Tattoo Me!

I'm sure there are plenty of well meaning Christians who will give me grief over this one. So, just let me say that I waited 24 years to get my first tattoo, which includes not having gotten one when I was dating a tattoo artist. I knew that if I was ever to ink my body, that it would have to be by someone of very special talent whom I was comfortable with, and that the artwork would have to be doubly as special with extraordinary meaning attached to it.

Living with passion at the expression of one's faith, tends to make people uncomfortable from time to time. It was after one of these particular episodes that I came to the conclusion that I needed my own personal reminder of what it is that drives me that was once again scaring people. Years ago it was the darkness surrounding me that scared them, now it seems that the light surrounding me is capable of doing the same. Go figure!

Of course, most everything I do must have great significance attached to it. The artwork I chose was one my friend Charlie had drawn up years ago that I used on the back cover of the Fall 2005 newsletter (check it out!). In the midst of the heart, I added the Aramaic letters for the word "passion", representing the passion of Christ which is what drives me. I then had the flame edged in blue to be representative of Jesus' eternal love for us. And I felt the tribal art was a great example of how His love reaches out to each one of us in a different and unique way. I then headed out in my car, pushing my way over several state lines where I employed the services of a friend's son, Robbie Reel, who works as a tattoo artist in Fayetteville, Arkansas. I figured if I'm gonna wait 24 years to do it, I'm gonna do it big!

So, to those of you who may have an issue with someone in active ministry getting a tattoo, let me just say, with no disrespect intended, get over it. As Christians we need to cease our moral attacks on one another and on the world at large. Major on the majors and minor on the minors.We are to be known by our love, remember? As for me personally, this is as a memorial stone and serves as a reminder of that which I hold dear. As such, it will now provide an open door to witness to people that most Christians would never choose to associate with and from where I'm standing, I consider that a privilege of service to my Lord.