Painting The Temple

I know that there are a lot of debates about people who get a tattoo - especially if that person happens to be Christian. Many people see it as destroying God's temple. I see it as a way of painting it.

I have always been fascinated with the ideas of tattoos - being that the commitment to the image being inked into your body is longer than most relationships that you will ever experience. I love hearing the reason behind each artwork, because most people don't take being inked lightly. There is pride behind the portrait, a reason that a person is so willing to show part of themselves right on their sleeve (literately). And then there are those people who just like wearing art.

I am definitely part of the first group. What I did for my 22nd birthday was not spur of the moment, boredom, or to brag that "I've done it". It was to show that I have been through hell and back and been okay. It is to show that even though I am terrified of the future, I know that God will take care of me and has my back. I am showing that I am open to His plan and that I, despite what it may be, will rise to the challenge asked of me.

The tattoo itself is very simple, but it means a lot to me and I'm proud of it. There are two parts to it, but they complement each other. The first part is an open triangle. The triangle represents the Greek work "delta". If you have ever taken any higher math courses, you know that this word and symbol means "change". What I have recently learn is that if you take out a part of that triangle, the meaning becomes "open to change".

The second part of this tattoo is a Bible reference, Jeremiah 29:11. " For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." This verse has been following me around my entire life and has become extremely prominent during these last two years. Change isn't a new concept for me, but I feel that as of late, it has been what the majority of my life has been.

I fully believe that these two years have been a preparation for what is to come this fall. I needed to become more dependent on Him and less on those around me because this next stretch of my life isn't going to be an easy task. Logically, I know what has to be done, but mentally - I'm still gearing up for it.

That's the story behind my ink. It was a way to mentally prepare myself for what's to come. There will be pain involved, and at times it's going to hurt (especially when it lands right on the bone), but if I keep a level head and just breathe, I will make it through.

Until next time, dear readers,

Kaity