Head Coverings
Early morning. I was ready to make the sixty-minute trip to the dermatologist to have the small basal cell tumor removed from my scalp. It wasn’t quite time to leave, so I browsed through a Christian magazine looking for words to distract me. I scanned an article with tips about home organization.
One tip in particular grabbed my attention:
“Keep multiple hair dryers in the house.”
How in the world could this help us lead orderly lives?
The author went on to write, “The Bible says a woman’s hair is her glory. It is terrible to have the hair dryer die when we are not quite ‘glorified.’”
Really? Seemed a silly concern.
Of greater concern was the hair I’d lose from the upcoming excision and stitching. And would hair regrow through scar tissue? Probably not. I confess to hair vanity.
Is a woman’s hair her glory?
The tip did give me something else to ponder on the drive down, however. Long aware of hair being referred to as a woman’s glory, I didn’t know what the phrase really meant. I knew beauty companies used the claim to sell expensive hair products and that a Bible verse referenced it.
While my sweetie drove the car, I opened a Bible app on my phone to find the verse.
Does not common sense teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a dishonor to him, but if a woman has long hair, it is her ornament and glory? For her long hair is given to her as a covering.
(1 Corinthians 11: 14-15 AMP)
This passage is part of Paul’s reprimand concerning an inappropriate practice by some women in the Corinthian church. Specific cultural standards of the time have changed, but when Paul confronted this issue, women were expected to grow long hair and to wear head coverings when praying.[i]
Here, Paul attempts to correct the misinterpretation that long hair is a substitute for an additional head covering. He argues that the association of longer hair with femininity supports the idea that a covering should be worn.[ii]
I learned something new, and my anxiety had subsided. Gratified, I closed the app. Then the nurse called my name.
After a shot of anesthesia did its work, the doctor began his. The MOHS surgery took about fifteen minutes. When I commented on the speed, the doctor cheekily replied, “I cut circles for a living.”
The tissue was then examined under a microscope—a 45-minute process—to make sure the margins were clear. They were! The kind nurse, Kaley, prepped me for the next step: an incision that extended across the “circle” so the skin could properly meet and heal.
Scratch, scratch, scratch, went Kaley’s razor.
“I’m really not shaving off that much hair,” she told me.
Scratch, scratch, scratch.
Then the doctor and his PA were back. I felt no pain, but the tugging and pulling of the scalp so they had enough skin to form an “earthworm” which would ultimately keep the scar tissue from sinking inward was not pleasant. And neither was the slow sawing sound of the three layers of stitches going in and out.
But medical procedures are rarely pleasant, and the outcome was a best-case scenario. Additional cuttings were not required, the incision is healing, and a comb-over disguises it.
Is a Woman's Hair Her Glory? #Bible Click To TweetWear a hat.
I learned something else. When outside, I faithfully apply sunscreen to my skin, but I don’t wear a hat. Like the women of Corinth, I thought my hair was an adequate substitute for a head covering. It is not. The cancer growth on my scalp resulted from sun exposure, so additional shield is needed. As we approach spring and summer, I’m going to remember that.
How dedicated are you to wearing a hat when outdoors? What type do you wear?
Wishing you spring joy and good health!
Immerse yourself in His love,
Candyce
[i] https://www.bibleref.com/1-Corinthians/11/1-Corinthians-11-15.html#commentary
[ii] Ibid
This post comes at an interesting time for me. I recently went with friends to the beach and thought I had an extra hat. I only had one so I loaned a friend my hat. A week later I went to a outdoor festival without a hat and burned. The third time I went out I finally brought a baseball cap for myself and didn’t burn. I need to put that extra hat in the car so I don’t get skin cancer. Thanks for the reminder.
That is interesting. Hats – especially baseball caps – have always tended to give me a headache, so I tended to avoid them. However, I’m discovering new styles to investigate because they are a necessity in the sun. I need to stash one in my car, too!
Blessings!
I witnessed a lot of head coverings in my trip to Israel and it left my pondering the issue too. Some of those head coverings were very elaborate which left me think they were more showy than a head full of beautiful hair. I’m praying for your healing.
How interesting your trip must have been! I hope to do it the next time an opportunity comes along. Thanks for your prayers. The history and attitudes about “hair” during Biblical times is so interesting. God used it to distract me that morning, I’m sure. He knows what a research junkie I am!
Thanks, Yvonne
I didn’t think that much about sun exposure when I was younger. Nothing like sunspots and pre cancers to make you reevaluate that. I do wear a wide brimmed hat now when I’m spending time outside which isn’t something I would have seen myself doing even 10 years ago. My mother has had two melanomas, the latest one on her forehead. She’s fine, thank goodness. But it makes me see the real need for taking precautions.
That’s true for me too. I still love the sun, but I enjoy it with caution now. I’m glad your mother’s case of melanoma was taken care of. Do those skin checks!
Candyce, thanks for your post which serves a dual warning–one physical and one spiritual. I had an easier procedure on my scalp one time. I confess, the hair dropping to the floor may have been the worst part!
Thanks for sharing that, Annie. I’m thankful that God teaches me in all areas of my life. We must heed His instructions as well as our doctors’.
Blessings, and congratulations on your Selah nominations.
I’m so glad all went well with your procedure and that the test results were good! I live in Colorado at 6,000 feet, so the sun is especially fierce, and I wear a wide floppy hat every time I go for a walk. Blessings to you, Candyce, for the reminder to us all to take care of ourselves this way!
Thanks, Kathy for your comments. I’ll bet it’s cold up there right now! I’m wearing a hat now when I walk. I always wear one at the beach, but thought I had enough protection on the shady trails in north Georgia.
Hi Barbara. I’m curious about the rituals, so I will check those out. It’s interesting how some ideas presented in the Bible evolve into meaning something different over time. Our best source is the Book itself along with a credible commentary.
Have a great week!
Candyce, I am well acquainted with MOHS surgery. I’ve had a couple of basal cell removals from my face. Your visit detailed mine perfectly. I am so grateful for our medical care in the US. I pray you heal beautifully, and yes, keep wearing those hats and sunscreen.
Jackie
Thanks for sharing that, Jackie. I’m thankful for our medical advances, too. I imagine you’ve spent lots of time outdoors with your farming background. Love the sunshine, but it does have its perils.
Take care!
I’m likely going to need the same procedure soon so I’m grateful for your message and glad all turned out well. You’ve shared several important messages, both for our spiritual journey and our personal wellness protection. I’m grateful our heavenly Father loves us regardless of the condition of our hair.
Thank you, Katherine. I pray your experience will be as positive as mine. Yes, God loves us. He knew my anxiety and put that “tip” in front of me so I’d have something else to occupy my thoughts pre-surgery. And of course, I’m grateful I learned to cover my head as we turn toward more sunlight in the coming months.
Blessings to you!
I am most certainly NOT glorified by my hair, or lack thereof. As for hats, I’ve almost always got one of some 30-odd I own on when outside, which might explain for my lack of follicular prowess. I wonder, is this where the word “vainglorious” comes from? 🙂
Thanks for your humor this morning. Your lack of follicular prowess would be considered biblical during New Testament times when it was customary for men of the church to shave their heads.
Very interesting post, Candyce. I know this verse has been used to create a lot of religious rituals. We do need to examine Scripture within the context where it was written. Thanks for addressing this issue. I am thankful you made the it through the doctor visit okay, and thanks for the reminder to wear a hat. I need to do the same thing. Blessings, my friend!