Christians & Tattoos

I have three tattoos. And I’ve been thinking of getting a few more. I also happen to be a Christian that really digs tattoos. I think they’re unique, creative, and beautiful. However, in the Christian faith, they’re also a topic of controversy. There are a lot of people, particularly certain Christians, who view tattoos as sinful and rebellious. A popular go-to scripture supporting those who are opposed to tattoos can be found in Leviticus 19:28 which reads, “Do not cut your bodies for the dead, and do not mark your skin with tattoos. I am the LORD.”

Some Christians have even insisted that getting tattoos can send you to hell. But I strongly disagree. In fact, I don’t believe tattoos are a heaven or hell issue that dictates anyone’s salvation. And I’ve got a problem with any Christians who go around telling anyone they’re going to hell. First of all, who do you think you are? Surely you can’t think you’re God. Neither is your pastor or your church community or any other religious organizations you might be affiliated with. You’re in no position to call where someone’s soul will end up. I’m abundantly grateful God’s not like man, in the sense that he wouldn’t condemn someone or quickly toss them aside because of something like a tattoo…or several of them. I know preachers who have them. Youth pastors, choir members, ushers, teachers, mentors, counselors, and more, who happen to be Christians and don’t have any kind of shame about being inked.

When I got my first tattoo, I was terrified. The thought of a painful needle was the least of my worries. Going through the physical process of getting tattoos wasn’t as painful as I imagined. What troubled me the most was pushing through a lot of shame, worry, and limited thinking about what certain Christians might say or think of me once they saw me with one. And now I have three! So, I’m not as bothered or concerned about what others think as I once was. I had a former friend who opposed what I was doing, though. She shared that my decision was something a future spouse may not be okay with, which I found odd. Personally, I’d never put my life on hold or a decision about what I want to do with my body because of what a spouse I don’t have or may eventually have, thinks. I’m not married. And even if I was, getting a tattoo is not something I’d ask permission to do anyway. I’m a grown woman who makes my own choices. And if you’re a young woman who meets a guy who has an issue with your tattoo/tattoos before you start dating, reconsider if you want to be with someone who doesn’t accept you as you are. Anyways, I believe getting tattoos or deciding not to get them is an individual choice. Whether Christian or not, no one is in a position to judge you because of your choice. Do you and live your life.

Thoughts From a Black Educator: Qualified, Credentialed, and Constantly Undermined

I’m a Black educator in my fifth year of teaching middle school English, and in my third as the 8th Grade English PLC (Professional Learning Community) Lead. And while I genuinely enjoy the purposeful work I get to do, seeing the growth of my scholars, and continuing to hone my skills in a content area I’ve loved since I was a little girl, I’ve had to confront some unpleasant experiences in this space. I’d been through much worse when I was an academic advisor at a Christian university. Racism, sexism, harassment, and workplace bullying were sadly norms in that environment. However, some of what I’ve experienced as a Black educator hasn’t been normal … It doesn’t seem normal to be the only Black educator in my department – in a predominantly Black school. One of my Black colleagues once said, “It should look like a Tyler Perry movie in here.” But it doesn’t. It didn’t feel normal being reprimanded in a meeting (during my second year of teaching) by an administrator who went in on...

Stop Saying Stupid Stuff To People Who Are Childless

I’m convinced that many people don’t think before they speak. Especially when it comes to interacting with people who don’t have children. Normally, I’ve held my peace with this and felt the need to solely address women when it comes to this topic, but lately this is a message that men can benefit from too. Stop saying stupid stuff to people who don’t have children . I know this might be a difficult task for those of you who are nosey, have concerns that have nothing to do with you, or may be unhappy in your own life, but stop with the questions, jokes, and reckless comments. Even if you believe you’re being funny, making conversation, or coming from a genuine place, you’re honestly out of line. Because someone not having children and why is none of your business. I don’t have children, and I honestly don’t know if I will, but as a woman, I’m good with my life either way. I’ll always be grateful for what I have instead of lamenting about what I don’t. Which is probably why getting olde...

Ditching Dating And Decentering Men

Today’s current dating climate is bizarre. It’s grown so bizarre, that men barely, if ever in some cases, will approach a woman in person and ask her out on a date. Instead, the new normal has become DM sliding, creeping on social media accounts, and liking photos to build romantic connections, which honestly doesn’t sound too romantic or appealing to me at all. As a child of the 90s and a teenager of the early 2000s, I miss and prefer the time when men interacted with women without hiding behind technology. There was something special about handwritten cards and notes, thoughtful dates, serendipity, and intentionality. After having some unpleasant encounters, embarrassing moments, and failed set ups (from well meaning people who believe I need to be partnered), I’ve decided, that now, at 36, to choose me. I’m ditching dating and decentering men. I’m no longer interested in meeting anyone, dating, or creating space to prioritize a relationship. I’ve never been a male-centered woman any...

Making Waves