To Tattoo Or Not To Tattoo?

Good morning Jesus…I had to wipe the white crystals off the outdoor thermometer to see the temperature…it made for a brisk bicycle ride but it was worth it…it’s good to see you this morning. Oh! Let me tell you what happened at work this week. Normally I order parts and supplies over the phone and have them delivered to the job. I usually talk to the same girl who is always extremely helpful, very knowledgably, and exceptionally nice. A break down in a critical piece of equipment required driving to town to pick up the parts ASAP. This time I would meet her face to face. You can’t imagine the shock and dismay I experienced upon seeing her for the first time. The young girl had tattoos that covered (I could only presume) her entire body. They crawled out from under the collar of her blouse up her neck and onto her face. They also snaked out from her sleeves down her arms all the way to her hands. I tried to hide my reaction. I struggled to regain my composure and as I gathered up my order I strained not to gawk. After I left I could only shake my head in wonderment as to what would cause anyone to do that to their body. It just does not seem right. I remember from grade school the nuns telling us that our body was “the Lord’s temple” and that we should treat it as such. Admittedly I have not done such a great job. Yes, my waist is the size my chest used to be and vise versa but at least I have not allowed graffiti all over my temple walls. Isn’t there something in the Old Testament about “you shall not make any cuttings in your flesh, nor print any marks upon you”? Where is that? Leviticus 19:28?

Man…that really creeped me out. Tattoos are not like make-up or jewelry that can easily be taken off. What happens when the fad is over? What happens when styles change? I need to invent some way to remove tattoos. I know there will be a big demand for that in the future…unless the “circus thing” catches on again.

Well, I’ve got to go. Dear Lord, give me the understanding to cope with my prejudice and the compassion to deal with these marked children, your children, in the same manner you would.
Amen


Jan 16, 2009