For my birthday this year, I gave myself the gift of tattoos and it shocked a lot people.
“You’re a Christian! Christians don’t do that!”
“You’re 35! Weren’t you supposed to do that when you were young and reckless?”
First of all guys! I’m still young! I’m just not reckless. The decision to get tattooed was thought out, prayed on and very intentional. Unlike with younger folks, there was absolutely no peer pressure on my end and I definitely was not trying to be ‘cool’.
Secondly, Christians do not have a look and there’s surely not a way to act Christian because we are not called to be actors! (Of course, there are certain guidelines that govern our lives, but that’s a whole other topic that I’m not about to get into).
So why get a tattoo now you ask?
I’ve always liked tattoos but I decided a long time ago that if I were to get one, it had to have meaning behind it. After all, I wasn’t about to go through pain to put something fickle on my body that would be there for the rest of my life!
So during my separation, the idea of getting ring-finger tattoos started formulating. I did research and even sketched a few ideas myself. My thinking was, if I get back with my husband after everything then nothing could separate us ever again. So I figured what better way to demonstrate/commemorate our reconciliation than matching ring tattoos?
But the longer the separation lasted and the closer I got to God, the more I realized that He is the only person that will always be there with me and for me! He is the only constant, the only forever! Jesus suffered tremendous pain on our behalf so if I were to suffer pain voluntarily, it would be for Him.
So what do my tattoos mean?
My tattoos (a butterfly and cross on my ring finger and “Matthew 6:33” on my left forearm) are a physical representation of the commitment that I made in my heart to love God and to seek His Kingdom first. The butterfly represents my transformation as a result of it. The placement on my ring finger also lets potential suitors know, who comes first in my life and who must come first in theirs! It’s also a reminder for me for when I’m struggling and wanting to give up. All I have to do is look at my hand and be reminded of whose I am and how far I’ve come!
You may not like tattoos and I am by no means trying to convince you to go get one but I just wanted to share why I got mine. Not because I felt like I had to explain myself to anyone but because I wanted to show that even something that some may consider sinful or ugly, can be used to glorify God! I imagine being asked what “Matthew 6:33” means and being able to tell non- believers about Christ and how He changed my life and can change theirs!
Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Matthew 6:33 (ESV)
Just doing my Father’s work!
Crowned Papillon
Crowned Papillon 