Day 3 is here and I am excited about this one. The prompt is What tattoos do you have and what do they mean. I have…8 tats (so far). I got my first tattoo when I was 22/23. I thought it the pain was going to be unbearable but it’s really more annoying. Imagine a needle sticking you repeatedly in a general area. I’ll start in chronological order and post a picture if appropriate.
Tattoo #1: Sola Gratia
This is latin and means by grace alone. I remember sitting in history class at the Baylor University (sic em bears) when we were learning about Martin Luther. Disclaimer: I’m reformed. But I did appreciate Martin Luther’s response to the Catholic church at the time and what this means. Growing up in a Christian household as a preacher’s kid, I understood the Gospel but didn’t really believe deep down that my works don’t persuade God’s love. Only His grace does.
Tattoo #2: Infinity Sign with love
This is definitely my least favorite tattoo. Tats are addicting. If you know, you know. I went with my friend to get my second one and the tat I originally wanted didn’t work out. It’s permanently there and I’m just happy it’s not misspelled.
Tattoo #3: Enough.
This one is in a beautiful calligraphy font on my side above my ribs. It’s a reminder to an insecurity I battle to remind myself that I am enough, period.
Tattoo #4: Vie en paix
This says “life in peace” in French. Never took French in my life so I appreciate google for the translation. My favorite passage of Scripture is Philippians 4:6-7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Without God’s peace, there’s room for worry, depression, fear and doubt. I know that this comfort of his peace is something I don’t deserve but I am grateful everyday.
Tattoo #5: Feather with Footprints and Isaiah 46:4 script
Have you ever read the footprints in the sand poem? One of my favorites. At the end of the poem, the writer realizes that God never left them and will be there to carry us forever. When I think of carrying, I think of protection; hence the feather.
Isaiah 46:4 reads
Even to your old age and gray hairs
NIV
I am he, I am he who will sustain you.
I have made you and I will carry you;
I will sustain you and I will rescue you.
Enough said. Amen!
Tattoo #6: Faith in Braille
When I hit 25, I realized that my journey with Christ required a deeper level of faith. If I wanted to grow, I had to grow deeper. He showed me a lot of ways that my faith was shallow and still shows me today. Faith is believing without seeing. It’s also on the shirt I launched!
Tattoo #7: Cross
Call me cliche but I always wanted one. LOL. That’s it.
Tattoo #8: Denim in Japanese
When my husband and I were dating, he romanced me with some great playlists. One of the songs on the playlist is titled Japanese Denim by Daniel Caesar. We both love this song so much, we danced to it at our wedding celebration. Now, we both have this matching tattoo! The tattoo was his idea – he’s so clever!
Do you have any tattoos? If so, what are they?
