Headcovering

Some time ago, I had been prompted by the spirit of the Lord to ask why the relationship between men and women was such a mess, particularly within the church. What I received was that men and women in the church have rebelled against the Lord by disobeying commands governing their gender roles. Myself included! One example concerns headcovering. You too may have been deceived regarding this practice by those you have trusted to teach and model proper God fearing behavior. May the Lord in His kindness, mercy and grace grant us eyes to see and the wisdom and courage to obey. Glory to God!

My first real indication that headcovering was personally relevant came when I was praying in my office one day a few years ago. A relative had recently given me a beautiful tallit. She had purchased this traditional prayer shawl during a recent trip to Jerusalem and I was very pleased to receive it as a gift. Jewish men typically wear a tallit on their head while praying and you will find men in Messianic congregations wearing them as well. While I was praying in my office that day I unwrapped the tallit and placed it over my head. What I had expected to find was a more intimate and powerful experience but what I found instead was that I was extremely uncomfortable praying with it on. While I didn't understand the reason why, I took it off immediately and never put it over my head again. Some time later, the Lord began to open my eyes as to why I had that experience. I had dismissed headcovering as not applicable and unimportant, but the Lord showed me that it really did matter to Him and that it effected our relationship.

The truth of this passage in 1 Corinthians is very practical but it also informs us about profound spiritual realities, about divine order and how the saints may choose to honor and bear witness to it. There is in this the leading of the wise into obedience and love through proper order, which is not at all a bondage of "religious requirement." This study about the head covering, veil or scarf is one that I'm very honored to present. I praise the Lord, who has been so patient and generous in bringing me into a right order!

Here is the focal passage about headcovering, from the NASB.

1 Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ. 2 Now I praise you because you remember me in everything and hold firmly to the traditions, just as I delivered them to you. 3 But I want you to understand that Christ is the head of every man, and the man is the head of a woman, and God is the head of Christ. 4 Every man who has something on his head while praying or prophesying disgraces his head. 5 But every woman who has her head uncovered while praying or prophesying disgraces her head, for she is one and the same as the woman whose head is shaved. 6 For if a woman does not cover her head, let her also have her hair cut off; but if it is disgraceful for a woman to have her hair cut off or her head shaved, let her cover her head. 7 For a man ought not to have his head covered, since he is the image and glory of God; but the woman is the glory of man. 8 For man does not originate from woman, but woman from man; 9 for indeed man was not created for the woman's sake, but woman for the man's sake. 10 Therefore the woman ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels. 11 However, in the Lord, neither is woman independent of man, nor is man independent of woman. 12 For as the woman originates from the man, so also the man has his birth through the woman; and all things originate from God. 13 Judge for yourselves: Is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered? 14 Does not even nature itself teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a dishonor to him, 15 but if a woman has long hair, it is a glory to her? For her hair is given to her for a covering. 16 But if one is inclined to be contentious, we have no other practice, nor have the churches of God. 17 But in giving this instruction, I do not praise you, because you come together not for the better but for the worse.

I Corinthians 11:1-17

If you are confused about what point Paul really made in the headcoverings address, see how the commands are very simply stated in verses 4-5a. Don't let the supporting collection of what may seem to be rather esoteric discussions distract you from the simplicity of the command itself.

Every man who has something on his head while praying or prophesying disgraces his head. 5 But every woman who has her head uncovered while praying or prophesying disgraces her head.

1 Corinthians 11:4-5a

The practice itself is really very simple. During prayer and prophesying, what is proper is for the head of man to be uncovered and the head of a woman to be covered. No qualification is made as to the formality of the situation, and neither is any distinction made as to whether the context is public or private. The topic of headcoverings is addressed only once in the scriptures but from what is recorded we note that the churches were already practicing in the manner described, and we find no mention of whether the assemblies Paul referenced had been of Hebrew or other background. Any contention about the matter was settled with this argument; that neither those with Paul nor any others of the assemblies had any variant practice.

Some claim that the covering is just the hair itself, as we read in the 15th verse, "For her hair is given to her for a covering." Let me first demonstrate that hair is NOT the covering of verses 4-7 with some plain thinking. We read in verse 6, "For if a woman does not cover her head, let her also have her hair cut off." Consider this rendering: "For if a woman does not cover her head with hair, let her also have her hair cut off." That's absurd! If she has not covered her head with hair, she has already cut it off, and how could what is not there be cut off? Such an argument utterly fails to convince in this test of logic. What may surprise you to learn is that this argument wouldn't even be made if the popular versions didn't mistranslate the text!

Consider how the Young's Literal Translation renders verse 15, which E. W. Bullinger affirms as a correct rendering.

and a woman, if she have long hair, a glory it is to her, because the hair instead of a covering hath been given to her;

1 Corinthians 11:15 (YLT)

While it's obvious to anyone that hair may naturally appear to cover her head, hair is not to be considered a covering in this context because "the hair instead of a covering hath been given to her."

For many of you, perhaps most, what I just addressed may be sufficient to satisfy your interest in this subject. It's not required of us to understand why we should obey the direction given because there is a benefit for simple compliance, the ever present promise of blessings for obedience. For those who are seeking deeper insight into the passage there is so much more to be discovered! If you're not already convinced and convicted that this practice is for you, let me encourage you to continue reading, to continue to pursue this for everything the Lord may have for you.

Jesus answered and said to him, "If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make Our abode with him. He who does not love Me does not keep My words, and the word which you hear is not Mine, but the Father's who sent Me.

John 14:23-24

Most of the passage in 1 Corinthians 11 explains head covering and hair length and how they relate to one another in the honoring of and expression of divine order. Some of this is stated plainly enough but questions are raised for which answers don't come easily. Verse 10 explains that the woman ought to have a symbol of authority on her head because of the angels. If that was ever a very satisfying reasoning, it's certainly lost on most of us today! The passage is rightly considered to be "difficult." Was Paul just deficient in his communication skills and the sovereign God unable to overcome this deficiency? No. We know this has to do with honor and disgrace and the order of headship, but it must be acknowledged that, to those of us who know this is divinely inspired, something has been hidden on purpose.

The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to others I speak in parables, so that, 'though seeing, they may not see; though hearing, they may not understand.'

Luke 8:10

The passage is esoteric, which means it is concealed from most and revealed to a few. The deeper truths are special, reserved, protected. There is treasure locked away inside and some key is required to open the lock. (See Keys to Developing a Hearing Ear - Part I: The Key Parable) We are invited to search it out, and the effort is rewarded!

It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, but the glory of kings is to search out a matter.

Proverbs 25:2

The key to this esoteric passage involves what I call the glory language. When you understand this profound spiritual matter, head covering and hair length makes perfect sense! I'll explain this in some detail, but first I want to introduce a helpful tool.

One of the methods of Bible study I have learned to enjoy is technical but, fundamentally, isn't really very difficult to understand. It has to do with gaining special insight into the context. Most people don't realize that linguistic patterns are inherent in the holy scriptures, and that these explain what seems at times to be an excessive amount of repetition in the biblical text. The pattern forming themes are symmetrical, and this is a way that the Author conveys emphasis and meaning to the diligent student.

Hover your mouse over the passage slowly to explore the pattern. (If you're using a tablet or smartphone you can interact by tapping on the bars and lines of text.) Since the Lord brought me to this research methodology or tool way back in 1991, I've used it on occasion to glean some amazing insights, as led by the holy spirit. I've published some of this work on The Open Scroll in both static and interactive exhibits.

So, what is this glory language and how does it explain the practical matters of head covering and hair length? I'll offer a more general explanation then delve into the details. It is an expression of authority, a manifestation and a witness. It's helpful to reference an expression you may have heard called the Hermetic Maxim, "As Above, So Below." This simple expression is used by those who exploit it for evil to state their understanding of a spiritual law. The law they exploit is genuine, and similar expressions may be found woven in throughout the biblical text (Mat. 16:19, John 20:23, Heb. 8:5, etc.). This principle that is so aggressively exploited by those who pursue the forbidden "left-hand path" of the occult is the basis for what I call the glory language. Head covering and hair length models what is supernatural and therefore not perceived in the natural realm in a physical tangible way. The head and covering the head with hair and another covering is a testimony about spiritual authority, speaking to those in heaven and earth in a glory language. The language is understood by angels, who see and operate with the realm that is to us, unseen. Those of us who may perceive it, spiritually, or grasp this spiritual principle can interpret the message transmitted in this peculiar symbol language, which I'm about to explain.

While it is sometimes said that talk is cheap, the expression of glory language isn't. What is expressed through covering the head matters, heaven is engaged, truly engaged, and spiritually minded folks know this to be so! When an individual is in agreement with divine order there is a supernatural benefit, a blessing associated with this harmonious alignment that is spiritual and manifests in the natural!

The fundamentals of divine order are set forth in verse 3. Headship is a matter of relative authority, informing us about the "chain of command" in the institution of divine government.

But I want you to understand that Christ is the head of every man, and the man is the head of a woman, and God is the head of Christ.

1 Corinthians 11:3

Even in this simple matter a question is raised, two actually. Why, in this presentation about divine order, do these three relationships appear out of sequence? Think about it. If you're descending down the hierarchy as suggested in how the one with more authority in a relationship is consistently presented first in the pairings, we see the second set then the third and finally the first. This draws our attention. As we dwell on it, another question arises. But, what about the woman? This is the same question I want to ask when I consider verse 7's revelation that the woman is the glory of man. Because of the pattern arising from the natural symmetry, these two lines are directly linked together, and wisdom dictates we give heed to this feature as a guide to help us understand what the Author is telling us. So, we ask: What about the woman? Who or what then is the glory of the woman? What provision has been made for her? Sure, somebody has to be last, but is there no compensation for her assignment at the bottom of the hierarchy? There are no apologies made for this and none are necessary. We will discover how she has not been neglected, that provision has been made with regard to authority and glory with special compensation.

Let's apply ourselves to understanding this glory language that witnesses to divine order.

Verse 15 informs us that if a woman has long hair it is a glory to her. This isn't telling us is how it makes her look pretty, but that it, the long hair, is a glory to her. In contrast, long hair on a man is a dishonor to him (verse 14). This is a spiritual principle and not, as some may suppose, a matter of vanity. It must be seen that an important and divinely appointed distinction is made between the genders. We learn from verse 6 that short or no hair on a woman's head is disgraceful. Nothing about the man's hair is said to be glory to him, for verse 7 informs us that the woman herself is the glory of man. So, the woman is the glory of man and her long hair is a glory to her. With her long hair, she is then found to be representing or expressing the glory of both the man and woman. This may be a different way of thinking, but it should soon begin to make sense. The length of hair on the man, whether short or long, can do nothing to add to the glory in this picture. He is, himself, the image and glory of God, according to verse 7. Together, the man and a woman with long hair represent or express the image and glory of God, and the glory of man and the glory of woman.

Now, when a man is seen, what is expressed is the image and glory of God. If his head is covered, the glory of God is hidden. Of course, the man does not become invisible, but as a symbol, in symbol language, a man with his head covered no longer presents the glory of God. A woman is the glory of man, and when her head is covered the glory of man is no longer presented. Her long hair, which is her glory, is also covered when she covers her head. Quite simply, this is the symbolic language of the hair and head covering, of the expression and the hiding of glory. With this in mind, we can consider the context in which head covering becomes important, while praying or prophesying.

The direction we're given about covering or uncovering the head only applies while praying and prophesying. If we concern ourselves with what it is that makes these activities special we gain some key insight into the spiritual dynamic. When we pray and prophesy, whether praying in tongues or with our understanding, in public or in private, we are engaged in communication with our God. Angels may be involved, who are in His presence. One illustration of this activity is found in Revelation 8.

3 Another angel came and stood at the altar, holding a golden censer; and much incense was given to him, so that he might add it to the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar which was before the throne. 4 And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, went up before God out of the angel's hand.

Revelation 8:3-4

It's in this engaging of the heavenly realm in the presence of God that covering the head becomes important. When we take into consideration what the covered and uncovered head means in the symbolic glory language the picture that appears makes perfect sense! When one enters into the presence of an earthly king or queen, one does not call attention to one's self because that would be dishonorable to all present. A subject does not appear in the presence of royalty and present himself or herself in some exalted manner. One appears properly in their presence with an expression of humility, with honor. It is proper in the divine order as well. If one enters into the Lord's presence, as when praying and prophesying, exalting one's self with an expression of the man's or woman's own glory, it is truly dishonorable!

We have a witness to the impropriety of boasting or glorying in His presence in the following passage from 1 Corinthians.

25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. 26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: 27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; 28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: 29 That no flesh should glory in his presence. 30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: 31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

I Corinthians 1:25-31 (KJV)

To the carnal mind, the practice of head covering is a foolish and a weak thing. Verse 29 reveals the reason for a most significant humbling, "That no flesh should glory in His presence."

The image presented here illustrates the models of a man and woman in the various states of expressing and covering glory. When the woman's head is uncovered, the man's glory is manifest and flesh is glorying in His presence, bringing dishonor. If she has long hair, she, too, has glory, and again, flesh is glorying in His presence, bringing dishonor. Dishonor is brought to all present, and this testimony is witnessed in heaven and earth.

Suppose the man covers his head while praying and prophesying? In this case, it's not a matter of glorying in His presence because the woman is the glory of man. What happens is that the image and glory of God is hidden, and the failure to bring forth this witness disgraces his head.

Every man who has something on his head while praying or prophesying disgraces his head.

1 Corinthians 11:4

The head that is disgraced is his own, which is to say he disgraces himself, and it must also be inferred that his head is disgraced which is Christ, according to verse 3's declaration "that Christ is the head of every man."

If the expression of glory weren't important, attention would not have been given it in the Bible. To suggest head covering and hair length are somehow unimportant is to dismiss the attribute of glory given to the man and woman by their Creator. What an offense this must be to Him, who seeks blessing for us in this matter of profound spirituality and simplicity of deed.

Today, the tradition of head covering is largely considered quaint, a formal, outdated tradition that has no place in a feminist culture where women and men are encouraged to consider themselves interchangeable. Unless you're a male with a hat during the playing of the National Anthem, or a veiled bride who is heading toward her groom at the altar, few in my culture seem to give covering the head a thought. What trends appear in the world at large are one thing, but the honorable matter of uncovering and covering of heads while praying and prophesying has been nearly entirely neglected by the saints, to our shame.

A Symbol of Authority on her Head

If you've been following me thus far in this presentation you may find the interpretation of the enigmatic 10th verse has now become more apparent, and this will shed light upon the Lord's provision for the woman who has been assigned last place in the hierarchy of divine authority.

Therefore the woman ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels.

1 Corinthians 11:10

The phrase, "symbol of authority on her head" might be taken in two different ways. One is preferred over the other, a point I'm able to confidently demonstrate. The veil or scarf has been interpreted as a symbol of authority on her head, meaning it is a sign of submission and humility. The woman who wears it makes a statement about her submission to higher authority through compliance. Technically, this assumes an instance of a figure of speech of omission (ellipsis). The text actually reads, "symbol of authority," and not, "symbol of submission to authority." Note the difference. The language of the Bible is rich with figures of speech but we must respect where and how they are used, and where they are not. The symbol is not the veil or scarf that covers but rather her long hair, which is a glory to her.

The woman's long hair is easily identified as the symbol of exousia on her head when the thematic structure is given due respect as the Author's signature guide, which definitively links verse 10 to verses 13-15. If you give the interactive display of the symmetry of the passage your attention until you can attest to the validity of what is being presented, you will know this to be so with confidence, as I do. The organization of the passage is intentional and not devoid of purpose. The focus of attention in the passage linked to verse 10 is the hair, and herein we are told her long hair is a glory to her.

13 Judge for yourselves: is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered? 14 Does not even nature itself teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a dishonor to him, 15 but if a woman has long hair, it is a glory to her? For her hair is given to her [instead of] a covering.

1 Corinthians 11:13-15

The Greek word for "authority" in verse 10 is exousia, and the Greek word for "glory" is doxa. A little time spent in "word studies" may be helpful for making the connection.

It's a dishonor for the man to have long hair because that has been given to the woman as a symbol of exousia on her head, and this must be given due respect. The woman's long hair is a legitimate and respected symbol of exousia, in contrast to the worthless token many assign it in gross ignorance, as though it were for nothing more than vanity, an opportunity to express her personality and sense of style.

Because of the Angels

The reason why the woman ought to have a symbol of authority on her head is presented to us as being "because of the angels." This cryptic explanation should now begin to make more sense. Angels surely acknowledge the woman's long hair and give it due respect as a legitimate symbol of exousia. Demons and angels alike respect spiritual authority, for their domain is set in array with rank and order like the armies of men in the earth. Between our realm and theirs, significant interaction and engagement is an ongoing reality, whether we choose to acknowledge it or not. What we say, do, and even think influences activity in their realm, where the order of authority and chain of command defines the engagement. A spiritually minded person does not take this matter lightly.

Don't pray to the angels, but respect their presence and role. Angels are engaging on our behalf, who are all ministering spirits.

13 But to which of the angels has He ever said, "Sit at My right hand, until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet"? 14 Are they not all ministering spirits, sent out to render service for the sake of those who will inherit salvation?

Hebrews 1:13-14

What exactly a woman's long hair brings for benefit I cannot say, yet there is the plain declaration that it is because of the angels that a woman ought to have exousia upon the head. Simple obedience always brings blessing, and disobedience, which is rebellion, a curse. Personal choice may be exercised in this matter, so I exhort you to choose wisely.

With an understanding about the woman's hair being the symbol of exousia on the head, how that it's more than a token of no account, the importance of covering her glory while praying and prophesying should be obvious. To fail to cover her glory and herself as the glory of man is dishonorable, and no good can come of that.

You may find yourself thinking how you may never have practiced correctly but the Lord has already blessed you plenty, and you may feel content with that. Despite what we may consider as blessings wrought in a season of disobedience, an honest man or woman will accept that there has been some level of forfeiture, a waiving of blessing on account of ignorance or intentional disobedience. The Lord can and sometimes does overlook or wink at our sin, but to presume upon His mercy, dear brother or sister, is foolish arrogance. Lawlessness is exalted by Mystery Babylon, the mother of harlots. Humble submission with careful obedience is the way of the Bride of Christ. It is she who will shortly enter into great reward!

When we accept the value of the woman's hair, which was assigned to her and not to the man, we have a sense of the provision made for her as compensation for her assigned position in the hierarchy of authority. While some may scoff at the suggestion, it's my testimony that the biblical claim is borne out by the spirit of God. I don't believe this compensation is to be taken as something like the full measure of an equitable balance of justice, because justice is a matter that will be taken up by the Judge of all on an individual basis, but what has been appointed to the woman in this life is not to be demeaned. The Devil is ever accusing the Creator of unfairness and every manner of evil, but give no heed to his lies. Yahweh will be vindicated!

Consider the following passage from the book of James and reflect upon what has been discussed about the practice of head covering.

4 You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. 5 Or do you think that the Scripture speaks to no purpose: "He jealously desires the Spirit which He has made to dwell in us"? 6 But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, "GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE." 7 Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Be miserable and mourn and weep; let your laughter be turned into mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you.

James 4:4-10

When we read what James wrote about God being opposed to the proud, we can picture a woman praying and prophesying with long hair and her head uncovered, who glories in the presence of God. A similar disgrace is when a man denies the expression of the image and glory of God in that season by covering it. Such as that must be considered as foolish arrogance, and God opposes it. In contrast, He gives grace to the humble, and those who humble themselves in the presence of the Lord are exalted. I want to call attention to another benefit, as verse 7 is sandwiched in the midst. There is power in this submitting to God and resisting the devil. The attendant promise is that the devil will flee from you. That's the basis for spiritual warfare, a matter of serious consequence.

Prayer often involves spiritual warfare, defensive and offense engagements with weapons that are not carnal, even the engagement of angelic forces called into action on our account. When praying or prophesying, humble yourself in the presence of the Lord with the humility of obedience and genuine regard for divine order. Will there not be honor given in the spiritual realm as honor is received? If you have neglected to abide in a right way according to divine order can you rightly claim to have put on the whole armor of God in your efforts to engage heaven?

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. 14 Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Ephesians 6:10-17

In consideration of that array of attributes we may consider as virtual, there is a tangible article that must be given due respect for its role in the struggle against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places, the head covering.

I do pray all who read here will take stock of the following warning.

21 "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. 22 Many will say to Me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?' 23 And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.'

Matthew 7:21-23

It remains to be said that the practice of head covering alone will assure nothing, but disregard for it is assured to bring nothing good.

Closing Thoughts

There is another observation I'd like to make about the passage in closing.

Verse 11 defines another condition and makes an implication about when that condition is not met.

However, in the Lord, neither is woman independent of man nor is man independent of woman.

1 Corinthians 11:11

When we read, "However, in the Lord," we must give heed to the changing condition. What had been written applied to all, whether in the Lord or not. Then, what we read applies only to those in the Lord, saints, even those who abide in Him. In the Lord, according to a more straightforward expression, woman is dependent upon man and man is dependent upon woman. What is implied in the converse, as it must be taken, is that this is not so for those who are not, in the Lord. This is the inference that must be made given the application of logic. When I think about this and consider the behavior of men and women in their relationships, the truth of it is striking! I don't think any further commentary about this is necessary.

Finally, this proposition may seem radical, but please imagine an assembly where the pastor has been convicted of sin in the matter of headcovering and that he has come to repentance. Imagine that he has the courage of his new conviction. What if he boldly preached and taught this matter to the assembly and feared God rather than man? (II Timothy 4:1-4) What would it look like to believe I Corinthians 11:5-6?

5 and every woman praying or prophesying with the head uncovered, doth dishonour her own head, for it is one and the same thing with her being shaven, 6 for if a woman is not covered -- then let her be shorn, and if [it is] a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven -- let her be covered;

I Corinthians 11:5-6 (YLT)

Since a woman who prays or prophesies and does not cover her head is to have her hair cut off, she might be presented with one option or the other. "Men, please bring your women up to the front, and choose a line. Head coverings will be distributed to those at my right hand. For those who would like to opt out, please form a line on my left, where the elders await with clippers." Imagine what obedience in a community of believers would look like even in this "small" thing. Imagine the honor, the benefits of submission, the grace for those who would begin to abide in divine order according to this simple observance.

If you haven't yet begun to practice of head covering and claim the benefit, let me encourage you to do so. It's not yet too late to enter into this blessing. For any of you who profit from the business of cutting women's hair, may I suggest you quickly find another line of business?