Yahweh is With Me

I just got back from my nightly college class and could not wait to share a story with you all.

As I've written before on my blog, I am not in favor of going to the world for education. But, for the sake of my parents and my scholarship, I take 1-2 classes each semester at my local community college. This semester, I signed up for Music Fundamentals and U.S. History. The class I just got back from began at 7 p.m. and ended a little past 8 p.m.

I always try to get to the campus thirty minutes early because finding a parking spot is almost impossible. Usually, I'll sit in my car (which is really my mom's minivan!) and listen to a sermon or some music while I wait for class to begin. Tonight, however, I decided to walk over to the building earlier than usual because I really needed to use the restroom.

As I was walking, I began to talk with Yahweh in my head - something I usually do. As I was talking to Him, I decided to ask for a unique request. Seeing as I am the only person who wears long skirts and tzizit, I often feel like such an oddball. So I'm always on the look out for a like-minded individual. Well, tonight I asked Yahweh to show me someone who also cared about modesty. It wasn't really a request, it was more like me thinking how wonderful it would be to see a skirt-wearing, head-covering believer at my secular college and then sharing these thoughts with Yahweh.

After going to the bathroom and washing my hands, I began gathering my stuff in order to head out. But guess who comes out of the stall next to mine?? You'll never believe this - a skirt-wearing, head-covering young woman! I was so taken aback, I just stared at her. But rather than looking away, she smiled kindly at me. In my suprise and utter disbelief, I failed to ask her all the questions that went through my head afterwards. Instead, I smiled back and left.

On the way to class, I had to fight back the tears of joy that threatened to spill down my face. Yahweh is so good! This was just the encouragement I needed. I felt so loved. This beautiful moment reminded me that I am never alone. No matter where I go, Yahweh is there with me.

It's already 10 p.m. yet I feel so full of joy, I could just burst. It seems that ever since I began my spiritual journey with Yahweh six months ago, little moments like these have become ever so abundant.

HalleluYah!

Called to Cover: Felicia

1. Please tell us a little bit about yourself and your faith

Shalom, my name is Felicia, my age is 18-21. I believe in using the Qodesh [editor's note: Qodesh means "set-apart"] Names of Yahuwah and Yahushuwa. I observe the Scriptures cover-to-cover, acknowledging Yahushua as my High Priest and Sovereign who did away with the Sacrificial Law of the Old Testament leaving us with the Moral Law to still observe.

2. Why do you choose to cover?

I choose to cover my hair for 2 reasons; 1) For modesty, and 2) Because women of Yahuwah in the Scripures did so.

3. How long have you been covering?

I have been covering my hair going on 5 years now.

4. Do you wear your head covering everyday?

Yes, I wear my head covering everyday. When I'm out-and-about, and praying.

5. Have you noticed a difference in the way others perceive/treat you?

Yes, I have noticed a big difference. The way others perceive/treat me varies depending on age and their belief. Some older men respect the head covering and modest dress and so do the older women. I tend to get the doors opened and others step aside allowing me to walk through a doorway first. Some women think I look weird and have even told me so. The children think I'm Amish... and well, the young adults, if looks could kill.

6. Have you encountered any negative opposition to your choice from friends or family? If so, how do you deal with that?

My household family agrees with my choice, as it is also my mother's choice for herself and I. Everytime my Grandpa would see me he would ask me if I had hair.

7. Do you have any advice or resource suggestions for women who are just beginning to cover?

My advice is not to worry about how many looks or double-takes you get from wearing a head covering. Dressing modestly may get more attention upon you, however it is a good way to give Yahuwah esteem. Sometimes the way you live is the best witness of them all. It is also a great way to start conversation! Someone may ask you, "Why do you wear that on your head?" that is your opportunity to share about your beliefs. It may even be a way to find more believers! My family was selling produce in Cinncinati, Ohio and saw a woman with a head covering on. My brother ran into the store to ask her why she wore the covering on her head. Turned out, she was a believer just as us!

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Thank you Felicia for sharing your story with us!

You can learn more about Felicia by visiting her family's ministry website http://www.followersofyah.com/

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Called to Cover: An Introduction

It is with great excitement that I announce a new series on my blog.

Due to my interest in modesty, and particularly headcoverings, I decided to interview a few women in order to read about their journey. These interviews will be published on here twice monthly. I'm doing this because I know it will help me along my own path towards wearing a head veil. We all could use some support and encouragement too.

If you would like to interviewed for this series because you are a woman who covers, please contact me. My e-mail address is on the sidebar.

Shalom and have a blessed day!

Veiled Glory

Modesty is an important part of my life as a follower of Yahweh. Part of the reason why it is so has to do with the way I dressed and acted prior to before my faith ever became a priority.

But praise Yah that He changed my heart in due time! I'll admit it was a slow process to get to the standard of modesty I have today, but that is usually the case with changes that are going to make me stand out.

Going from shorts to pants, and then from pants to skirts made all the difference in the world. I almost feel like I have a protective covering on everytime I go out. Yes, I do get stared at on occasion, but so what? The genuine peace and safety I feel far surpass those unpleasant moments.

As an introvert with a quiet personality, I don't like the idea of standing out. It's daunting having all eyes on you. It's not easy being different. That is why I believe Yahweh is using my outward show of modesty to ease me out of the comfort zone I've dwelt in for so long.

With that said, I'd like to segway into the topic of headcoverings, which is the real reason why I chose to write this post today.

I have supressed and ignored my desire to cover ever since I first read 1 Corinthians 11 half a year ago. My desire to cover was a conviction that grew, and grew, and grew, even as I tried to avoid its growth. You see, unlike wearing long skirts, and choosing to get rid of the eye makeup, which wasn't too difficult, covering my hair scared me (and still does) to an unreasonable degree. I tried to justify my reasons for not covering by looking to the majority of believing women today (who do not cover). However, we all know that with Yahweh, the majority doesn't rule. So the more I studied and read on the subject of headcoverings, the more convinced I became that this was right.

The conclusions I've come to are as follows...

Wearing a physical covering on your head isn't a commandment. We don't see it in the Torah, which is our guidebook for living, and even though 1 Corinthians 11 makes it clear that it is a shame for a woman not to cover, it is still not a direct command. But, like the wearing of tzizit and modest clothing, wearing a headcovering further sets you apart from the world and provides modesty. Also, wearing a physical covering reminds us of our place in the Scriptural headship ordained by Yahweh. It is a beautiful sign of submission and odedience. Additionally, Scripture provides various examples of women, particularly married women covering their hair with a veil, suggesting that it was a normal practice. In fact, we see that this practice continues today among various Christian denominations and Jewish communities.

As you can probably guess, I am completely alone in my conviction. Nobody in my immediate or extended family supports the wearing of a headcovering. I don't blame them. Not too long ago, I was equally opposed to the idea.

As women, it is a natural desire of ours to look attractive. But as believers, we must acknowledge the fact that we are not our own, having been bought with a price by our Messiah. Therefore, our beauty should be different from that of the world's.

Long and loose hair has the tendency of being sexually appealing to men. As women striving to please Yahweh by living in purity, we must be willing to protect our brothers in Messiah from unnecessary temptation.

According to 1 Corinthians 11:15, hair is given to the woman as her glory or esteem. Are we then supposed to flaunt that glory, showing it off to everyone we come in contact with? Shoudn't we instead be striving to guard that beautiful glory for only one man?

I realize my thoughts are a bit on the radical side, but I'm just trying to raise the bar on today's extremely low standards.

To end, I want to say that I do not yet cover (gasp!) namely because the headcovering I ordered hasn't arrived. But when I do wear it out in public for the first time, you can rest assured that I will dedicate a whole post to that experience. Please pray for all fear and doubts to leave my mind and for my parents to accept the decision I've made. I haven't told them about my desire to cover because quite frankly, I don't want to deal with the arguments and negativity that will surely arise.

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For further thoughts on headcoverings, please check out the following post I wrote entitled, My Changing Thoughts on Headcoverings.

Home is Where my Heart is

As I was driving to my evening music theory class at the community college I attend, I had the privelage of listening to the entire "Home is Where the Heart is" CD presentation by the Bradrick family. And I have to tell you, their words really touched my heart. It was so refreshing to hear Mrs. Bradrick and her five daughters share their experience as full time keepers of the home with joy in their voices.

It seems all too often, we as young women hear the other side of the argument - the more popular and accepted one. The one that supports and promotes work outside of the home and a traditional college education. But what happens when a young woman expresses an earnest desire to continue her education within the home? She is either shunned, or not taken seriously. I know I've discussed this before lots of times, but for some reason, it has been placed in my heart to bring it up again. These are simply my thoughts, compiled over the many months, weeks, and days I've spent pondering this issue.

I've spoken and written to many women, both young and old, on the topic of higher education. As you can probably guess, I received all sorts of feedback. However, the only advice that truly matters is the one found in the Scriptures. Although I cherish each loving piece of advice that I receive from friends and family, I know that I must take it all to Yahweh.

With that said, I'd like to tell you all that I am thriving at home. Simply stated, I absolutely love being at home and honestly believe that Yahweh designed the woman to delight in her domestic sphere. Unfortunately, not too many women feel that way nowadays. We've simply been brainwashed by our culture to shun the very idea of aspiring to be a full time homemaker.

I have so many goals and aspirations, all of which can be done within the home. For example, I feel that I am badly lacking in the area of homemaking. The only skill I am somewhat good at is cooking, but that is something I haven't been too diligent in lately. And yet I feel so overwhelmed by the many things there is to learn. I want to be the best wife I can be, and that has to start now, as an unmarried daughter.

So as part of my education, I am taking the time to study and explore the subject of homeschooling, Torah living (this includes preparing kosher meals, knowing how and when to observe the Yahweh's feasts, etc.), nutrition, natural healing, and gardening, among other things. Theses are the areas that really matter. If Yahweh does bless me with a husband and children, it won't help much to have a degree in Biology, or English, or even Computer Science. Yes, it might prove to be helpful in the area of homeschooling, but will it contribute to your ability to create a clean and orderly home? How about a delicious and healthy meal...three times a day, every day? Or what about knowing how to properly care for a baby? I can honestly say that I do not feel confident changing diapers, and that is a shame.

As I continue to ponder these things, I begin to realize that I must take the time to fully prepare myself. I need to take action. Right now, the idea of a college education is not my top priority. Yes, it is something that I will have to face later this year, but is it the most important thing? There are other, more nobler aspirations that await me. I just get so excited thinking about all the things I will be learning. I am praying for opportunities to serve and grow in Yahweh's wisdom and love.

A wise woman, by the name of Mrs. Dixon, once told me in a comment...

"In reply to the thought "don't limit yourself", I agree, don't limit yourself to what the world expects. Go further and do what God has for you! The role of wife and mother is the most rewarding a woman can have, and college always inhibits that, either in timing or after... "

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P.S. In case you're wondering, I haven't abandoned the idea of completing a degree via online college. Just thought I'd mention that!

A Young Maiden's Daybook 3

Today…Monday, the 1st of February

Outside my window…it is dreary and cloudy - my favorite type of day for staying inside

I am thinking…how nice it would be to bake something today

I am thankful for...Yahweh's healing hand

I am wearing…my gray pajama pants, a pink tie-dye shirt from a mission trip, and my yellow robe

I am reading…Mother by Kathleen Noris

I am creating…a recipe binder

One of my favorite things…receiving hand-written letters in the mail

For education this week…reading and meditating on the Scriptures, attending music theory and U.S. history at the community college

A keeper at home skill I am using/learning …learning to delight in the mundane tasks of keeping the home, such as cleaning the kitchen

A spiritual lesson I’m learning…relying solely on Yahweh and not on my own heart's selfishness

A godly character trait I plan to work on…humility

Scripture I am memorizing…hmmm - good question! I'll need to come up with something soon.

I am praying for…my two sisters to come to know Yahweh in an incredibly personal way

For the rest of the week…only Yahweh knows what it will bring! I'm content to just trust in Him

A picture I’d like to share…

Mom and I on a recent visit to Salado, TX

College: Continued

I promised myself I wouldn't bring this up again, but I thought it would be nice to do some sort of follow up to all my college posts.

This past fall, I took my first college course at my local community college. After debating and contemplating whether I should go or not, I decided I couldn't stand disappointing my parents. So I gave in. I chose the easy way, the one that doesn't cause raised eyebrows, clucks of disapproval, and a million and one questions.

A part of my grieves the fact that I could be so weak, but then I am reminded of the reality - the reality that is my life. I am the daughter of two working parents, the eldest sister of two girls, both of whom are still in school. If I chose to be at home full time, I would have no support at all. I often wonder whether or not I'd be strong enough to face the ridicule, scorn, and never-ending questions.

Although I long with all my heart to be a homemaker in training, relishing in the safety and comfort of my home, I realize that is all but a dream. Maybe one day, Yahweh will grant me my heart's desire, by sending me a man who understands the importance of a wife staying at home and who treasures the role of biblical womanhood.

But for now, I must put all this aside, as I contemplate the path I will be taking soon. The thing that worries me the most is how busy I'll be. Surely, I'll be expected to work in order to help with the bills that will soon accumulate. We're talking admission fees, textbooks, car insurance, gas, etc. Or - and this is something I've been very seriously considering - I could do my entire college degree online. This, to me sounds like a perfectly reasonable solution. The question now is, which online college should I attend if I'm planning to major in English? If you know of a good online college - not too expensive! - please do let me know.

I would also appreciate prayers for me in this area, as this decision is not an easy one.