I was not drunk or on drugs. That's what most people ask first. Today I am 48 years old but when I was 28 I got my first tattoo. It was actually my very own idea before they became the in thing. It was simply done out of the urge to express myself. However with my next tattoo it became urgent for me to glorify the Lord - in all that I do. Therefore I spoke with quite a few pastors and made it my mission to find out what the bible says about getting tattoos. I also received permission from my husband as I aim to please him and be obedient to him. I refuse to get into a debate on what the bible says. I think Christians arguing about what the bible says is a waste of time when we should be spending that time and energy on the great commission. But to A.C. Snow who wrote a commentary in the News and Observer in the Life section on August 31, 2014 about tattoos; I want you to know that you quoted the easy-reach bible verse (Leviticus 19:28) that most people grab to dispute these types of things. You state in your article, "Because I don't understand this phenomenon doesn't mean I'm criticizing it." I thought your article was well written and I see you trying hard to not to criticize. Well done! But I thought you might like to hear from someone with an actual tattoo that doesn't tattoo men's names or gross pictures on her body.
This is quoted from Focus on the family. It describes best where I stand.
Our own view
is that the Bible has nothing specific to say to Christians on the
permissibility of tattoos. It’s true that the practice was forbidden in
the Old Testament Law. Leviticus 19:28 says, “You shall not make any
cuts in your body for the dead, nor make any tattoo marks on yourselves:
I am the Lord.” The difficulty is that it’s not exactly clear how this
commandment applies to us today, since, it was probably directed
against practices associated with pagan idolatry. (Something similar
seems to be behind the instructions given n in the previous verse,
Leviticus 19:27 — “You shall not round off the side-growth of your
heads, nor harm the edges of your beard.”) The custom of making “cuts”
in the body was a heathen way of attracting the gods’ attention by
arousing their pity. By way of contrast, in today’s culture tattoos are
generally viewed as being cosmetic or aesthetic in purpose.
That’s not to mention that Christians are called to live by
grace, not by the law. The book
of Hebrews makes it clear that the purely cultural and ceremonial
aspects of the Old Testament law — rules having to do with burnt
offerings (Leviticus 1:9), dietary restrictions (Leviticus 11:10),
agricultural methods (Leviticus 19:19), capital punishment for witches
(Exodus 22:18), and the pagan associations of customs such as tattooing
(Leviticus 19:28) or cutting the edges of the beard (Leviticus 19:27) —
were merely “shadows” of the reality that was to come
in Christ (see Hebrews 8:5, 10:1). As such, they are no longer binding upon New Testament believers. Focus on the Family.
Me and my tattoos.
I still have an immense desire to express myself. It started at 6 months when my mom found the spindles of my crib intrinsically painted with my poop. I designed my latest tattoo myself, it took 4 years because I couldn't do it until I was positive it was right. After being chronically ill for many years involving and enduring many procedures, tests and surgeries it became clear to me that my tattoos are a unique conversation starter. In combination of the Lord bringing me great joy amidst my trials the tattoo is both a daily message to me and a great conversation starter to those who start my IV's and stuff like that. Wearing bacon socks is also a great way to bring them to a quick smile too, but off point. I even decided that gosh darn it if I'm ever in a coma I can still plant seeds.
Having said all that, I have a heart for teenagers. This turns interesting because they seem to be my immediate buddy when they find out that I have tattoos. Knowing this gives me a great responsibility as well as a great opportunity. I instantly have urgent messages for them. First is that it feels like a sewing machine slowly searing your skin with hot liquid. It hurts. It is permanent and I suggest that they wait until they are 21 in order to make a fully thought out and mature decision. Never get one against your parents wishes, obedience and respect comes first. Don't get one when depressed or angry. Think about the career you are seeking and whether you might need to cover it up accordingly. But the bottom line is that what matters is what is in your heart and where you stand with God. And last but not least-EXPECT GRIEF. If you get a tattoo without understanding that people will automatically judge you then you are naive and just plain silly. As far as I am concerned it is a wonderful opportunity to educate others that someone that looks different can actually be a loving, kind, giving and God fearing individual.
I so understand that not everyone gets it and that is OK. I challenge people to get to know someone before you judge. Actually, I challenge people not to judge at all. Next article will be fun. It will be titled, "Not understanding things that people do." However it will be difficult keeping the list to a minimum. But the article will start with how on earth can anyone not accept Jesus as their savior and end up with why do people pick their nose while driving.
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