יהוה

You may be asking yourself what the symbols in the title mean. These Hebrew symbols spell out the name YHWH. YHWH is often spelled and pronounced "Yahweh," and is an ancient name for God that is found in the Old Testament (OT). In the OT many names of God are found, but perhaps one of the Holiest is Yahweh. On January 6, 2012, my friend Ashe and I made our way to a small tattoo parlor just south of Indy called, Street Ink. Within 30 minutes of arriving at this parlor I had my first tattoo! I can't explain the excitement associated with this experience!

My goal in life is to spread the word about the Word. Having this tattoo means a great deal to me because it is a new witnessing tool. I desire for people to ask me about its meaning. With this tattoo, I believe that I can plant seeds among people that may grow into a strong faith.

The reason that I chose this tattoo is actually a pretty basic story. I knew at 14 years old that I wanted to get a tattoo in Hebrew script, but I didn't voice it too much because tattoos are rejected by many Christians. I eventually dropped the idea of ever getting a tattoo because I had been convinced that by getting one, I'd be defiling my body. Then, at 17 years old, I no longer cared. I realized that God wouldn't reject me because of my want for a tattoo that I would use as a witnessing tool. In fact, I thought that He would be pleased by my longing to spread the Gospel. Maybe to you I'm wrong, but that's okay. It's on my skin now so I can't change that. Anyways, I knew that after turning 18 a tattoo would be on my body. Many people wouldn't approve, but again, I didn't care. I wanted this so badly. So about 6 months ago "Yahweh" came into my mind. From that moment on I knew that this name would soon be printed upon my skin. That's the story of how I decided that I wanted this tattoo.

The process of getting the tattoo was quick and painful. After arriving to the parlor, Ashe and I ran inside! I had the tattoo artist (who happened to be a non-denominational minister) pull up a picture on Google. He printed the picture, threw in his own touch of creativity, and began his work. As he began marking permanence upon my flesh, I felt sharp pains. While this process was painful, it was also well worth it. I squeezed the crap out of Ashe's hand and eventually the newly tattooed area on my foot became numb. That was definitely relieving. Fifteen minutes later, my tattoo was complete; Yahweh was forever on my skin. My first tattoo was finished and I was filled with excitement. The excitement is still present. I'd say that this experience was worth every penny of the $40 it cost me to get the tattoo.

So, whether you like the tattoo or not, it is on my body forever. You can love it or you can hate it, but remember, this is me doing my ministry. In the future I will definitely acquire a few more tattoos. Nothing large or "trashy," but something that I can use to minister to others. I love my tattoo and most importantly, I love God.

My Rock. My Redeemer. My Father. My Faithful Friend. My Counselor. My All in All. My Healer. My God. He is each of these things, and more.

He is Yahweh.