A Visit to the Tattoo Parlor
Once upon a time I said that I would never get a tattoo on my body. I didn’t object to others getting one. They just weren’t for me.
Besides I’m allergic to pain. I break out in screaming.
That’s why no one was more surprised than I when the idea came to me just a little over a month ago. I was making my “bucket list” and the idea of having a tattoo suddenly seemed possible.
And the time was right. The last few years have found me smack-dab in the middle of several very painful experiences. I am usually pain-averse. But good things can happen when we examine pain in our lives. And through this pain, I remembered something very important that I had forgotten. I thought a tattoo would help me to keep this truth in the forefront of my mind on a daily basis. After all, if it was visible and I would see it every day, I would have to be super, extra dense to not remember. (Yes, I have moments of super density.)
I told a friend about my idea. After he got done laughing at me he suggested that I wait thirty days before doing anything. After all, a tattoo was permanent. Waiting thirty days would give me time to really think about it. That way it wouldn’t just be an impulsive tattoo, but something that I really wanted to do.
I told him I wasn’t in a hurry and that I could most certainly wait thirty days or more if needed.
I spent time examining my motives. They were pure.
Thirty days later my motives had not changed. I knew that I really wanted to do this. At the ripe age of forty-six years old I was going to permanently mark my body with a Scripture verse that had really become my life verse.
As I write this, the wound from the tattoo is still fresh. So is the reason I did it in the first place. It’s my hope and prayer that the message will be just as fresh to me every time I see the tattoo, as well as when someone asks me about it.
The artist at the shop didn’t wish to be filmed, but my daughter did capture some of the process. By the miracle of modern technology, I invite you to the tattoo parlor where I became a “marked man.”
What do you think? Do you like it? It has definitely grown on me… pun intended.
For those who don’t have a Bible handy, here’s what 2 Corinthians 5:17 says…
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
Do you have a tattoo? If so, what is it and what does it mean to you? If not, would you ever consider getting one?
Be sure to leave your comments below!
Love the tattoo, and love the message Joel. Amen my man.
Hello Joel,
Excellent work and innocent extravaganza.
Love you for that.
Cheers, Maria
Thats exactly what I mean, judging people. You could even say judging someone by the color of their skin. If I was a the number 1 candidate for a job, why should I be treated differently because of tattoos? I hate that.
Hey Joel, that was a tongue-in-cheek comment 😉
I thought you of all people would have realised that – watching you and Dan on your TV show together wa always a laugh.
A bit of mickey taking and banter is always good in my book but if you’re going down some sort of crusade here instead of just sharing your views I think you’re going down the wrong route.
There are too many ‘crusaders’ in the world right now and I see you have some on this blog.
I would never go into someone’s home and abuse their hospitality, nor would I intentionally insult anyone either in person, on Twitter or on their blog etc.
The problem with the written word (as in the bible especially) literally every phrase we write can be taken out of context. You’ve made your mind up about ‘how’ you’ll interpret my little offering here and that’s fine by me, it’s just a shame that you don’t read your comments here with a smile on your face 🙂
Try it Joel, it actually works – read something with a ‘smile’ and then read the same comment/phrase with a ‘scowl’ – see how you feel after each read-through.
No, I don’t particularly like tatoos, I’m surely allowed to have and share that opinion? I remember you saying in one of your posts (fairly recently) that you liked a bit of contention in your comments as it made it more interesting for the reader – so come on Joel, lighten up, let’s shake virtual hands here and agree to disagree on some subjects EH?
Respect, Pete.
In my religion it is forbidden .. because it is hurting our own bodies .. but if you think it is good and true .. it’s up to you .. the important thing is not to hurt other people …
Pete,
The written word can easily be taken wrongly if not taken in context. In fact, you just proved it. If you were joking, the only way to know it is to make sure it is clear. In this case, a winky-smiley would have done the trick. 😉 Wisdom in how we communicate goes a long way towards fostering healthy relationships. Excuses for wrong communication do not serve the purpose. Nor does explaining it away by telling the other person that THEY misunderstood.
I take legalism very seriously and have had it put upon me by others in my life. I’m not going to sit still and take it from anyone again.
I have a great sense of humor and have no problem laughing at myself, but you have to be very careful how you communicate. As someone great once said, “words mean things.” Be careful what your words communicate if you wish to be understood.
As for going on a crusade, the dictionary definition (apart from the persecuting type of crusading) says…
“any vigorous, aggressive movement for the defense or advancement of an idea, cause, etc.”
The world needs MORE people who will stand up for what is right, Pete, not fewer. The world has plenty of common people. What it needs is extraordinary people.
I appreciate your thoughts about reading comments with a smile or a scowl. Please turn that back on yourself and recognize that when you write you must communicate whether you are smiling or scowling. Your post came off as scowling. If you can own that instead of making excuses for how I misread you, then perhaps I can trust that your virtual handshake it worthy of accepting.
And I’ll toss a smiley in to let you know that I am not scowling. 🙂
Joel
Hey Joel, Nice video. I personally don’t have any tattoos, but I’ve been thinking about getting the exact same one as my older brother did (He passed away 3 yrs ago at the age of 24. I’m in total agreement that if you’re gong to permanently ‘mark’ your body, make it have a purpose and say something about you.
Good stuff Joel.
Oh, the tattoo is Jesus wearing the Crown of Thorns.
Well, since this comment is so far down, it won’t be read by many and that’s okay. I have been a believer in the Lord all my life. Many verses come to mind daily as I enjoy the Lord.
The matter of adornment is a serious matter with the Lord I would think because He warns us about it. Also, idol imagery is an offense to Him. I don’t have the verse in front of me and I had no idea I would be commenting on a spiritual matter when I came to your blog tonight, but here I am.
I’m like several others who have said that tattoos are not for them and they are not for me either. I don’t wear cologne, I don’t have scented hair cream, whatever. My wife does not paint herself with makeup, eye shadow, etc. The Lord loves us as we are. The Lord loves us when we overcome the world by allowing Him to operate in us as the real Overcomer. We have a human spirit to contain Him and He is the new creation that we are a part of. “He who is joined to the Lord is one spirit”. (1Cor 6:17)
Of course the verse is excellent that you chose, and all along while buying your products, I wondered if you were Jewish,so congratulations on your salvation brother Joel.
If we want to be reminded of anything of the Lord and His Word which is also Him, we can always call on His name and get the Person. Oh Lord Jesus! Oh what a name.
We don’t need crosses, graven images of any kind, steeples on buildings, none of it, we just need to be blended with the brothers and call on His name and testify for this most wonderful One.
We love You Lord Jesus!
Wow! Well that’s certainly one way to keep God’s word close to you! I didn’t read all the comments but what did your wife and kids think about this? How long did the pain last! I like the artwork! Interesting, but I have none and am not rushing out to China Town to get any! OUCH!
Joel – I think this, and you, so rock!
~ Jeff
hahahahahahaha!!!!!
Joel, this is why you are one of my favorite people online, seriously, you are a legend. There’s always, excuse the pun, something up your sleeve, but this is your best move yet.
I have tons of tattoos, well 7 haha and I love them, and it shows it’s never to late and I’m delighted for you, it looks fantastic.
And I also have to say it looks like you are losing weight, so you must be hard at it.
Cheers for the video, it was excellent,
Stephen.
Love it! Boy I would have a time thinking of what to have because depending on my day, time, or week I was having I would not know which scripture would be ministering to me at the time.
So I use texting or fb to send messages of scriptures to enjoy others.
Today was:In this troubling time, we need to look & live the positive. Trust in God & be not afraide of men. Isaiah 51:7-8, 50:9
No one can say you’re not a man of conviction, Joel, but I’m glad your friend suggested you wait 30 days, especially considering that between 17% and 50% (depending on who you talk to) of those who get a tattoo end up regretting it. There are many reasons for “tattoo regret” and the cost of the removal is quite pricey. This chart shows just how costly the various removal methods are: http://www.tattooremovalreview.com/prices_of_tattoo_removal.html
I’ve been told that tattoo removal is even more painful than getting it, and considering your low pain tolerance, let’s hope you never change your mind. :>)
Hi Joel,
I also have a tattoo and I used a pattern from one film I watched in the past. It somehow resembles a dragon but without the color. I preferred black ink because I think it will look great on my back during summer time.
Interesting tattoo design choice by the way.
wow didnt see that coming. Id love to get a tattoo in the future, but to be honest i just cant decide on what to get. Congrats on the weight loss dude keep it up Joel
I could not understand why people take pain with pleasure.
Hi Joel, sorry this reply is so late (busy building Socrates sites 🙂 )
I take what you say as a much needed education. You’re not the first to say my humour is difficult to understand so it’s probably time I took it on board I think.
My apologies if you felt offended in any way, I’ll try and keep myself in check in future 😉
Have a great new year Joel – Pete.
I have 6 at the moment, I started when I was 17 which was:
Jesus- Pretty self explanatory
Portrait of my older brother – He and I were more than brothers we were best friends and I wanted to honor his life with his portrait, when I wear a sleeveless shirt I can almost guarantee that at least 2 people from various ages, races, and incomes will stop me and comment on it.
Cross with a Crown on it – nothing to personal I liked the design.
LIZARD KING (Just letters)- This was more for my brother who like Jim Morrison had the nickname Lizard King
Blessed Virgin Mary – I wanted another spiritual tattoo.
In God I Trust (this goes down my inside right forearm)below it I have Luke 12: 22-30 tattooed there as well – I did this as a reminder to TRUST IN GOD and to STOP WORRYING because He always has and always will take care of my needs.
The actual Scripture is below:
Luke 12:22-34
[22] Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. [23] Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. [24] Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! [25] Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? [26] Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest? [27] “Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. [28] If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! [29] And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. [30] For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them.
Hi Joel.
Congratulations on your tattoo. Be sure to use Noxema skin cream on your tattoo daily until it is totally healed. Do not use Neosporin, as it lifts the color out. I think tattoos are neat. I am full upper body and arms tattooed. It took me about 3 years to get that way, and I love the result. My motif is stars and cartoons of smiling animals. All for now
Gena
Another verse that is important…just as important as any other in the Scriptures says:
Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the LORD.
Leviticus 19:28
Isn’t it time to stop picking and choosing only the parts that we want to accept, and start accepting the WHOLE WORD?
Ez.33:4
Complimenti per video…
Mi piace questo tattoo e complimenti per sito…