Tattoos and Taboos

So ever since this past summer I have wanted a tattoo, but not just any tattoo. I want one that has meaning and truth to it; one that is for me and not others as a constant reminder. I want one of the (biblical) Hebrew words for "forgiven". I am thinking about getting it in white ink on my left wrist. Now I bet everyone is asking something along the lines of, "What and why?". Well Forgiven because that describes what I am and who I am in Christ. Hebrew, well, because it looks cool, has a deeper meaning that way and people will ask what it says if they see it. White ink because it looks like a scar on the wrist reminding me what Christ went through for me to be Forgiven.

I was talking to my good friend Kaitlyn over Christmas break and she too wanted a tattoo. She wanted a wrist tattoo that stated "Reason for Everything". I found out this past week she got it; she just went out and got one. I am slightly jealous but not of the actual tattoo. I am more jealous of the freedom and ability to get a tattoo.Yes, it is my body and I too am free to get a tattoo but in my life there are a couple reasons why one like myself would not be able to get a tattoo. I am a Christian who is becoming a music teacher, or at least that's the plan. In some Christian circles it is taboo to have a tattoo or get a tattoo after becoming a follower of Christ. In addition some ministries will not hire you or use you if you have a tattoo or if you can not cover the tattoo. So whats the big deal some people ask well its the whole the body is a temple of the Holy Spirit and we are to conduct ourselves as such. As for the Teacher part it is harder to get a job as a teacher if you are not professional looking and that includes no visible piercing for males and no visible tattoos. It goes along with the I have authority over you and I dress professionally and act this way to show that I deserve respect and that I am your teacher.

I do, however, think its stupid to judge someone for having a tattoo and for it to be taboo for a Christian to have a tattoo. I understand the professionalism that is required to be a teacher and am okay with that.  I dress like a teacher now, well most of the time. I am "conservative" to the modern culture and probably don't come across as someone who wants or even has a tattoo. But really people  So I am planning on waiting till a break or graduation to get one as a "gift" or rather a reminder to myself. The whole point of my tattoo is that it is for me and a reminder to me, because there are times where I feel Horrible and am just need truth where I can see it at all times. Therefore I think getting it sooner rather than later would be a better idea, I just don't  know when I would get one so it could heal properly and such especially during the summer I am a Lifeguard. I need to just wait and see what happens, and i need to choose to get it, if I get it, when I am emotionally stable and clear mentally.