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In This Issue...
Articles
- A Theology of Humor by Cheryl Taylor
- Ministering With Humor by Stephanie Nance
- Christian Leaders Having Fun? by Pam Morton with Kathy Jingling
- The Health Benefits of Humor and Laughter by Dwenda Gjerdingen, MD, MS
Resources
Book Reviews
- Anatomy of an Illness by Norman Cousins
- The Purse-Driven Life by Anita Renfroe
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Authority on Her Head
When Grandmother spoke, everyone listened. Small in stature, hair tightly wound into a bun, attractively attired in an ankle-length dress, witty and articulate, studied in response, eager to be a part of the local women’s group.
An authority was on her head.
When I was a small boy she unraveled to me the complexities of eschatological phenomena, telling me about the rapture of the Church, the terror of the Great Tribulation, and the glories of heaven. "Get ready—Jesus is coming soon," she admonished.
My tender heart responded with a mixture of amazement, conviction, hope, and eager expectation. The roots of my life were put down right there.
What about this authority? What was it about this special woman that the years have only enriched? Why is it that so many in our family point to her as the pioneer of our faith?
For years I puzzled over Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 11:5 about a woman prophesying with her head uncovered, the disgrace of a woman cutting her hair, the designation of a woman’s glory being found in a man, and the idea of a woman wearing a sign of authority on her head. What does all this mean? What is dismissible as cultural, and what points to timeless truth?
Maybe it isn’t as perplexing as I thought. Isn’t Paul talking about modesty? Strip away what is cultural, recall the obvious disdain in the society of Corinth for women immodestly clothed, and I think what you have left is a powerful message on the incredible authority of modesty.
In our city is a boulevard of tragic notoriety. Streetwalkers are recognizable day and night by their suggestive, immodest, inappropriate attire. They are vulnerable, unprotected, exposed, powerless. Anyone who cares shudders at the impending danger that lurks just around the corner and at the passing of the next car.
No authority. No protection. No respect. Why? Because there is no modesty. The message sent is an invitation to violation, disrespect, and abuse. There is no hedge from the cruel world, no appeal for protection, and no sign of respectability.
Paul’s point becomes clear: "The woman ought to have a symbol of authority on her head" (1 Corinthians 11:10, NASB). Just like my grandmother—a Spirit-filled, praying, loving, caring woman of God. When she spoke, everyone listened. Authority was on her head. She wore the pledge of modesty.
A Sanctified Family
This is where it really matters. Paul says that this kind of woman sanctifies her husband and makes her children holy (1 Corinthians 7:14). In fact, the impact of her life is so incredibly strong that she is able to move her husband from unbelief to faith even by her silence (1 Peter 3:1). That’s authority.
Peter goes further, however, mentioning purity, reverence, unfading beauty, and a gentle and quiet spirit (1 Peter 3:1-6). That is modesty, and with it comes authority.
Grandmother put a stamp on her posterity. To this day I am enraptured with her 80-page handwritten history of our family—our births, family reunions, camp meetings, revival services—with prayers and songs woven appropriately into the narrative.
Our family bears a stamp that time will never erase.
An Empowered Witness
Joel announced that in our day the Holy Spirit will be outpoured on all flesh—sons, daughters, old men, young men, servants, men, and women (Joel 2:28,29).
The Assemblies of God is an expression of Joel’s prophecy. From our beginning we as a Fellowship have released those called and anointed to fulfill their unique ministry. By the hundreds and thousands, Assemblies of God women have given voice, presence, and example to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Travel the world, and you will hear the stories of heroic and courageous women who have pushed back the power of evil and built the church in heathen lands.
Yes, there are many reasons why they have succeeded. When you draw up your list, though, do not forget modesty. They have worn it as authority on their heads.
I have a close friend who spent 40 years in Nigeria bringing people to Christ, planting churches, and training leaders. She is one of those stalwart pioneers, blinded to obstacles and attracted to challenge. One thing stands out: She had an authority on her head. She was and is an empowered witness and exemplified modesty.
An Enriched Church
I look back to my early days growing up in a small Iowa Assemblies of God church. Who was it that faithfully served in Women’s Ministries and taught us God’s Word? Sadie, Gladys, Betty, Bertha, Jay Lee—mighty women of God who week by week and year by year faithfully communicated the truths of God’s Word.
But more, they had an authority on their heads. They are the heroes of my life. Simple, common, ordinary—but powerful in influence.
No, I will never forget her: A grandmother who spoke and everyone listened. A mighty woman of God who had an "authority on her head."
"The unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight" (1 Peter 3:4, NIV).
