Most of you know by now that I have a tattoo. So, I thought I’d share what it means to me because there is more to it than you might think.
Inside of the first triangle you see waves, waves represent so much. For starters they are so powerful and you can easily find yourself getting stuck in them. When you find yourself caught in a riptide the only way out is not a straight line back to shore but a long slow walk in a diagonal line along the shore line. It’s not easy and sometimes you get hit by the crashing waves along the way. So this first triangle represents my life before I truly found Christ and who He was to me. There were countless times that I got completely shattered by my anxiety, depression, worries and stresses. Times when I thought life was not worth living and when I allowed my negativity to get the best of me. The devil is so powerful but can be overcome just like any wave that can knock you down making you feel as though you are drowning. I lived so much of my life feeling like I was stuck in the riptide and drowning, sinking deeper and deeper into this unforgiving ocean we call our world. But I found something. Actually someONE found me.
In the second triangle you see a picture of the same water. Except something is different. Where did the waves go? You see the second triangle represents my life after I found Christ. After I gave all that I am to an eternal father, everlasting God of the purest most genuine love. I gave Him my anxiety, depression, stresses and my negativity. I let go of my comforts and took a courageous step onto the shores of His goodness and in turn He completely calmed and restored my seas. He drove out the storm that our unforgiving society placed in my heart and He brought sunshine and a new found hope within my soul. He gave me purpose and a reason to live. For that I am eternally grateful.
Many people ask, why the triangles… well I answer, the perfect trinity. Father, Son and Holy Spirit. A triangle has three points, and there are three sides to my sweet Savior. You have a father figure (God) for the times when you need a pick me up from good ol’ dad. You have His son, Jesus, as a friend who just loves to hang out and go on countless adventures with you. And of course the Holy Spirit who is there to remind you of all the things that the Lord is, was and what is to come. To be that voice in your head you should probably listen to a little bit more.
The base of this picture I have painted before you is Psalm 56: 3 which says “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.”
A short and simple verse that changed my perspective on my sweet Jesus. It was the reassurance that I needed at the time I needed it to keep going. It was Him saying, take this fear you have a run with it kid. Keep your eyes on me, just like Peter did when Jesus asked Him to step out of the boat into the storm in Matthew 14:22-33. All of the times I felt as though I was sinking but it says in verse 30:
“…he (talking about Peter) was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out “Lord, save me.” Jesus IMMEDIATELY reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”
All of the times I got caught up in the waves that were crashing around me but all I needed to do was say “Lord, save me.” And the response that Jesus gave was IMMEDIATE, it was not one second later! He wasted no time saving his beloved! He wastes NO TIME saving you! Do I still doubt myself sometimes, of course but who doesn’t. No human is perfect but every time I look down at my leg I hear my Lord saying to me “I’ve gotchya” with his hand stretched out for me to hold ever so tightly.
I know many people don’t necessarily agree with putting something permanently on your skin but to me it is more than just some shapes and lines. This is a cracked open door. It’s an opportunity that I love taking, whether it is a 6th grade class or an old man in a homeless shelter. The gospel is out there and this brings a chance to share it every time someone sees it. So there you have it folks. A very in depth explanation on something that I am proud to say is permanently on my body. Not just triangles, waves and a sun but redemption, hope and a gentle reminder of how far my God has brought me and how far we still have to go.
*** I am still raising funds for CGA so feel free to click on the donate button at the top of your screen and subscribe to follow me on this journey that God is taking us on! A little goes a long way and I can’t thank you enough for your prayers and support that has gotten me this far! You guys are truly amazing! P.S. By October 6th I need to reach a deadline of $2,500and I know we can do it!!!***
