Baptists keep traditions well. I grew up as one. So, every Thanksgiving for the last few years we kept these three: have turkey, celebrate my father’s birthday, and regret my husband didn’t have a flu shot.
The Friday following Thanksgiving, we spent it in the ER, since for a cardiac patient even the sniffles is an event.
The male nurse entered the triage room to prick and prod my husband for a number of tests as long as Santa’s naughty list. (I hope not to get on it, after sharing this.)
He was very polite, very kind, very good bed-side manner-ed, and very gentle at pricking (according to the frightened patient squeezing my hand white). This unordinary kindness about him, made me wonder if he was a Christ-follower or not. Not that we are always so impressive in public settings, especially tense ones.
What intrigued me more was the large-fresh tattoo on his left arm depicting a kind-bearded man, beneath it a palm sticking out with a nail still piercing it. What a beautiful conversation starter.
Although it’s not for me to conclude the spiritual status of this young man, apparently quite hurt by the judgmental Christians; what inspired me most was his willingness to wear Jesus on his arm (hurt or not by the holier-than-thou people).
I’m not saying “Let’s all get a Jesus tattoo this Christmas!” but I’m daring us to wear Jesus on our sleeves with pride (not arrogance).
Ⓑ “Whoever is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.” Luke 9:26
Ⓑ “Use your heads as you live and work among outsiders. Don’t miss a trick. Make the most of every opportunity…” Colossians 4:5 MSG
May the Jesus JOY be so infectious in us starting this Christmas season, that people will see the nail-pierced Saviour on us… tattooed, or not.