The conversation started out easy enough. Right off the bat, I explained to the tattoo artist that I wanted the body of the butterfly to be a cross - to represent Jesus. I wanted it on my back because Jesus has my back. He did not respond, but the conversation continued. I talked about what he knew – tattoos. I told him how I watch the shows on television. He had all kinds of opinions about them. He saw that I appreciated tattooing as an art form.
His wife called prompting him to start talking about her. I learned that she is several years younger than him and is insecure and unhappy. I asked, “Do you want me to tell you why?” I told him that as little girls, we ladies have the image of the “perfect” life, the “perfect” prince who rescues us and we live “happily ever after”. Then we get older and watch the teen chick flicks that reiterate those beliefs. Then reality slaps us in the face and we find out it is not as we expected. (No man except for One can be our Prince. There IS a perfect Prince - his name is Jesus and He does rescue us and we can live happily ever after with Him.) The artist said his wife did not have any friends. I asked if they went to church. That made him laugh, but it also opened the door to see where he was spiritually. God is good!
The artist went on to share that he had grown up in church and found church goers to be hypocrites (holier than thou). I told him I related to that and that was not what God intended for us to become - He wants us to love each other unconditionally. He shared that his mother is a lady of faith. Over the next hour or so I listened to his interesting ideas of God (some where pretty far out there). He said, “There may not even be a God” and then got quiet. I said with all confidence, “Do you know what your problem is?” Remember I am asking this of a man as he has a needle on my back. He asked, “What?” “Your problem is you think too much. It is all based on faith.” At that exact moment, the young guy from the counter came in to ask the artist a question about an unrelated subject. As soon as the guy left the room the artist said, “You are right, it is based on faith.” Then he said, “I’m on the fence, I‘m not on one side or the other yet.” I asked him did he know why he was not totally convinced that God is not real. He said he
didn’t. “Let me tell you why,” I boldly said. “It’s because your Momma is praying for you.” He thought a minute and said, “She probably does.” “No! I know she does. That is why you haven’t turned your back on God. Your Momma is praying for you,” I replied boldly.
The tattoo turned out beautiful. Tom enjoyed his dinner and returned to the shop just as the artist was finishing up. I thanked the artist, acknowledged his talent and left to go wait for my friend. It sunk in what God had done when I walked out the shop door; bandaged up and heading to the store for some A&D ointment. I immediately filled Tom in on the conversation I had with the artist and then we prayed. There was a skip in my step because I knew God had used me at that moment to impart to this man. I did not “try” to do anything when I was in there or be anybody I was not – I just was.
When my friend arrived with my car we showed each other our tattoos. The artist that inked her was a nicer guy than the artist I talked to. He was a Christian and she was able to talk with him about the Lord also. God used us both that night – divine appointments. He knew who would connect.
I have not been back to the tattoo shop. I do continue to thank God for the work He is doing in the artist. I praise Him for giving me the opportunity to be used. As far as I know there are no more tattoos in my future. I will see what God has planned. I do know He will continue to send
us out in the marketplace.
