Find Hope Behind Your Scars: Living With A Tattoo

I was once  told “Those who follow the crowd usually get lost in it”. This was a funny saying but has proven to be true though-out my life. You see, years ago I was living at the beach, enjoying life to the fullest (so I thought), and yes, following the crowd. It was then that I was influenced to get a tattoo. The location of the ink was thought long and hard over. The date was set, the art work picked out, and  a colorful butterfly was chosen.

Ten years later, I am reminded  that day has stamped my body forever. It has left a mark that will forever be a part of my life. As the years have past, styles have changed and so have I.

Having this visible tattoo which dates and tells a story of my past has been a journey for me. I have been judged, criticized, misunderstood, and questioned over a small piece of inked art work. The humorous fact is, this tattoo is not my only scar that tells a story but the only one you can visibly see. Several attempts to remove the tattoo have been made due to  judgements and my feeling of discomfort of having the tattoo.   Unsuccessful with the tattoo removal, it still remains on my right foot today.  I have surrendered my right foot to a past lessons and I now demand respect when referring to this butterfly. I understand how the judgement of something like that occurs but really, who are we to judge others for anything? An old manuscript says “Let him who is without sin cast the first stone.” John 8:6.

The world we live in today is a place of visible trends, beauty, perfection, dreamy dreams and  superficial coexistence. We portray glamour on social media even when underneath is pain, anger and ugliness. Why is physical beauty so appealing and required to survive in this world? Is your self-worth something to be measured by your status on social media, your temporary materials, tattos or even outward trendiness? Do you hide what is unapproved, so others can not see it? Do you keep secrets about your life? Are you in hiding about your actions?  Are scars being developed in your life?

Many times these world standards leave us feeling empty, disappointed, broken and hiding behind things. What we must remember is that scars in our lives can be used in the positive because they can be reminders of the what we once went though or what we once felt.

Our obvious failures often cause criticism from the world and create scars for us. Our victories though may heal the wound or scar and that is what our focus must trump.  We must remember though,  our story and scar will remain and can be used as a reminder of how far we’ve come.

Although, some scars are shown for all to see others are invisible to the naked eye. We all have them, inside and out just some are exposed and highlighted more than others. Healing our hidden scars will be easier and might heal faster than those revealed for others to pick at.

Just like you, I have struggled with life-choices: relationships, faith, money, weight, beauty, and total acceptance. These challenges have transformed me into who I am today. Finding the beauty in your healing will allow your scars to become visible and beautiful. Our importance on this earth is not determined by our past but by our heart’s condition and eternal life. We must remember this life is a temporary assignment.

My recommendation: Find beauty in your life’s scars and write a story of your own about those journeys. This story should ultimately tell about your great self worth and a positive outcome of who you are today. Do not let others judge you for God commanded us not to judge and remember, they have their own scars.

Matthew 7:1 : Do not judge, or you too will be judged.

P. S. The next time someone looks at your scar (tattoo in my case) sideways, speak loud and let them know they too have scars; they just may not be visible.  Too remind them, if you must know that scar has turned out to be a positive reminder of where you once were and now are.

Katie Girl