I want a second tattoo. I’ve wanted it 3 years so far, but I doubt I’ll ever get it. Tattoos are still seen as somewhat “taboo” in the business world. So my second tattoo is one I try to carry in my heart, since I can’t carry it on my body.
My very first post talked about the Poe quote I love and that I try to see the world in new and different ways. I have the kanji Yume “to dream,” tattooed on my left shoulder blade – “above the heart” so to speak.
The second tattoo I want on the back of my right hand. It would just be English letters – but letters I try to live my life by: Matthew 25:40 and underneath Isaiah 1:17
For those not familiar, this is the context of the verses (37-40), the bold is Matthew 25:40:
“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’”
The Isaiah verse is (15-17 here) in bold:
When you spread out your hands in prayer,
I hide my eyes from you;
even when you offer many prayers,
I am not listening.Your hands are full of blood!
Wash and make yourselves clean.
Take your evil deeds out of my sight;
stop doing wrong.Learn to do right; seek justice.
Defend the oppressed.
Take up the cause of the fatherless;
plead the case of the widow.“
With the elections culminating on Tuesday I’ve been hearing a lot of ads and seeing a lot of commentary of politicians who keep saying “I’m a Christian” – but they aren’t living up to this verse. I have many non-christian friends who think all Christians are like the ones they see speaking from Capital Hill – judgmental, selfish, hypocritical… and it makes me so angry – like so angry it makes me cry.
The Bible is pretty clear (I like the Isaiah verse so much because it is the perfect example of “Old Testament God” calling his people to the same thing) – over and over and over that as Christians it is our duty, our calling, our lives to improve the lives of others – not ourselves. I’m not seeing that in politics now – and so many of the politicians out there who fight the hardest to be called “Christian” are not living up to this gospel. As a Christian, I can’t vote for any politicians who’s stated goals don’t include “feed the poor”, “shelter the homeless”, “tend the sick”, “lift up the prisoner”, and “clothe the naked” – in the modern world I would also argue we are called to “improve the mind” through education. Any politician who is not fighting with every ounce of their being to do these things – should leave their faith off the podium. Or better yet, not try to call themselves a Christian at all.
I want to carry these verses on the back of my right hand for the rest of my life. My right hand is symbolic. My right hand is my dominant hand. I want have this reminder every time I lift my hand – is what I do for the least of these? I want it on my hand so when I reach out to shake your hand – you see what I am trying to live my life by.
Dream by Day 