Tip of My Iceberg

Several of my kids and friends have gotten tattoos. These pieces of body art are significant in what they’ve chosen to permanently ink onto their bodies. I’ve considered getting one in the past; the kids and I have thrown around the idea of a family tattoo.

That’s probably not going to happen.

What amazes me is how much the younger kids love putting on colorful tattoos of their choice everywhere. Superheroes, flowers, bugs, cars, or fairies are stuck on their appendages with due diligence, with what they feel is important to them. Kolly, at three, loved the idea of pretty, big-eyed girls and ice cream cones shaped like houses.

Nolan, who is currently into pirates, had one shaped like a whale on his neck. He didn’t want anyone to miss it.

Tattoos may be enthralling, but not all are pleasing. I met a gal who’d just had one of a skull and crossbones removed from her chest. She’d had the tattoo inked late one night on a dare and regretted it almost immediately. The likeness itself wasn’t completely gone, but it was preferable to the picture she showed me of what it had looked like. It cost her, though. Where having it put on her chest was $500, the price for removing it was $2,000.

My oldest daughter chose to have the word “ichthus” tattooed on her ankle when she was 18. I wasn’t overwhelmed with what she’d done until she told me why. Ichthus is the simple outline of a fish, a symbol that the early Christian church used to identify believers. It was a statement of her own faith in Jesus. Who was I to argue with that?

Tattoos are becoming increasingly popular around the world. In the US alone, about one-third of the population has a tattoo, with younger generations, Millennials and Gen Z, having an even higher rate.

Tattoos make a statement, not just what the tattoo represents, but where it’s chosen to be placed. Some have theirs hidden in places no one typically sees, while others boldly exhibit them for public viewing, looking for a response from others. Some tattoos commemorate a special person or time that one chooses not to forget. Some have cultural significance that help others better understand their identity, telling a story of who they are. Emotional healing can be a reason for getting inked as a sense of victory and overcoming.

God gives His own particular stamp of approval when we choose to believe in Jesus for our salvation. He gives us His Holy Spirit, the Spirit of the living Christ, to live within us to strengthen us to deal with life.

“But when the Father sends the Advocate as My representative–that is, the Holy Spirit–He will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.” John 14:26.

So the Holy Spirit leads us into understanding, but even more, He’s our guarantee that we have an eternal relationship with God.

“He has identified us as His own by placing the Holy Spirit in our hearts as the first installment that GUARANTEES everything He has promised.” 2 Corinthians 1:22

There are a few things in life that are guaranteed. These tattoos of the kids will wash off in a matter of time. God’s stamp of approval is eternal, promising those who know Him a place with Him in heaven.

That’s a guarantee I’ll have stamped on my heart permanently.