God's Tattoo

God’s Tattoo
by Louise Bergmann DuMont

“Look at her. It’s disgusting!” the first woman said, as she tugged at her pristine white suit jacket.
The second woman adjusted her glasses and sighed. “Why doesn’t she just have those horrible tattoos removed?”

“They are awful,” the first one responded with a snicker. Then, pretending to shield her words from others, she added in a loud whispered, “I think the one around her neck has swear words!”

Her friend’s head shook like a bobble head doll – nearly knocking her glasses off her face.

“Caroline has been spending a lot of time with her. I don’t know how Caroline can be friends with someone like that.”

At that moment Caroline appeared in the doorway and stepped directly front of the two women. Although her words remained pleasant, her face echoed the steal that undergirded her tone.

“Hi, ladies. Did I hear my name? Was there something you wanted to tell me?”

“Uh... um... no... well, actually... um... we were wondering about your friend Miki,” stammered white suit.

“What were you wondering?”

“Is she a Christian?” asked the other woman trying to more firmly place her glasses.

“Yes. Yes she is.”

“So... um... why doesn’t she have those horrible tattoos removed from her neck and her wrist? They really aren’t very attractive.” The woman grimaced, reflecting her thoughts clearly in her expression.
“And doesn’t the Bible say something about not marking our bodies?” asked the other woman?

“I assume you’re taking about Leviticus 19:28. You have to understand why the Israelites were told not to get tattoos. The Israelites had begun to take on the customs of the people around them. These included marking their bodies with the names of heathen gods in hopes that they would find favor with the heathen gods. Have you actually looked at Miki’s tattoos.”

“Well, no,” the surprised women responded in unison.

“Well... the tattoo on Miki’s neck is a snake. She got that one before she became a Christian, but once she became a believer she had something added. It says, “Exodus 15:22-27 Jehovah-Rapha – The Lord that heals”. Every time she looks in the mirror, Miki is reminded that she’s been healed of her childhood abuse and her desire for alcoholic and drugs.”

Caroline smiled as at the open-mouth stares from the two women in front of her before continuing.

“Miki actually had the tattoo on her wrist put on recently. It is a rose of Sharon and the braid that winds around her wrist says, “Isaiah 49:15b-16 ~ But even if that were possible, I would not forget you! See, I have written your name on my hand.” She had this tattoo put on as a permanent reminder that even though her earthly father disowned her, her heavenly father will always be there for her.”

Silence fell on the women. When Caroline spoke again, her voice was kind but firm.

“You might want to get to know Miki. We can all use a few more Christian friends.”

Dear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers, even though they are strangers to you. 3 John 1:5