Sinful Tattoo

[faroukfarouk]

I have a friend... big bad biker dude... served in Nam, Aryan Nations, been to the pen... Needless to say, he's got a whole lot of offensive ink... Keeps him out of the choir, if you get my drift, but like in Nam, he's a specialist. Turn him loose in a bar full of bikers, and he'll have a beer or two, and walk out having saved somebody. I know, I've seen it happen over and over.

YHWH has a reason. In my life, I have found that he puts people in my way that need my particular testimony - I think this is what confession to our brothers is really about - Really *for*.

And in that need for my testimony, and my confession following, he turns my worst sins into victories. Don't ask me why or how... it just is.

So don't worry about your battle scars... some day, they might be just what the doctor ordered.

roamer_1:
Your comment reminds me of what Paul said in 2 Corinthians 1.3-4:
"Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God."

 

[faroukfarouk]

Yeah I'm just going to get it covered with a turtle heh. I haven't read the responses since then, I could sense myself getting testy, though it notified me that you had quoted me. I'm glad I asked the community about this, for sure. I hadn't even considered having it changed, let along what I could try to change it to. I'm such a proud and mistrusting sort, I usually don't ask for advice, but I can feel the internal pressure to get over it and start seeking out fellowship again. Glad I gave it a try, the idea of having it turned into a turtle given what turtles remind me of, seems to sit well internally. I had not even thought of that possibility.

PS:

TurtleAnne:

It's also regarded by some ppl as therapeutic, if this makes any sense? FYI:

From an article 'Tattoo Therapy' by Anne Marie Cerato (from patientcommando dot com ) "There are a few words I thought I’d never utter together, Tattoos and Therapy are an example..The pain is temporary, what stays behind is a permanent reminder, much like a scar. Before actually getting tattooed, I did try conventional therapy, it worked for a while, but was somewhat unsatisfying..For me it was the emotional scars that cut me deeper than the physical ones, once I opened up about my guilt, my fears and anxieties, I was able to embrace my physical scars and appreciate them for the beauty and strength they represented."

 

[faroukfarouk]

Yeah I'm just going to get it covered with a turtle heh. I haven't read the responses since then, I could sense myself getting testy, though it notified me that you had quoted me. I'm glad I asked the community about this, for sure.

PS: TurtleAnne:

I suppose that, logically speaking, along the lines of the discussion going on on the other thread just now, someone could claim that getting tattooed is always vain.

Well, it might be sometimes for some ppl, but there are so many motives and so many varied circumstances and varied designs.

I guess even between your first inking and the next inking you want to have done, your own motives would have changed quite substantially.

So I guess it's hard to attribute particular states of mind to everyone as regards all tattoos (if this makes sense?)

 

[wayfaring man]

Late entry to original post -

I'd say keep it covered for now, when you sense it's apropriate to do so.

Don't think adding more ink is the answer. Unless that ink could mimic your natural skin color...maybe.

Removal might be good. But also think it is expensive, painful, and potentially scarring.

'Christian tattoo' sounds like a contradiction / oxymoron.

Christ is the Creator / Artist.

Tattoos are like unlawful graffiti.

It's good you see it as something not right... but if it's merely a part of your past, it shouldn't sharply condemn in the present.

Peace & Joy in Yeshua !

 

[faroukfarouk]

It feels freeing but overwhelming at the same time.

PS:

TurtleAnne:
I was just reading what you wrote in an earlier post; I think the context was generally your feeling of the transforming effect of faith in Christ; but it could really also describe the experience of getting a faith based tattoo design inked. Christians that have it done can find it a liberating, exhilarating experience, in some ways overpowering as well, to receive a faith based design which is identified with so deeply.

If any of this makes sense? I don't know how far your original intent could cover this application also.

 

[TurtleAnne]

PS:

TurtleAnne:
I was just reading what you wrote in an earlier post; I think the context was generally your feeling of the transforming effect of faith in Christ; but it could really also describe the experience of getting a faith based tattoo design inked. Christians that have it done can find it a liberating, exhilarating experience, in some ways overpowering as well, to receive a faith based design which is identified with so deeply.

If any of this makes sense? I don't know how far your original intent could cover this application also.

I am decided on this matter. I will have it turned into a turtle, to represent the first spiritual experience I can ever remember having, from my early childhood.

When I got this pagan tattoo several years ago, it was because to me it symbolized resisting evil influences. At the time, this meant a great deal to me, because my parents had been such poor examples in so many ways, and I had severely battled that influence, trying so hard not to become what had damaged me so much, in regards to how abusive behaviors and malignant psychology is often passed from one generation to the next in a family, due to the effects of so much pain in early childhood, and how it leads to dysfunctions that can cause one to grow up to be abusive, him/herself. But at the time I got the tattoo, I was in a state during which I had lost my faith, and was attempting that battle entirely on my own, with no faith or trust in Jesus.

While the memory of the moment with the baby turtle wasn't in my mind at that time, that memory comes back to me now and then throughout my life, seemingly when I need it the most, but then the memory fades from at times, as well, and I'm back to battling evil on my own again. But the spiritual message that I felt I had received that day with the baby turtle, was that I was not alone in that battle, that I was loved.

So I will have the tattoo changed into a turtle, because I am not alone in this battle, and I cannot win it on my own.

 

[faroukfarouk]

I am decided on this matter. I will have it turned into a turtle, to represent the first spiritual experience I can ever remember having, from my early childhood.

When I got this pagan tattoo several years ago, it was because to me it symbolized resisting evil influences. At the time, this meant a great deal to me, because my parents had been such poor examples in so many ways, and I had severely battled that influence, trying so hard not to become what had damaged me so much, in regards to how abusive behaviors and malignant psychology is often passed from one generation to the next in a family, due to the effects of so much pain in early childhood, and how it leads to dysfunctions that can cause one to grow up to be abusive, him/herself. But at the time I got the tattoo, I was in a state during which I had lost my faith, and was attempting that battle entirely on my own, with no faith or trust in Jesus.

While the memory of the moment with the baby turtle wasn't in my mind at that time, that memory comes back to me now and then throughout my life, seemingly when I need it the most, but then the memory fades from at times, as well, and I'm back to battling evil on my own again. But the spiritual message that I felt I had received that day with the baby turtle, was that I was not alone in that battle, that I was loved.

So I will have the tattoo changed into a turtle, because I am not alone in this battle, and I cannot win it on my own.

Sounds like you're going in due course to a tattoo parlor and be confidently tattooed as a Christian woman with a memory from your own history of God-awareness. So seems like you're pretty well resolved now.

 

[TurtleAnne]

Sounds like you're going in due course to a tattoo parlor and be confidently tattooed as a Christian woman with a memory from your own history of God-awareness. So seems like you're pretty well resolved now.

Yes, thank you to everyone who offered insight and input on my dilemma, I appreciate it very much. I left the thread so that those who wanted to debate could carry on, my struggle with this topic has been haunting me for years, and to finally have a solution that feels spiritually sound almost feels like a fragile, precious thing, given how long it has taken me, so I don't wish to debate the topic, but just to focus on what I must do. But I still appreciate everyone who took the time to contribute.

 

[GodB4S]

GodB4S:

Hi there, Sir! do people ever comment on your tattoos?

Because some Christians actually get faith based ink and this is found to be very effective in stimulating faith related conversations.

(It's interesting also that in the passage in Leviticus about not cutting for the dead, the previous verse seems to say about not trimming one's beard; do preachers shave? If they do, they are tacitly admitting that we are not Old Testament Jews in the land under the ceremonial law; but under grace, with the Gospel, as opposed to the law, as the rule of our lives; i.e., the gospel applications of anything presumably rank higher than the ceremonial law for us.)

Some people asked but many look without saying things...I was talking about my tattoo and my belief...others have to work out their own salvation...the law is my slave and I am not a slave to it...the law is for me and my blessings, I was not made for the law to curse me...so, why would I go for grace and forget the power of the law? I have grace to keep the law that the Holy Ghost gave me!(and He is still working on me! I was a babe in Christ but He keeps me growing!)

 

[faroukfarouk]

Some people asked but many look without saying things...I was talking about my tattoo and my belief...others have to work out their own salvation...the law is my slave and I am not a slave to it...the law is for me and my blessings, I was not made for the law to curse me...so, why would I go for grace and forget the power of the law? I have grace to keep the law that the Holy Ghost gave me!(and He is still working on me! I was a babe in Christ but He keeps me growing!)

I love to read of the grace of God in the Gospel in Epistle to the Ephesians!

A lot of Christians do find faith based tattoos to be effective in witness conversations, anyway.

(I think @TurtleAnne has now already made her decision about the tattoo issue she was asking about.)

 

[Goodbook]

Are you ok now?

I think I replied to this post but since it come up again, not wishing to debate, but, in chinese culture turtles are something else, they don't really point to Jesus. Also depending on how it is drawn, it could have a hexagram or octogan, which is often used for divination purposes. (google oracle bones)

a tattoo may be representing something spiritual, but again it may not be of God, so I don't know if you are compounding what is already there to make yourself feel better about having it.

If it can't be removed, consider (I don't know what it is already) having it made into a fig leaf. This is what Adam and Even used to cover themselves when they found out they were naked.

 

[faroukfarouk]

Are you ok now?

I think I replied to this post but since it come up again, not wishing to debate, but, in chinese culture turtles are something else, they don't really point to Jesus. Also depending on how it is drawn, it could have a hexagram or octogan, which is often used for divination purposes. (google oracle bones)

a tattoo may be representing something spiritual, but again it may not be of God, so I don't know if you are compounding what is already there to make yourself feel better about having it.

If it can't be removed, consider (I don't know what it is already) having it made into a fig leaf. This is what Adam and Even used to cover themselves when they found out they were naked.

@TurtleAnne can speak for herself; did you see her post #228, above?

In the abstract, do you think a fig leaf tattoo design can have witness potential?

 

[Runswithdogs]

God created turtles just like everything else.
People taking & corrupting the meaning/image of Gods creations dosent change that.
Im sure God looks at turtles and thinks what a lovely job he did & then sent one to TurtleAnn just when she needed it most to remind her shes special to him.

 

[Goodbook]

Well yes He created snakes too. Doest mean we need to go get tattoos of them all over our bodies.

We cant worship creation over our creator. That was the mistake ppl made. If God tells us NOT to do something its with good reason.

 

[faroukfarouk]

Well yes He created snakes too. Doest mean we need to go get tattoos of them all over our bodies.

We cant worship creation over our creator. That was the mistake ppl made. If God tells us NOT to do something its with good reason.

John 3: 'As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness...'

 

[GeorgeJ]

(Numbers 21:5-9):
"The people spoke against God and against Moses, Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in this desert, for there is no bread and no water, and we are disgusted with this rotten bread. And the Lord sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and many people of Israel died. Therefore the people came to Moses and said, We have sinned, for we have spoken against the Lord and against you; pray to the Lord, that He take away the serpents from us. And Moses prayed for the people. And the Lord said to Moses, Make a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole: and it shall come to pass that everyone that is bitten, when he looks upon it, shall live. And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived."

Seems like a good biblically based tattoo to me and and a biblical symbol of healing!

 

[faroukfarouk]

It would may or may not be. I can't really say right now, not without praying about it.

Hi, LizzyMae.

Seems like @TurtleAnne has already made her decision; while you were still praying about it recently; so maybe you still are praying about it?

 

[faroukfarouk]

(Numbers 21:5-9):
"The people spoke against God and against Moses, Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in this desert, for there is no bread and no water, and we are disgusted with this rotten bread. And the Lord sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and many people of Israel died. Therefore the people came to Moses and said, We have sinned, for we have spoken against the Lord and against you; pray to the Lord, that He take away the serpents from us. And Moses prayed for the people. And the Lord said to Moses, Make a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole: and it shall come to pass that everyone that is bitten, when he looks upon it, shall live. And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived."

Seems like a good biblically based tattoo to me and and a biblical symbol of healing!

Hi, GeorgeJ: Some Christians would find it effective in witness situations, certainly!

 

[Journey.In.Grace]

Hi, LizzyMae.

Seems like @TurtleAnne has already made her decision; while you were still praying about it recently; so maybe you still are praying about it?

Honestly, I don't know. I probably will never get one, and I am leaving my decision at that. A tattoo isn't more important than my college education or focusing on my faith. It conflicts with my belief, and I'm not going to go against that. So my answer is no.

 

[faroukfarouk]

Honestly, I don't know. I probably will never get one, and I am leaving my decision at that. A tattoo isn't more important than my college education or focusing on my faith. It conflicts with my belief, and I'm not going to go against that. So my answer is no.

Well, fine; and I hope your studies and funding issues go well.

I think some ppl, if they are given a tattoo voucher, for example, and also have a strong wish to use a faith tattoo in witness to people, might be more likely to go ahead in those circumstances.