Tattoos tend to be a controversial topic, especially in the Christian community. Should you have them or not have them? Personally I don’t think it’s a salvation issue (and if I’m wrong by all means I love feedback), but where I stand now; if you want a tattoo great, if you don’t great.
I have never been against tattoos but I have an extremely low pain tolerance, that the needles always freaked me out. This is a girl who hates shots, hates the sharp pointy things at the dentist, hates being shocked when it’s cold, and, yeah we get the picture.
So when deciding to get a tattoo, you can see why this is a big deal. Now I’m not a spur of the moment type of person. I like to think, plan, over think, over plan, etc. Let me start with the back story as to why I decided to get a tattoo.
Back in January my squad and I had a reunion called PSL (project search light), where we met for a week. We had time to catch up on our lives after the race, hear some incredible teachings and engage in some heartfelt worship. During a one on one with a friend I was talking about life and expressing where I was struggling and while I was talking the Lord told me to share with my squad.
Later that evening during worship I acted in obedience and shared with my squad. They prayed over me and during that prayer the Lord told my brother Ryan (squad mate) to tell me that I had a new name. That new name was “Sarah” which in Hebrew means “Princess”. And we know from Sarah and Abraham that her name meant mother of many nations. Now I’m not saying I’m going to have a baby at 100 years old (well the Lord can do anything, who knows). But this name made a huge connection for me in relation to the future vision the Lord has given me. So I decided after that to get a tattoo of this new name.
I think of this verse from Song of Solomon 8:6:
“Set me as a seal upon your heart,
as a seal upon your arm,
for love is strong as death,
jealousy is fierce as the grave.
Its flashes are flashes of fire,
the very flame of the LORD.
Many waters cannot quench love,
Neither can floods drown it.
If a man offered for love
all the wealth of his house,
he would be utterly despised.”
Now I realize that this book in the Bible has a different context and I don’t want to take it out of its context, but thinking of this verse made me think of Jesus’ love for His children and that floods cannot drown that love. That’s just so powerful to me; with that I knew I wanted the Lord’s new name he gave me, placed as a seal upon my arm (or back which is where my tattoo is).
I will be honest, I almost chickened out and left, but I didn’t. I knew I needed to do this and I wouldn’t trade the decision. Who knows I might get another one…..?
Thanks for reading my tattoo story!
If you have a tattoo, I encourage you to share your story about it!
I have a tattoo of my name in the same spot. I forget that it’s even there. I always wanted one. I think it’s neat that you did yours in symbols. My name is in Chinese.
Love it and love you beautiful woman!
I am surprised by your new tattoo because of your fear of needles but reading your story is just a small example (wait, maybe it’s not so small, lol) of how you want to obey and serve Him in the big and in the little. Love you Sarah!