My Tattoos

I've thought about a post like this for a long time. It's not something I wanted to shout out from the rooftops, but feel like I'm ready to share what's been on my mind.

(I thought I would interject that if someone doesn't agree with my thoughts...I'm ok with that. Some people might argue with my logic...I'm ok with that, too. This is my story.)

(I'd also like to point out that I've never felt like I was being unfairly judged or criticized for my tattoos. Friends and family have been more than patient and loving with me!)

Now after all those disclaimers:

Based off my blog and my life as a Christian homeschooling mom, some might find it surprising that I have 3 tattoos on my forearms. I have the word 'faith' tattooed on my inner/upper part of my arm. Three different sized stars (that represent my children) on my wrist and a small red heart on my other wrist. I got all three of them in a short span of each other around 3 and half years ago.

I'm a wife (to a non-tattooed man). A mother. A Christian and daughter of the King! Some might find it (strange) or 'worldly' that I would mark my body in this way. I thought I would share my thoughts on this subject to clear my head of what's floating around in there.

Three (and a half) years ago, when I got my tattoos, I was 27 years old and only a few months out of having my 3rd baby in 4 years. I was having a hard time with my emotions and depression. I had a number of things that I was struggling with at the time and didn't put my trust or faith in the Lord the way I should have. During that time period I jumped into the decision that I was ready for a tattoo. With me being....(well)...me, I never do anything small...I got all three within a few months of each other. I don't want to share about this time in my life because I feel like it was deeply personal.....and I was doing some major changing/growing.....and through this time period my relationship with Christ became stronger than it EVER had been. However, once my life calmed down and things around me started to improve my scars were/are still there (my tattoos). They can't be wiped off. They can't be covered up (I've tried).They will be with me the rest of my life. They serve to remind me what I've been through and that Christ provided for me even when I wasn't 'there' with Him.  And guess what?  I'm TOTALLY fine with that. I'm not perfect. I make mistakes. I haven't lived a 'spotless' Christian life. I'm a sinner, and I would be utterly helpless and lost without the love, grace  and blood of JESUS CHRIST!

Do I REGRET my tattoos? Not really, kind of? (Is that an answer?)

Would I get them AGAIN if given the chance? No.

Would I campaign for someone to get one? No.

Would I have them removed if given the opportunity? Probably.

Would I go to great lengths to have them removed? No. Not at this point in my life.

Would I have a hernia if my children ever got one? You bet! But, I'd live.

Do I loose sleep over it? No. I don't. It doesn't bother me. It's part of me. It's part of my past. They come with a story that has molded me into the person I am today. Everyone that sees my arm KNOWS I have faith! It's tattooed in black on my arm!!

I guess that's really all I wanted to say. Just try not to jump to conclusions over why someone got a tattoo. Don't assume it's to rebel against society. There may be something personal about them you know nothing about. Who knows (but that person). Take the time to find out if it's something that is troubling you deeply or just ignore them (the tattoos not the person)....you will eventually not even see them anymore once you get to know that person! I promise!

I'd also like to point out...maybe most people don't even think like me (probably a good thing)....but I like to think if someone walked into the worship service I was attending all 'tatted up' they wouldn't feel so ashamed and out of place if they saw someone like me there. Singing praises to our King. Taking the Lord's supper. Handling three children in the pew. Dressed up in a long lady like skirt......with tattoos! It takes all kinds, right?

Have a great night!

God Bless!