A Mustard Seed, Rebirth, and Mountains: My First Tattoo

Tonight someone poked an inked needle into my skin thousands of times so that I can have a permanent, visual testament of my faith on my arm. I know that a fair amount of people will think that getting my first tattoo on my inner forearm is a mistake but I want people to see it. I'm proud of the art on my body. I have been toying with this idea for a long time, this is not one of my trademark, Impulsive Sierra moments.

Here it is. Tattoos are an opportunity to express beliefs and values and that's what this does for me.

The recycle sign signifies the old becoming new. Something new and different created from something old and the constant cycle of rebirth. A recycle symbol has three parts as does the Trinity. I am made new in Jesus.

In Matthew 17:20, Jesus tells the disciples that with faith as small as a mustard seed that they can move mountains. I can't physically measure my faith but I know that some days it feels as small as a mustard seed. Now I am moving a mountain every day with every move I make.

The words around the recycle symbol come from The General Thanksgiving from Evening Prayer in the Book of Common Prayer.

We bless you for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life; but above all for your immeasurable love in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ; for the means of grace and for the hope of glory. (BCP pg 125, bolded by me)

There is grace and glory in my life. All good things come from God. All good things please God. It all comes back around. That's my theology. That's my tattoo. I can't wait to see what conversations it sparks.