THE TATTOOED PERSON

I recently had a thought while watching a dude in the checkout line at Home Depot. He had tats on both arms (sleeves), up his neck to his ears and both legs were decorated. He was wearing a tank top and shorts so most of his tattoos were clearly and obviously visible. Of course…this is all his business and none of mine.

But it struck me while watching and waiting in line that something happens when a tattooed person becomes a tattoo more than a person. Maybe that is the success of tats. I don’t know. I did not see this person; I only saw tattoos.

I think there are many kinds of tattoos and some of them are ink. The others might be course language, habits, racism, arrogance, clothing, jewelry, phone captivity, addictions, strong perfume, green hair, alcohol, religion, politics…etc. It seems to me that it is all a crying out for identity… notice me, accept me, punish me, hate me, cuss me, love me or whatever. Just notice me. Some of these tattoos are about as difficult to remove as the inked kind.

‘If your insides are smashed up and badly bruised and your mind follows with behaviors that reflect the bruised condition…’ Or, one might just like ink art.

I say, if our spirit is smashed up and badly bruised and needing acceptance and identity… a Father is waiting to tell us ‘You are my beloved son or daughter, I will take you and love you with or without tats.’

“Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” Jesus