Asking for my husband

[Harmony]

Hi all. You've all been so helpful before that I figured I would go ahead and ask you another question. This one from my husband.

Growing up he went to church with his family every week. During that time he was never a firm believer. I asked him once whether he believed by choice, or believed by upbringing. He said by upbringing. He was told to believe so he believed.

Around three months ago he began to believe by choice. The change in him is enormous, he is excited about God and at times I think his faith surpasses mine and it's wonderful!

In the period between leaving home and when he and I met, he had three tattoos done. A scorpion, a bulldog, and a devil lifting weights.  After asking God to come into his life, two of his tattoos became a problem for him. The scorpion is covered unless he wears a tank top but the little devil is always right there in the open. He went so far to cover it at one point that he used guaze to cover it up before church service.

One of fellow church members saw the gauze and asked him what it was and my husband explained. The man told my husband not to hide it, but to use it as part of his testimony. My husband still struggles with it though. Unsure if he should cover it with another tattoo (we can't afford removal) or if he should leave it open for all to see. Any suggestions for him? He would really appreciate it!

 

[Mr.Cheese]

There are a whole bunch of things I wish I could go back and change. I feel a lot of shame. But I try to look at it like a testimony of where I used to be. Maybe I can keep young people from going down some of the same roads I did.

 

[panterapat]

That is a tough question. If it were me, I would have the tatoo removed. But you make a good point that he may be an effective witness and aid people in opening up to him because of the tatoo. Question- Is it outwardly obvious that he is a Christian? (cross, medal, etc) How eagerly will he attempt to evangelize? Pray to the Holy Spirit for guidence.
In Christ, Patrick

 

[Blessed-one]

The man told my husband not to hide it, but to use it as part of his testimony.

that's very good advice. Now that we've accepted Jesus into our lives, our past sin no longer dwells in us, we've been FORGIVEN! Look to the future instead of the past, the tatoo would be a great testimony indeed. However, if it meant so much to him though, then have the tatoo removed!

 

[mel3]

All of us have made bad choices and wish we could correct them. If the lack of money hinders hubby and he can not have it removed, theres not much more he can do right now. I think you recieved good advice about let it be part of his testimony.

 

[psycmajor]

Perhaps some foundation? You know, makeup?

 

[LouisBooth]

If it causes him to stumble then he should remove it or cover it up. Pray about it. I personally don't (or try really hard not to) assume things about people because of what they look like. Some of my best friends have tats.

I'd say try not to hide it but if someone asks about it he can always say, God saved me from this..or something to that effect and lead into some of his testimony. Remember, God will use anything you give him for his glory and turn it for good. I'll pray for him and for God to give him wisdom and discerment in this situation.

 

[Harmony]

Thanks for the replies!
Someone asked whether or not there are outward signs that he is a Christian, there are. He wears a cross and doesn't hesitate to tell people of his love for God.
I'm not sure that he is worried that his tat will make him stumble, it's more of a reminder of where he has been and he doesn't like where he has been. He is far more excited about where he is going.
Again, thanks for the replies and I will pass on the encouragement for using his tattoo as part of his testimony. Thanks a bunch all!

 

[LouisBooth]

Okay, always glad to be an encouragement to others.

 

[Macbeth]

Not that it may matter much, but here are my two cents: as was noted correctly above, we all have scars from our time before we listened to the call of God. Your hubbie's scars are somewhat more visual and permanent than mine which are tattooed into my memory. Neither one of us can really undo them, but mine you can't see. I would agree with the above to leave them as a testimony. I mean, who cares that he has the tattoos. The only other option I would see is to modify them so that they become funny or even more of a testimony to his conversion.

Best regards.

Macbeth

 

[Gerry]

I have no problem with any of the suggestions offered. But for me, I say if the man is uncomfortable with it, which he clearly is, then either remove it or cover it. Why keep an unpleasant reminder just to use it as a witness. It is not necessary to be uncomfortable to witness.

 

[GraftMeIn]

Harmony,
You're husband should simply pray about it, If it is Gods will that he should have them removed, then God will provide a way for him to have it done.

I will say a prayer for him concerning this.

 

[Harmony]

Thank you for the replies and prayer. And my husband thanks you too..

 

[hasbeens2000]

Originally posted by Harmony
...he had three tattoos done. A scorpion, a bulldog, and a devil lifting weights.  After asking God to come into his life, two of his tattoos became a problem for him. The scorpion is covered unless he wears a tank top but the little devil is always right there in the open. He went so far to cover it at one point that he used guaze to cover it up before church service.

One of fellow church members saw the gauze and asked him what it was and my husband explained. The man told my husband not to hide it, but to use it as part of his testimony. My husband still struggles with it though. Unsure if he should cover it with another tattoo (we can't afford removal) or if he should leave it open for all to see. Any suggestions for him? He would really appreciate it!

If you can't afford removal, here's an off-the-cuff idea: have a jail cell door tatooed over the devil.  Maybe include underneath the date your husband chose for himself to accept Christ as his Lord and Savior.  Still not the ideal solution, maybe, but at least when people ask, the opportunity for testimony is a little better.  And advertising that Christ has given him power over his own demons is nothing to be ashamed of!

Just a thought...

 

[Narda]

Hi,

Yes I would have to agree with Macbeth- we all have scars from our past. Some are just more visible to others. I think it would be a great evangalistic tool! If our sins are covered and we are now living for Christ, then what do we have to be ashamed of? So what if he has a tattoo- what's more important is that he has Jesus in his heart. If anything, it would be a great conversation starter and a very easy way to share a testimony and witness! Sure- there will be people who might look cross-eyed at him, but there will also be some asking him where that Light is coming from
God Bless!!

 

[Caedmon]

Originally posted by hasbeens2000
If you can't afford removal, here's an off-the-cuff idea: have a jail cell door tatooed over the devil.  Maybe include underneath the date your husband chose for himself to accept Christ as his Lord and Savior.  Still not the ideal solution, maybe, but at least when people ask, the opportunity for testimony is a little better.  And advertising that Christ has given him power over his own demons is nothing to be ashamed of!

That is really cool.

And he could put some kind of a "cultish"(don't take that wrong) slogan under it or above it in a laurel or something, you know, something like, "Satan's in the Slammer" above, and maybe the date below. I dunno, lol Just giving suggestions...

 

[ISniffMyCrack]

Can I get a Hallelujah?!



Gerry for God

WWJDFAKB?

 

[Spanky]

Hallelujah!

 

[Amy]

I have an unpleasant reminder of my past that I would have paid millions to remove if I had them, so I know how your husband must feel. If he wants to get rid of it, I'd say let him save up some money and do it.

 

[Gabriel]

Praise God that your husband has been called to believe!

The advice about using it as a testimony is good advice. If the content disturbs him and you can afford to have it covered, by all means do so.