Last week, I set out to make my residence in Idaho official by applying for my driver's license. I studied the driver's manual for several hours and set out at 7am to get the process going.
As I presented my proof of citizenship and residency, it came time to take the photograph (which is something that occurs before the test.) I was politely asked to remove my glasses and my headcovering (?)....I explained that I've been wearing my headcovering for religous purposes for over 3 years. The lady proceeded to ask management how to handle the situation, then they made a few calls and told me that it is their policy. I explained that when I read the manual it stated that exceptions could be made for medical or religous reasons.
As I presented my proof of citizenship and residency, it came time to take the photograph (which is something that occurs before the test.) I was politely asked to remove my glasses and my headcovering (?)....I explained that I've been wearing my headcovering for religous purposes for over 3 years. The lady proceeded to ask management how to handle the situation, then they made a few calls and told me that it is their policy. I explained that when I read the manual it stated that exceptions could be made for medical or religous reasons.
After a bit more discussion, I was then told that I needed a letter from my synagouge because this exemption was only to be used at their discretion . I maintained my "shalom" and asked if I could request for that information to be clearly included in their manual and online site. If I had known about this potential delay, I could have easily had a letter prepared and avoided an additional trip to fulfill my mission.
Ultimately, the situation provided an opportunity to be a witness to some of the clerks. I was asked a bit about our faith and one lady inquired about what the Hebrew writing said at the bottom of the letter .
Later in the day, another sister from our fellowship was planning to get her id card and she used the same letter to maintain her conviction about headcoverings. When she went to the Department of Transportation, the manager remembered me as being very nice (versus being confrontational and upset.) This was a good witness, considering how inconvienent it was to make an additional trip and delay the process. I kept my shalom and really wasn't angered by the situation.
Ultimately, you never know just how impactive your responses can be to others. The impression you leave with people just may shape their perception of others with similar convictions...Just a little thought to ponder, and perhaps it's needful to repent about your unseemly reactions in the past (?)
Ultimately, the situation provided an opportunity to be a witness to some of the clerks. I was asked a bit about our faith and one lady inquired about what the Hebrew writing said at the bottom of the letter .
Later in the day, another sister from our fellowship was planning to get her id card and she used the same letter to maintain her conviction about headcoverings. When she went to the Department of Transportation, the manager remembered me as being very nice (versus being confrontational and upset.) This was a good witness, considering how inconvienent it was to make an additional trip and delay the process. I kept my shalom and really wasn't angered by the situation.
Ultimately, you never know just how impactive your responses can be to others. The impression you leave with people just may shape their perception of others with similar convictions...Just a little thought to ponder, and perhaps it's needful to repent about your unseemly reactions in the past (?)
| headcovering_exemption.pdf |
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