What If I'm the Only One?

 

I hear you, sister.

When I began covering, I was the only woman in my church who did so intentionally. A few women wore hats occasionally, but head covering was not part of our church’s practice.

Walking into worship covered for the first time can feel as though all eyes are on you. People may notice; they may not. A few may ask questions, but an unpleasant response is unlikely. Hold your head high—not with pride, but with quiet confidence.

If you are convinced that Scripture calls you to cover in worship, ask yourself: If I were the only person obeying God in some other area, would I still obey?

Being the only one does not make you more faithful than the women around you, and it should not become a reason to judge them. They may understand the passage differently, may never have studied it closely, or may still be working through it. Cover with humility, continue loving your sisters, and resist the temptation to make your conviction the measure of someone else’s faithfulness.

Will it feel lonely? At first, perhaps. But most likely, your church family will continue treating you as they always have. After a surprisingly short time, the covering will simply become part of your preparation for worship. The self-consciousness fades, and peace settles in.

You may be the only covered woman in the room, but you are not alone before God. The Lord sees, the angels witness the worship of His people, and quiet obedience is never insignificant to Him.

Questions for Reflection

• How can I obey with quiet confidence—free from both pride and fear—when my conviction makes me stand out?
• Am I extending the same patience and Christian liberty to uncovered women that I hope they will extend to me?
• What simple, gracious answer can I give if someone asks why I cover?

For more biblical study and practical guidance, see Recovering Covering: Scripture, Conscience, and the Beauty of Biblical Head Covering.