Why I Got Another Tattoo

A week ago I did something. You might not agree with it. In fact, you may even think I am crazy. But that’s okay. I am excited about it! And today I am going to share about why I got another tattoo.

Used to

I used to judge people with tattoos. I thought they were crazy for marking their body in that way. I also used to think it was wrong to get a tattoo. About ten years ago, God challenged me on that mindset. It’s not wrong or unbiblical, so why was I even thinking that way? I know some really amazing people who are strong believers who have several tattoos. God showed me that I needed to let go of my judgment. He also reminded me that every tattoo has a story. I am so thankful for His guidance! 

Markers

Towards the end of 2015, I started to really think about getting my own tattoo. I spent a lot of time in prayer about it. After all, my tattoo would be a permanent marker on my body.

Speaking of a marker that is something that has always been important to me. At each turning point in my life or a big shift in perspective, I enjoy having a spiritual marker of some sort. Over the years it has been a bracelet, ring, necklace or a verse on a plaque to remind me of what God has taught me.

Throughout the Bible, several people made spiritual markers to remember what God has done in their lives. In Joshua 4 at the Jordan River crossing, the tribes set up a pile of stones as a reminder of what God had done for the people. This was a story they could tell for generations to come.

Anchor

In October of 2016, I went in for my first tattoo which was an anchor with a verse inscribed below. Why an anchor? Over the years, I have struggled with feeling like I am good enough. I long to be accepted and loved. God has been working on this in my heart for many years but in the past couple years, I feel as though it started to sink in more.

No matter what I am fully loved, valued and accepted. I am also good enough because Jesus is. My identity needs to be in Him alone. It is the only thing that doesn’t shift or change. I am secure in Jesus and that is the reason I choose an anchor. The verse below my anchor tattoo talks about the deep love God has for each one of us and we can rest secure in Him.

“Let the beloved of the Lord rest secure in him, for he shields him all day long, and the one the Lord loves rests between his shoulders.” – Deuteronomy 33:12

Butterfly

Last week, I got another tattoo which is a butterfly. The story behind this one begins in 1996 when I asked Jesus to be my Lord and Savior. At that point, butterflies were very special to me because they represented new life in Jesus. Over the years, I received many gifts with a butterfly theme. To be totally honest, I started to get sick of butterflies. But, this past year God brought them back around with my word of the year- Soar. Butterflies have taken on a whole new meaning for me. God uses them to remind me that in Him, I will soar. It’s not a maybe, it’s a promise. So, my butterfly tattoo is my spiritual marker to remind me of that promise.

Tattoos 

Tattoos tell a story. In my case, tattoos are a marker for what God has done in my life. And honestly, my tattoos are a great reminder of what God is continuing to do. Before passing judgment when you see someone with a tattoo like I used to do, I encourage you to find out the story. You may be surprised.

Tattoos are a way to mark a turning point in your life but definitely not the only way. It can be a ring, bracelet, verse on a plaque, etc. What other markers or symbols have you used in your life? I would love to hear about it. Please comment below.