Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion by Gregory Boyle, A Book Review by Rebecca Moll

Never thought I'd get a tattoo, but I'm pretty sure that's what happened here...what I welcomed as I turned the pages of G-dog's heart-rendering and at the same time inspiring, true-life stories that permanently has altered the artwork of my heart.

At times, down-right hilarious and comedic, Father Boyle's stories bring his own humorous perspective that shines God's light on the fearsome and loathed gangbangers of LA with the message that God loves all of us and that no life is more worthy than another. Not even one. None. Zero. Zilch.

There are so many take-aways in this book and many, unique to the reader, that I will mention only one:

"Kinship is not serving the other, but being with the other."

Most volunteering is objective based; results driven. I am objective based and results driven, as I imagine are most Americans. Yet, as I reflect on my past involvement, the most meaningful outcomes have been where I just "spent time with" seniors delivering Meals on Wheels or visiting nursing homes or spending time with young adults through school and church activities. Could this be the mysteries of love? The work of the Holy Spirit? Call it what you will, this silent, backdoor, almost insidious way of reaching others goes both ways and in going both ways, a double bond is formed, strong, covalent, life-changing. Watch the ink dry and your heart take on new vistas.

Tattoos on the Heart offers up the power of boundless compassion. Enter at your own risk. You, too, may join the indigo adorned crowd. Just remember, no two tattoos are alike. Neither are two hearts.

The mysteries of love.

What's the art on your heart?