a continuation of thoughts on art and words...
01.12.2010 While writing my previous entry, I was reminded of not only my love for words, but for artistic expressions of their meanings. Personally, this is why I love tattoos...at least the ones that have intentional thought put behind them. I didn't get my tattoos as a method for sharing the gospel (though they have served that purpose more than once), and I know there are other ways to express one's story...but I've yet to regret my decisions.

The majority of this tattoo was done on an indian reservation in Arizona. For me, the experience of getting this tattoo was almost as significant to what the image means to me. After working with dozens of children from abusive situations at the foster home on the rez, I didn't want to return home the same. So often, it's easy to become numb to what the Spirit teaches us in pain. To this day, I still pray that my heart would be protected from ignoring what my eyes have been opened to. Some days it's easier not to feel for those we know that are hurting.
I wrestled before and after I left the rez with what hope looked like for the people I may never see again. God spoke to me about what it meant to intercede for others in prayer during that time--to fight for those who need the freedom that Christ offers. As I came face-to-face with my own helplessness in the situation, I struggled with a lack of peace inside of my heart.
That is why, when I returned to AZ, I chose to get this tattoo, reminding me of the peace and freedom that comes when we hope in Christ, though we may not see what he is doing (which is why this tattoo is on my back--I can't see it every day, but I still know it's there. My other tattoo--"beloved" in Hebrew--is on my hip, where I can see it every day...reminding me of my identity in Christ).
As I write this, I am yet again reminded of the limitations that words have. I will be the first to admit that the words we choose to speak and write are of great significance, but if stories were only told through words, the world would be a very boring place.
Amy |
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