Tattoos, Part I

I’ve touted myself as a Christian author with tattoos, but I haven’t spoken about them much here on the ol’ blog. I’ve been tattooed over a dozen times, but only have seven completed tattoos (for now).

I truly believe tattoos are an artistic expression of both tattoo artist and the wearer. I love being able to go to my artist and say, “This is what I want,” and he can make it better than I ever imagined.

Each tattoo has a special meaning to me, and while I have perhaps “grown up” beyond a particular tattoo, it serves as a reminder of that time in my life and that’s something I can never regret.

I still remember making an appointment for my first tattoo. I was eighteen and determined. I had a friend make an appointment with me. That night at dinner, a man at another table heard us talking about the tattoos and began to describe the process in detail. To the point that I ran outside and threw up. I cancelled that appointment.

Two years later, at 20, I still wanted a tattoo. I had done a lot of research into the process, the colors, even the removal process.

I decided to get a heart-shaped music note. I was a very active member of the Clemson University Tiger Band and in Kappa Kappa Psi, National Honorary Band Service Fraternity. I wanted my love of music to show. I also wanted to represent Clemson and my faith in God.

This is what we came up with. Minus the dots and sparkles – that’s coming later.

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That’s not my only show of faith tattoo. In my early 30s I decided I was ready to have a more “obvious” tattoo with placement. I had wanted a cross tattoo for some time and decided to place on on my wrist. I decided to go for the outside of my wrist so it was always facing out, always there to be seen.

This was a way to show my faith constantly, and also served as a reminder for me to constantly try to be Christ-like in my actions.

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So those are two of my tattoos. I’ll tell you about more in the weeks to come!