Guatemala.
This country gave me a glimpse into what I can be. A glimpse into who I am. It activated what has been dormant for most of my life. Guatemala showed me that I am so much more than I expected. It taught me the words I speak hold power and I have the power to bring life or death with the words I speak. It showed me that I do have words to say and that my words are important. It showed me I can speak healing into existence and I can support those around me not just by my actions but my words as well.
I got three tattoos in Guatemala, each with a special and dear meaning to me. My first month I realized that the Holy Spirit moves and speaks through me more than I know. I was baptized in the Holy Spirit in this country. The joy and laughter I felt was uncontrollable, and I was filled with heat from my tongue right down to my toes. So I got a butterfly on my shoulder, because everytime I saw one, the Holy Spirit was brought up, and know that’s what I always think of when I see butterflies.
I got a heart on my middle finger, and good golly did that one hurt. But I got that one because I realized anger and frustration is my quickest emotion to arise. I never want to react in anger, I always want to react in love. I want to redeem the middle finger as well, I never want to use it to tear someone down.
And finally I got the word ‘worthy’ on my thumb. This was the hardest tattooI’ve ever had to get, mainly because it’s the only one I don’t fully believe yet. I know it is true, it just hasn’t gotten down into my heart yet. It will. This word came to me in the middle of corporate worship, we were singing ‘Worthy Of It All’ underneath the hot tin roof of the common room. I was trying desperately to get rid off of the anxiety coursing through my body when one of the guys walked up to me and told me that I needed to sit and listen to the words. He said that God was singing over me that I was worthy of it all. I was worthy of Jesus dying for me, I was worthy of love, I was worthy to speak. My tattoo is a constant reminder to everyday.
Guatemala gave me so much, and I owe a lot to this beautiful Country, and I will not forget it. Thank you Guatemala, for all the good gifts and wonderful blessings you gave me.
