heart might be. In your particular faith tradition, there must be some sort of historical movement towards modesty and perhaps the wise choice would be to cling to that.

For example, I am a Catholic, and all traditional Catholics know that we women are called to a Mary-like modesty, to ask ourselves... would the Blessed Virgin Mary wear this? If that's too broad a question, it has been made real simple for us:

Imprimatur dated Sept. 24, 1956
"A dress cannot be called decent which is cut deeper than two fingers breadth under the pit of the throat; which does not cover the arms at least to the elbows; and scarcely reaches a bit beyond the knees. Furthermore, dresses of transparent materials are improper."
The Cardinal Vicar of Pius XII

In other words, anything LESS than this would be uncatholic and immodest, anything more, it follows, would be modest enough. Catholicism lends great importance to human dignity and to individual freewill and intention. Thus, for a Catholic to cover her face would probably not be ideal. That being said, there is nothing that says a Catholic can not do so.

Women of other faiths have other guidelines to go on.... Church fathers, certain pastors they like, rabbinical regulations or Quranic verse. Whatever the case may be, if you are personally exploring modesty as an option for yourself, I would start there.
The other thing I would try to remember is that it's not only about WHAT you cover it's about HOW you do it-- in other words, you can be wearing long sleeves and long pants but if they are skintight, it's not considered modest.

The second thing I would ask myself is: "Am I willing to adopt a modest ATTITUDE alongside my new modest clothing?" If you are not, then you might as well keep dressing the way you have been all along, because you haven't changed a thing. Clothes are just clothes. Modesty is designed to help us increase in the virtue of Chastity, by which we offer ourselves a living sacrifice to God, having rigorously trained the flesh to be in submission to the Spirit. The clothes are there to help the person fight the battles of the flesh.

The Headcovering issue.

I have done and redone the headcovering issue to death, so I won't do it again here, but suffice to say that I think it's pretty clear that all three major abrahamic faiths have the same standards of modesty and of headcovering. Thus, it is my personal opinion that women should veil. That being said-- the veil adds a whole new dimension to the modesty factor in your clothing AND makes a mark on you spiritually so that I recommend starting off by JUST switching to modest clothes, since veiling without modest clothes looks strange and defeats the purpose of veiling. Then, once you are comfortable with wearing modest clothes I recommend veiling for Church and prayer, not fulltime at first. As time goes on, you will decide if it's something you can do. But you cannot do it all right off the bat and then change your mind-- the effect that has on the "watchers" around you is very real.

So what happens when you start?

After selecting the type of clothes you are planning on wearing, of course, the next step is to actually wear them. This will need to be gradual if you are making a BIG change, and can be done right away without looking back if you are making small changes. For instance... my mother in law, parents, etc are still TOTALLY wierded out by my fashion choice. So in order not to shock them too much, I try to be more discreet and less obvious about what I'm doing when I'm around them(think: long sleeve shirt and long skirt + long bandana instead of an abaya and shayla wrap.)
That being said, I highly recommend just circling a date on your calendar, once you've been "trying it" a while, and just saying "From this day forward I will get rid of all my other clothes and not look back." For me, that day is August 15 of this year, the day of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into Heaven. :-)
Also, be aware: you will get looks, you will get questions, you will get cornered. Think ahead of time about how you will respond to different scenarios, because I cannot say enough how revolutionary the act of not showing one's body is in our society.

How do I start?

The biggest recommendation I can make to you is to shop online. The stores these days are full of garbage that is unusable to a modesty-conscious woman and I cannot tell you how much time and money you will save if you buy and plan your new wardrobe online. Start by going through your closet and bagging up all the things you will no longer be wearing. Then figure out what you need more of-- usually it's layering tees and longer skirts for most women.
There is a GREAT modest clothing directory for women of ALL faith backgrounds here:

http://www.modestclothes.com/

I would recommend starting there and then filling in with some basics you are missing (I'm STILL saving up for some long sleeve tissue tees!! Haha.)

Lots of people worry about how to overcome the heat. Let me be the first to tell you: heat is not an issue when you wear modest clothing in natural fabrics (ie not polyester.) It is waaaaaaay cooler in a light colored linen abaya and dress than it is in jeans and a tee shirt. WAY cooler. Infinitely cooler. So there's that. Avoid polyester like the plague in the summer. It traps all heat close to the body.

And that's basically it. If you think about your wardrobe TOO much you will defeat the whole purpose of modesty, I think. So pick something, pray about it, stick to it, and let me know how it goes!

Welcome to the sisterhood of the modest world. It's awesome here.



Further thoughts for Catholics:

Imprimatur dated Sept. 24, 1956
"A dress cannot be called decent which is cut deeper than two fingers breadth under the pit of the throat; which does not cover the arms at least to the elbows; and scarcely reaches a bit beyond the knees. Furthermore, dresses of transparent materials are improper."
The Cardinal Vicar of Pius XII
"The good of our soul is more important than that of our body; and we have to prefer the spiritual welfare of our neighbor to our bodily comforts. If a certain kind of dress constitutes a grave and proximate occasion of sin, and endangers the salvation of your soul and others, it is your duty to give it up. O Christian mothers, if you knew what a future of anxieties and perils, of ill-guarded shame you prepare for your sons and daughters, imprudently getting them accustomed to live scantily dressed and making them lose the sense of modesty, you would be ashamed of yourselves and you would dread the harm you are making of yourselves, the harm which you are causing these children, whom Heaven has entrusted to you to be brought up as Christians."
Pius XII to Catholic Young Women's Groups of Italy
THIS LEAFLET DISTRIBUTED BY: THE LEAGUE FOR MODESTY IN DRESS, NY
The Church speaks about Modesty
Pope Benedict XV has taught very clearly about modesty in an encyclical letter (Sacra Propediem, 1921), commemorating the 7th centenary of the founding of the Franciscan Third Order.


"One can not sufficiently deplore the blindness of so many women of every age and station. Made foolish by a desire to please, they do not see to what degree the indecency of their clothing shocks every honest man and offends God. Most of them would formerly have blushed for such apparel as for a grave fault against Christian modesty. Now it does not suffice to exhibit themselves on public thoroughfares; they do not fear to cross the threshold of churches, to assist at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, and even to bear the seducing food of shameful passions to the Eucharistic Table, where one receives the Heavenly Author of Purity."

1930 Letter of the Congregation of the Council

By virtue of the supreme apostolate which he wields over the Universal Church by Divine Will, our Most Holy Father Pope Pius XI has never ceased to inculcate, both verbally and by his writings, the words of St. Paul (1 Tim. xi,9-10), namely, "Women ... adorning themselves with modesty and sobriety ... and professing godliness with good works."

Very often, when occasion arose, the same Supreme Pontiff condemned emphatically the immodest fashion of dress adopted by Catholic women and girls -- which fashion not only offends the dignity of women and against her adornment, but conduces to the temporal ruin of the women and girls, and, what is still worse, to their eternal ruin, miserably dragging down others in their fall. It is not surprising, therefore, that all Bishops and other ordinaries, as is the duty of ministers of Christ, should in their own dioceses have unanimously opposed their depraved licentiousness and promiscuity of manners, often bearing with fortitude the derision and mockery leveled against them for this cause.

Therefore this Sacred Council, which watches over the discipline of clergy and people, while cordially commending the action of the Venerable Bishops, most emphatically exhorts them to persevere in their attitude and increase their activities insofar as their strength permits, in order that this unwholesome disease be definitely uprooted from human society.

In order to facilitate the desired effect, this Sacred Congregation, by the mandate of the Most Holy Father, has decreed as follows:




Exhortation to Those in Authority

1. The parish priest, and especially the preacher, when occasion arises, should, according to the words of the Apostle Paul (2 Tim. iv, 2), insist, argue exhort and command that feminine garb be based on modesty and womanly ornament be a defense of virtue. Let them likewise admonish parents to cause their daughters to cease wearing indecorous dress.

2. Parents, conscious of their grave obligations toward the education, especially religious and moral, to their offspring, should see to it that their daughters are solidly instructed, from earliest childhood, in Christian doctrine; and they themselves should assiduously inculcate in their souls, by word and example, love for the virtues of modesty and chastity; and since their family should follow the example of the Holy Family, they must rule in such a manner that all its members, reared within the walls of the home, should find reason and incentive to love and preserve modesty.

3. Let parents keep their daughters away from public gymnastic games and contests; but if their daughters are compelled to attend such exhibitions, let them see that they are fully and modestly dressed. Let them never permit their daughters to don immodest garb.

4. Superioresses and teachers in schools for girls must do their utmost to instill love of modesty in the hearts of maidens confided to their care and urge them to dress modestly.

5. Said Superioresses and teachers must not receive in their colleges and schools immodestly dressed girls, and should not even make an exception in the case of mothers of pupils. If, after being admitted, girls persist in dressing immodestly, such pupils should be dismissed.

6. Nuns, in compliance with the Letter dated August 23, 1928, by the Sacred Congregation of Religious, must not receive in their colleges, schools, oratories or recreation grounds, or, if once admitted, tolerate girls who are not dressed with Christian modesty; said Nuns, in addition, should do their utmost so that love for holy chastity and Christian modesty may become deeply rooted in the hearts of their pupils.

7. It is desirable that pious organizations of women be founded, which by their counsel, example and propaganda should combat the wearing of apparel unsuited to Christian modesty, and should promote purity of customs and modesty of dress.

8. In the pious associations of women those who dress immodestly should not be admitted to membership; but if, perchance, they are received, and after having been admitted, fall again into their error, they should be dismissed forthwith.

9. Maidens and women dressed immodestly are to be debarred from Holy Communion and from acting as sponsors at the Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation; further, if the offense be extreme, they may even be forbidden to enter the church.

Donato Cardinal Sbaretti, Prefect
Congregation of the Council
Rome, January 12, 1930

Lessons in a life of prayer

I promised the other day that I would write a little bit about some further insights I have gained through the practice of complete modesty in dress.

The first thing is that because I am a Christian and not a Muslim, the purpose of my headcovering is Obedience to God and a demonstration that I am submitted to the proper authority. It is NOT out of modesty. Thus I am commanded to cover when I pray or prophesy in 1 Corinthians 11 as a sign to the angels, and later in 1 Timothy to pray without ceasing.
Where a muslim woman who spent as much time at home as I do (and many of them do) might spend all that time UNcovered, I am not technically supposed to. That being said, I find that going uncovered at home and putting on a veil when I am CONSCIOUSLY about to stop and pray has been a practice that increased the "gravity" of the moment when I actually stop and turn to God. Because of that I am basically NOT covering at home unless I am stopping to pray. More on that in a moment.

Modesty is not something that comes naturally to me. I'm not very "aware" of my latent sensuality and I'll be honest, since having my children I am certainly no longer the sexy young thang that I used to be, so I don't totally see the "necessity" of it in my current state. I grew up on the beaches of southern France and south California and we certainly didn't wear much either place. I no longer really struggle much with lust or inappropriate sexual behavior, so it's just kind of a non-issue. UNTIL I stop and think about others. That's when it becomes crystal clear that we SHOULD pay attention to what we do/wear. That modesty is more than just "covering up..." because I can tell you that you can cover from head to toe, but if your HEART isn't modest, it shows RIGHT through your clothes.
Muslim women have a practice of not looking non-related men in the eye. What an incredible testament to their commitment to chastity! Would that we would similarly be so concerned.

It is hard for me, each day, to step outside covered. I don't mind covering my hair-- I actually love that part, but to cover the rest of me makes me very uncomfortable.
Well, let me explain that better. The ACTUAL comfort level of my body is much improved. I am free to move whichever way I choose without giving it much thought, and if I am smart about it, it's actually easier to stay cool on hot days and warm on cold days. It is a HUGE blessing to me never to have to tug at a creeping shirt again, or to worry about pulling clothes any direction to cover my post-baby body or my milk factory. Jeans have ALWAYS fallen right off me (I have no butt) so I find that wearing Hijab (and I actually have been wearing an Abaya or overgarment) is SUPER comfy... I don't have to stress out about pulling my pants up every time I stand, etc.
On the other hand, it takes some serious guts to go out with nothing hanging out. I have to tell you, EVEN WITHOUT THE HEADCOVERING people stare, stare, stare at you if you are wearing a long dress that goes down to your wrists and ankles.
This makes me nervous and also makes me feel like I'm not pretty, which of course is simply not true. I am obviously a victim of my culture because to leave the house THIS covered up makes me feel like I look ugly.
Many of you will ask... why do it, then? The answer is that it seems clear to me from my response that I attach too much importance to fashion and the way I look. The reality is that I am happily married to a man who thinks I am beautiful, and that I am a busy mother to three young children. I have no need to be "fashionable" other than to "make myself feel good..." and the truth is that in doing the opposite of what I "desire" to do I am able to emotionally detach from that very need and instead cleave to God, which is spiritual advancement.
I waste a great deal of time feeling "bad" because I can't make myself look as pretty as I would like-- (no time for curling hair etc.) Even when I DO get the time, I am still unsatisfied with my appearance. This is not conducive to putting me at peace. Modest dressing, however, does.

St John of the Cross, a Carmelite Doctor of the Church advised us that it would bear great spiritual fruit to do the opposite of what we desire to do. Want to put two lumps of sugar in your coffee? Choose none. Tempted to watch TV? Pray instead. Want to kick your feet up? Do some dishes. Enjoy dressing up and wearing lots of accessories, etc? Wear Hijab.
This negation, when it isn't rooted in a weird, legalistic place ends up satisfying us with a more pure satisfaction, because we are constantly trying to find pleasure and enjoyment in the creation, but what we REALLY earnestly desire is the CreatOR. These practices help us to find all we need in Him. Is it extreme? Totally. But I serve an extreme God, who was willing to DIE on the cross for my sins. It isn't too much for me to do something like this to draw closer to Him, to be able to hear Him more clearly and contemplate His presence here with me.

Which brings me to the second point I wanted to make, and this one relates to a lesson I've learned in prayer combined with the practice of wearing modest clothing.
As I said before, about a month before my husband approached me about wearing a headcovering, I had REALLY been struggling with my faith in Vatican II as a "legitimate" council. I'll be honest-- I still am and really always have been. So one of the things that kept coming up on my radar and sort of "bleeping" at me was this question of the new Catechism saying that Muslims and Catholics serve the same God. As a former evangelical who FIRMLY believes that Allah is not the same God as the God of the Bible, I have major issues with this statement as it is written in the Catechism.
Any Catholic should-- it is totally inconsistent with what we know about Christianity and what we know about Islam. (Islam, for example, denies the Holy Trinity -- big no, no if you're a Christian-- and also denies the whole point of Christianity, which is that Jesus Christ, who was fully God and fully man, died on the cross for our sins.) How can this be the same God? For me, this is a blaring inconsistency added by Vatican II that makes me shudder... and wonder if those SSPXers aren't right after all. Still, to keep the faith, despite the turmoil within... for the gates of hell shall not prevail....

But I digress. As I attempt to reconcile what I am sure I concretely "know" as truth
to what, I will freely admit were some very icky feelings I had begun to harbor towards muslims because of 9-11,and the last few years of religious debate going on in internet-land, and having decided to believe John of the Cross who says "Where there is no love, put love, and there you will find love," (Amen!) I committed to doing something which I have never done before. I chose a "people group" as we say in Evangelical-land that I wanted to pray for a better relationship with and an opportunity to minister to, and I began to pray in conjunction with them-- strategically-- for their conversion (which, in Catholic terms means "for them to be drawn into Union with God)

Muslims pray five times a day. When the prayer time rings/calls/alarms, they make wudu, which means that they take care to wash hands, feet and faces. They cover up their hair and bodies. They get out a prayer rug. They orient their bodies towards the east, where the kaaba is. They say their prayers. And then they go back to doing what they were doing (sleep, work, school, watching Tv... whatever.)

This is very similar to what Catholics monastics do, of course. The liturgy of the hours causes me to stop seven times during the day, place myself in the presence of God and say a series of prayers. The difference between me and a muslim woman, though, is profound. Her first call to prayer goes off at around 4 am, as does mine. But hers requires her to get up, change her clothes, her position, etc... whereas I can sit in my bed and say mine.
Meditating on this, I decided that if muslim women were able to dress differently, look different "in the world" and abnegate their personal vanity in order to serve God, and I was going to join them in doing so, then I certainly could join them in making the extra efforts to pray worthily.

What better way to get a feel for the experience of life of muslims, to learn to love them more and better, and to truly understand them, than to do something like this? Likewise, how shameful that Christians, who profess to serve the "True" God and believe it to be so, don't OUT DO Muslims in their pious practices and in their exercise of virtue? How dare we say we believe or that Muslims must be converted if we are not willing to do what they do and more to serve our own God? Christians could learn quite a bit from the fervent love for God which is professed each time a woman goes out in her hijab or each time prayer takes precedent over sleep, food, or other pleasures.
Further, if, as the catechism alleges, we worship the same God, would He not be MORE pleased to see us encouraging each other in our pious practices and in our worship than to see us looking down one upon the other? Surely it is good for us to be blameless in the sight of ALL people. How many Muslims find solace and "truth" in their religion because they look to our churches and see them filled with hypocrites-- with women wearing practically nothing who profess to be believers? How much would this change if Christian women were not so obstinate in their "freedom" to dress as they pleased?

With this in mind, I downloaded an app to my iphone which calls me to prayer at the same time as all of the Muslims in my time zone. When the alarm goes off, I make wudu the only way I know how- I wash my hands, feet, and face... and then bless myself with Holy Water since the whole point of Wudu as I understand it is for purification of the senses. I cover my hair. I get out a prayer rug which I had been given as a gift more than five years ago and never used. And I orient myself towards the nearest Tabernacle. I pray the prayer of the angel at Fatima, a prayer of reparation for blasphemy against the Holy Trinity. And then I pray an act of consecration for the world to the Sacred Heart of Jesus which specifically mentions Islam.
I've been considering learning the Our Father and the Hail Mary and Apostles Creed in Arabic because we are now attending a Maronite Church and these will probably come in handy some day anyways. And while I'm at it, I usually pray the LOH.
The angel at Fatima taught the children to pray in a manner very similar to the way muslims pray, with their faces against the ground. And so I do this--- offering up this sacrifice of praise as an act of reparation but also as a way to unite my prayers to those of muslims everywhere who seek to please the One God who made heaven and earth... in particular for their individual conversions and enlightenment of their understanding of who God is.

It is HARD and inconvenient stopping what I'm doing each day to pray at the appointed times. Unlike the LOH, which has specific guidelines but which gives you a lot of leeway as far as the clock goes, these muslim prayers are to happen at specific times. As a result I am totally amazed at the level of commitment that it takes to actually pray them. This makes me realize the mercy that God has for fervent muslims.
More importantly, it helps me to pray for their spiritual welfare and to stop thinking of them with my "us vs them" mentality, rather seeing them as fellow human beings, worthy of great dignity, earnestly striving for God's truth.

May we Catholics always be a shining beacon of light for Muslim people. Amen.

More on headcovering and the mission

Today marks the beginning of the second week that I've gone back to headcovering fulltime.

This has been a fascinating branch of my faith-journey, one that has been completely filled with God's gentle direction. Because I have lots of internet-sisters in Christian headcovering, but none in real life, I thought I would share a little bit about it.

For those of you who don't know, I used to cover my head regularly while in college. This was after I had gotten serious with God and wanted to do something to help to both tame my vanity, which was just completely out of control, while simultaneously boosting my "self-esteem" (at least, my sense of being loved and cared for by God) and in a sense by making reparation (though I didn't know what that meant at the time)for my overtly sinful sexual history.
At the time, I felt compelled to wear clothes that were basically in accordance with the Jewish laws of modesty: 3/4 length skirts, 3/4 length tops, and a veil of some sort (I usually wore a square headscarf folded in two and secured behind my neck)



This was a "halfway point" between the world of lowrise jeans and the world of abaya-wearing muslimahs, and my friends (none of whom felt compelled to cover their heads, despite what the Bible says) didn't seem to think I was that weird.
And fortunately, it was UN-covered enough that if/when I went out on the weekends and "forgot my religion" so to speak... (and let's face it, there were MANY moments like these before I started taking my faith seriously!) no one noticed a big "difference" in the way that I dressed. In fact, lots of people never even noticed that I covered regularly at all.. It was covering on the sly.

I stopped headcovering about five years later, when I joined the US ARMY, and thereafter because I got married and my husband didn't particularly like the idea.

When my husband and I first came back to the issue this year--- he being a much more enthusiastic supporter of headcovering now than he was then-- it became obvious to me that I had never TRULY considered my own modesty. It was fun to observe Tznius, and it certainly "FELT" holy, but it was also not a permanent mark on me.. something that people around me could define me by. (Not because of any modesty deficiency in clothes that reflect Jewish spirituality, but because it isn't really THAT different from what your average, modest, non-headcovering woman would wear.)

This time around, we recognized that this was something which we would be forced to consider more deeply than just "leaving the house with a covering on." When I wear the scarf, I am perpetually made aware of certain things because it is a constant reminder. (it gets hot, it gets snagged on stuff, everyone stares, etc.)This makes it something to consider before you take it on, not something to begin rashly. After all, the world is watching. It takes prudence.

When people know / assume you cover for religious reasons, you think twice about your public actions. When you wear the scarf in private as well-- it's the same story for your private actions. This is a great incentive to wear the veil-- it guarantees to help you with resistance against habitual sin.

Now, when you wear a specific STYLE of scarf, it speaks to a specific culture. There is a whole "look" that goes with that that you cannot simply ignore--- for example, wearing an abaya (long, full coverage overdress) and a kerchief or bonnet would look strange to people, as they associate the abaya with Hijab, the islamic dress code. Likewise, one cannot wear a sleeveless shirt and a scarf that covers the head AND neck. It looks silly as a fashion statement... and makes no theological sense. There are other considerations to be made as well. Recently I was out in a "very covered" outfit (nothing showing but my face, a strip of my hair, and my hands and feet. I realized that people around me probably assumed that I was a muslim. Some of them may even BE muslims. Which made me scarfing down my usual two strips of bacon with my breakfast kinda iffy--- I didn't want to scandalize anyone or worse, get chewed out by someone for eating food that was obviously not "OK." At the same time, I'm NOT a practicing Jew, and I'm NOT a Muslim. So why should it bother me to eat bacon in public? In the end, I opt to avoid the bacon, which gives me an opportunity to make a small sacrifice, and also to make a gesture of goodwill towards people who are trying to serve God the best way they know how (like, by not eating bacon.)
Sounds complex, huh? It gets worse.

There's the whole Muslim issue. It goes without saying that when you cover in the most modest and sensible (and fuss-free) manner, you look like a Muslim to 99 percent of the world. But that's because people don't know their history. Veiling in that manner is FAR older than Islam and is actually, before anything else, a cultural phenomenon that has represented different things at different times.

That being said...Judaism, Christianity and Islam all prescribe headcovering and modesty, and for most of the history of the world women have been covered, at least in prayer. One can hardly imagine a painting or statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary, for example, without her veil... it's a part of who she is.

It isn't "FAIR" that you get thought of as a Muslim when you cover your head, but it is what it is. When I first returned to the Catholic Church I was overjoyed that I could cover my head without being the weird one. Surprise! I was the only one in my parish who did. I guess the times they have a-changed. :P

I continued to choose a stole (my favorite) over a "chapel veil" for some time, until I gave up and started using a chapel veil (they have definitely grown on me!) Suddenly lots of women in my parish seemed interested and began to cover-- I guess all it took was not looking so.... Muslim. :P
Which is why I LOVE it (and kick myself for wearing a chapel veil instead of a face framing stole) when I see an arab or indian Catholic woman at mass-- they almost always end up wearing the most stunning and simple "muslim-looking" outfits and giving me hope that someday I can just be accepted in these types of clothes without having to explain myself.

All this to say that there are plenty of factors that get put into the decision to begin veiling again, and they are not things we should take lightly. My veil makes me a witness to the world, and demonstrates my interior desire to be set apart. But hidden behind the veil lies a heart which must choose to do good or the veil becomes meaningless.

In Christianity, we are commanded to be modest. But we are not given guidelines as far as what that means. Catholics have, in the past, been encouraged to ask themselves "How would Mary dress?" and to inquire whether they are putting forth an image which is chaste and subdued. In one apparition, the Blessed Mother herself even warned us that "certain fashions would arise which would greatly offend our Lord." I am certain this is the case when I look around today at what new lows "liberated" women have sunk to in their selection of attire. Frankly, the further away I get from a culture which is saturated with dirty, wrongful sex, the more disgusted I become with today's "fashion," which offends the dignity of women and draws lust at every occasion.
The veil, however, is not about modesty in Christianity. We are commanded to veil in SUBMISSION... out of obedience towards God and "as a sign for the angels," according to St Paul.
Who would want to miss this blessing--that angels take to flight at our prayers because of our submission to God?
In Catholicism, we veil those things which are precious and sacramental... which are reserved for God and those men who are his. This is one last and final reason why veiling, in my eyes, is a gift to women.

In short-- when we make a decision to veil, we must give up quite a bit. Our "freedom" to choose whatever we want to wear according to moods and seasons is restricted, albeit willingly. We will no longer be lusted-after (God willing!) and harassed by men in the streets. We will no longer be "looked up to" by worldly-minded women. People will stare. They will wonder what's wrong with us. They will even be rude!
On the other hand, we acquire God's blessing in a special way. We are given grace which assists us in being freed from many of our habitual sins. We are made holy, and precious in His sight. Most importantly, we are protected... to veil is to protect ourselves from our own sin and the sins of others, and to protect others in society from our own sin and their own sin. What better thing to do if we truly WANT to be Holy and accept Christ's destiny for us?

So, obviously, the minute my husband began to show interest I was ALL OVER the question and anxious to get started again. Longtime blog readers now that I have always worn a veil over my heart. ;)
How would I do it? The first week or so of praying about it I found that my vanity actually INCREASED. I worried about what was too "over the top," and ways to make it easier to NOT veil for certain occasions etc.

You see, for Muslim women and Jewish women who decide to veil, it is relatively easy-- there are laws set in place and one must only submit to them. Christianity, however, is not so simple. We must seek the Holy Spirit, and test the spirit when we get an answer. We must submit to certain authorities (the Church, our husbands.)
We must consider compassion and generosity towards others. (will I cause a scandal by doing this?)
With all this in mind, here are the "rules" for headcovering that my husband and I came up with for myself.



First, I will not get so bent out of shape over the TYPE of covering that it will cause me to pay more attention to the covering than to what is truly important. What that means is that while I will cover a certain way most of the time (Full, face framing wrap) I will not flip out if, while in a hurry to leave the house or when going into a particular situation which makes this type of covering impractical or imprudent, I am not able to cover in the manner I have chosen. Ie... if the situation arises that I have to wear a bandanna or -gasp- nothing, I am not to flip out. This guards me from my vanity and keeps me from legalism.

Secondly, I will strive to wear it in conjunction with truly modest clothing or not at all. For us... modest meant long skirts/(feminine) pants and at least 3/4 sleeves which are not form fitting and which are not cut far below the collarbone.
This rigidity helps me not to spend hours fretting about what to wear...it simplifies my daily decisions and helps me to always stay on the "safe side."

ThirdI will wear the veil at all times when in public, and strive to wear it when I am at home but around men whom I would not consider "family." I will also wear it at all times during liturgical prayer. (Mass, Divine Office, etc)

FourthIn keeping with the Carmelite Rule to which I am bound, I will NOT spend endless amounts of time/money on superficial methods of bypassing the fact that I am wearing modest clothes by making them particularly "adapted" to modern culture. *this means that I wont shop til I drop for cute scarves and whatnot, but rather just take and accept that which is given to me and purchase as needed without going into excess. I don't need a CLOSET full of modest clothes. Modesty means temperance in my appearance, which means I don't need to spend "extra" time or money other than what it takes to make myself look presentable and clean, ie.respectable.

Fifth I will strive to remember that "pretty" starts within and that external "prettiness" is a result of internal peace with God. One is a virtue. The other is not.

And so, with that in mind ,I embarked last week on this new headcovering journey.
So far it has been totally interesting. I live in "The All American City," on a military base, and that makes this whole "looking like a Muslim" experience all the more interesting since many of these people are the wives of soldiers, and the soldiers themselves, who are out "hunting terrorists" in Iraq and Afghanistan. This makes me a little nervous, as people have not been shy about expressing their distaste for me in a few places I've been. It's an eye opener, and when the opportunity has arisen for me to confront people with their own bigotry by actually sparking up a conversation, for example, with an offender-- or worse yet, by confusing the heck out of them by making the sign of the cross before eating or pulling out my bible... well, it truly becomes, I think, a testament to the strength of Faith in Christ when they become aware that not only am I willing to be ridiculed like this but even MORE so than a Muslim, for whom it might be "forgiveable" since a muslim "doesn't know any better... they have to."

No, I am CHOOSING to cover, and choosing the hardest road of covering completely. This is a great mystery to most people, and a great sign to them of the power of faith in Christ if I remember that they are watching and that I am to be for them a sign of peace with my maker.

The funniest thing I've noticed thus far has been the rednecks who openly gawk. At the doctor's office the other day a woman actually told me "WOW, ma'am, you sure speak English good!" (hah!) and another asked me where I learned to speak it.

And of course, the never-ending choruses of "aren't you HOT under there?" (after all, it's 100 or so here in the south) are entertaining. In case you're wondering... no, I'm NOT hot. I'm actually cooler under all these loose, breathable clothes than I am in a tube top and shorts. True story.

But one of the best effects, and this is the one that honestly keeps me so in love with covering, is the bond of love you feel towards your human sisters who walk the path of headcovering with you, no matter what their motive (religious or illness or otherwise.) One of the most amazing things in the world is the instant connection you have with any other modestly-dressed woman you might encounter-- its' a true sisterhood, and through it love has broken down walls and Christ has been clearly proclaimed.

For many years Wayne and I wanted to be missionaries in distant lands... particularly along Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Indian cultures. God has still not granted us this "wish" although it still burns in our hearts. And we are at peace with that, believing in His timing and judgement. But in the strangest manner, He has led us here, in our community, to love Indians, Middle Easterners, and Mediterranean people who just "happen" across our path, over and over again. A pious woman with modest attire, who is not swayed by the world is a true bridge to unity and ministry... through this simple act of covering my hair and body, I am able to make a way into a cultures which are closed to Christianity and to the Christian message of love of God and neighbor. Ultimately, it helps me to know women who go through the same thing, and to see that despite VAST religious differences, underneath it all we are not that different, and that we both want with all our hearts to do good and be good.

Before my husband came to me with a request to cover my head again, I had committed, by discernment, to stopping whatever I was doing and praying for Muslims at each call of the daily muslim prayer times. I downloaded an islamic app to my iphone which acts as an azan clock, and with every call to prayer I get on my knees and recite the prayers the Angel at Fatima told the children to pray in a clear-cut message that Mary was coming for Muslims there as well. Then I pray an act of consecration of the human race to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. And as I have done this consistently, I have found that God has made way for me to connect with more muslim families, who I can pray for, and love on, and serve. He has also helped me to heal from a very real distrust of Muslim people's intentions.... because of my "fundamentalist" attitude in terms of religion, it is easy to see MUSLIMS as the enemy, forgetting that our warfare is with powers and principalities, not PEOPLE.

When my husband asked me to cover in the traditional "hijab" style, and when, in turn, I have then often been mistaken for a Muslim, followers of a religion which is so at odds with Christianity and which is seen as the terrorizing force behind much of the fear we experience in the west today, it has been such a blessing to me to know that God has set this path before each of us, and we have but to say yes as things come up and He paints a beautiful portrait with our lives.

Ironically, the peace I have found in this practice, and in particular as it relates to the missionary call of Christ to love and serve Muslims in our communities, has been the only thing which kept me from going off the deep end when I recently had a big "crisis of faith."
As a protestant, it was so easy: Islam is bad, Christianity is good. End of story. Thus all muslims must become Christians. End of Story.
But what this did was alienate Wayne and I from the very cultures which we felt led to serve.... it created in us an "us vs them" mentality which we could not shake. I will blog more, hopefully tomorrow as I've been meaning to write this for ages, on the change that has been created in our hearts... but for now suffice to say that we have simply learned to truly serve and love the Muslims we encounter, with no strings attached, and this has paved the way for the Gospel of Peace.
Because of this simple, small act: because I cover my head, I was able to find peace where before there had been none, and at at time when the very foundations of my faith were being shaken. I thank God every day for his wisdom.

Finally, I can attest to the glory of the covering for women in Orders. Wearing the covering has been such a fulfillment of the Carmelite Way of Life that I have been called to and is, in an even visible way, a special "clothing" in grace, a grace that overflows from the Brown Scapular of Mount Carmel-- a grace which promises that when we wear the garment, the grace washes over us. Not because we wear it, but because BY wearing it we are reminded and we remind that we choose to lay down our lives for the One who made us. Amen!