Much of my sabbatical time has unfolded in places where women are tightly wrapped up—my language, not theirs.
Being a woman, along with having three adult daughters, I have spent much time noticing these women and considering several implications of their attire.
Before I go any further, I want to be clear that I can’t always embrace the clothing options that haunt at least the fringes of our western culture. We shout about freedom and yet, I have seen way too many ‘outfits’ that instead of freedom, scream for less than respectful attention. That’s just me, a mom, longing for strong and empowered females not caricatures.
Back to the veiled, scarved and burkad women…
These are women who have explained to me why it’s good to pray in the back corner of the mosque (or even better yet, to pray from home).
Women who embrace their clothing as adding integrity to their faithfulness.
Yet, women whose emotions and personalities are held hostage behind those facial coverings. Is it also true of their intellect, opinions, hopes and dreams? Are these too held hostage by the clothing that rejects transparency with the world?
I don’t understand nor is it mine to choose for anyone else but I wonder. And for those young girls trailing behind, I send a prayer of grit, to step into the fullness of who they were created to be. And yes, that may include a veil, scarf or burka.
Pastor Leah
