Tattoo

I did not get a tattoo. I have wanted to get a tattoo for a while, but I'm not sure if I'm a tattoo kind of girl. I mean, I'm usually rockin the Banana or J.Crew look. Would a tattoo work with my wardrobe of black/white/gray/navy/tan? My minimal makeup and jewelry choices? My loafers? And then there's the classic question: Do I want this on my body for the rest of my life? I tend to over-think most choices I make, and this one is no exception. 

Even though the "to tattoo or not to tattoo, that is the question!" debate is not over yet, I do know what I would get. I've actually known for a while, because it has very specific meaning for me. I really want to get "Johnny 4 eva" on my arm...okay just kidding (my mom is letting out a sigh of relief right now). I would actually get the letters YHVH written in Hebrew on my left wrist, and beneath it would be "Songs 8" written in script. "What does that mean?" you may ask. Well, thank you for asking :)

In the Hebrew language (which is what the Old Testament was originally written in), God was known as "Yahweh." God has many names (Jehovah, I AM, Father, King), but Yahweh was the most holy name for God. The name produced a reverent fear of God in the people, so much in fact, the Hebrews believed the name could never be written out of reverence for His holiness. So, in all ancient manuscripts, the name is written without vowels. In English, this would look like "YHVH." If you're interested in hearing a bit about this, please watch this video. It's a video done by Rob Bell, an amazing pastor of Mars Hill Bible Church in Michigan. In his video, he explains the impact of the name Yahweh. In fact, I won't be able to say it more eloquently than him, so please just watch the video. I cry every time I watch it. Powerful. 

The "Songs 8" reference actually comes from Song of Solomon 8:6-7. "Songs" is a shortened name for "Song of Solomon," a book in the Bible. Plus, the word "Songs" would fit better on my wrist anyway :) This passage (paraphrased) says this:

I set you as a seal upon my heart,

As a seal upon my arm.

For there is love that is as strong as death,

Its jealousy demanding as the grave. 

This passage is referencing a few things, including the tradition in the ancient world to write the scriptures around your neck, upon your wrist, and to seal them on your heart. They are to be constant and permanent reminders of your identity as a child of God (hence the tattoo). The amazing thing is that this book of the Bible is specifically speaking about the love between a husband and a wife. God reveals Himself to us in many ways through scripture, and one of them is as a jealous lover. He is jealous for me. He wants all my heart, all my affections, all my dreams. Have you ever been captivated because someone was in love with you? Then you know the feeling :)

Why the left wrist? I wear my wedding band on my left hand, symbolizing the life-long commitment I've made to my husband. I would tattoo my left wrist to symbolize the same life-long commitment I've made to Christ. 

So, there ya have it. There's my hypothetical tattoo, and the meaning behind every part of it. I want to be reverent when I speak of God. I want to remember He is Holy. I want to remind myself every day that He is jealous for me. I want the world to know that I am His. I want to set His name as a seal upon my arm, and to be unashamed before all creation that He is my King. 

Tattoo for life? Still not sure. YHVH for life? Oh yes.