Posted on by tombasson

Why I Got Another Tattoo

IMG_1769 IMG_1770 Tattoo 06

I really want my life to count for something greater than myself. And I really believe that if I want my life to matter, than I must learn to live into the things that matter to God. Of course, that begs the question, “What matters to God?”, to which the prophet Micah responds:

“To do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly.”

For me, these three statements become a vision statement for my life, and my tattoo reminds me of that daily:

Do Justice

That everyday I would fight for the cause of justice in this world: to be a voice for those who have no voice; to stand up for those who cannot stand at all; and to help those less fortunate than myself.

Love Mercy

To love those around me wholeheartedly; to extend grace and forgiveness, acknowledging my own deep need for grace and mercy.

Walk Humbly

That I would learn to carry humility with me wherever I go, accepting the opinions and beliefs of others without judgement or a false sense of self-righteousness.

Do Love Walk.

Thanks to Mara Zepeda for her stunning design and calligraphy work, and for Wildfire Tattoos for their excellent ink interpretation.

Related Post:  Can A Christian Get a Tattoo? 

12 Replies to “Why I Got Another Tattoo”

  2. >Can A Christian Get a Tattoo?
    – Whoa! I never thought of it this way.

    Years ago, when I was in my late teens, I wanted to get a tattoo. Back then, it wasn’t as common as it is today. I was “a good child” (according to my parents), so when I came up with weird wishes, they sat down, talked it over with me, and usually relented. So I went on to get multiple ear piercings and a nose ring. I chickened out of a belly button ring at the last moment and never got a tattoo because I did not find anything that “felt like me”.

    >What are my motives for wanting a tattoo? Am I seeking to glorify God
    – Nope. God did not even factor in.

    >or draw attention to myself?
    – No. I had planned to get it someplace where most wouldn’t see it.

    >Will my tattoo be a source of contention for my loved ones?
    – Wasn’t with my parents at the time of discussion. They weren’t overtly thrilled, but did not forbid me either.

    >Will getting a tattoo cause me to disobey my parents?
    – Oh, the above question was meant for a significant other. ‘Not applicable’ will do. See above answer for the ‘rents reaction.

    >Will my tattoo cause someone who is weak in the faith to stumble?
    – Wow. A tattoo could do that?

    >Do Love Walk.
    – That’s brave, I think.

    I don’t wear my faith openly. I prefer to let my words and deeds speak for me. It’s the same with my tree hugging practices and my healthy lifestyle choices. When noticed and questioned, I will elaborate, but I don’t necessarily put it out there.

    >Thanks to Mara Zepeda for her stunning design and calligraphy work,
    – I’ll say! That is some very purrty, um, penmanship.

    Plenty of fodder for thought in this post and in your Related Post. Or I should say ‘plenty to think about ink’.

    Kate

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  5. Beautiful. I’ve been looking for a tattoo for myself to represent Micah 6:8 since it is my favorite verse and it is my goal as a follower of Christ. I love this. It has definitely inspired an idea! 🙂

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  6. Love the ink & the story behind it. The script work is incredible.

    I’m very seriously considering getting a tattoo in the future, & something to do with Micah 6:8 is one of the top 3 contenders right now. Actually, it was a search for that verse which brought me here!

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  7. I am getting another tattoo (for my 60th birthday) and want to get the words Micah 6:8 tattooed above the word humility (already have that one). Would you mind sharing the font of your do love walk tattoo?

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