In English 1A, I asked my students to develop a tattoo analysis.  They were to select an image and take it from there.  It could have been a tattoo from someone they know.  An internet photo.  Maybe,  the tattoo that they always wanted, or would never get.  They discussed the story behind the story: meanings, motivations, perceptions, the process. Here Miranda shares the most personal meaning.  Her tattoo selection is an expression of her faith.  

Miranda Rivera

Professor Lewenstein

English 1A

13 September 2017

Beautifully Wrong

The inspiration of the tattoo comes from the Bible. I selected it because even though I don’t agree with the act of getting a tattoo, I wanted to pick something that I could break down and attempt to understand with my faith. The tattoo is two basic shapes that have simple images within it. The simplicity in appearance helps relay the desired message in a powerful and straightforward manner. I won’t ever get a tattoo, but this one held a message that I felt was important. The tattoo goes to show that not all tattoos are random selections from a book, but can hold an important to the individual who got it.

Although I wouldn't get a tattoo, I can see that some have a very special meaning to the individual that got it. Most tattoos aren't just a random selection from a catalog that the tattoo artist provided. Some people will come in with a story behind the image they selected, or designed them selves. A tattoo is something that the individual feels can be used to remember life, love, joy, perseverance, faith or to express creativity. Sometimes an individual feels that they need the image to make needle-to-flesh contact so that they can remember it forever. The person who got the tattoo, I selected, may feel that in order to remember the power of God, that they needed to get the tattoo, or they wanted to use it as a way to minister to non-believers and that's why they got it in an obvious place, where it can always be seen, like the wrist. I would not get a tattoo because in Leviticus 19:28 (NKJV), in the Bible, it says "Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks: I am the LORD", but if the person who got this tattoo, or anyone who gets them in general, feels that they need to get it, then that is their personal choice. 

 The image I selected is of two tattoos that tie to each other. On the left wrist is a circle with a wave in it. On the right, is a triangle with a mountain in it. Both tattoos mimic each other in placement, style, and size. They’re simple outlines with only black ink as a color. The lack of color and simple style seems to say that the choice to have faith is a simple one to make, either you want it or you don’t. The whole meaning of the tattoo pulls inspiration from the Bible. The mountain takes from Matthew 17:20-21 (NKJV) where it says “because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain ‘move from here to there’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting”. It’s showing the need to have faith and trust in the power of God, it can remove obstacles that may be placed in front of you, no matter how large it may seem. The wave pulls from Exodus 14:21 (NKJV) where Moses is granted the ability, by God, to split the sea, “Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea into dry land, and the waters were divided”. It’s to show what exactly faith can do, and is proof that there is no limit to what God can do. The obstacle may seem as big and massive as the sea, but with complete faith in God and His will, you can get through anything, you just have to be as submissive and faithful as Moses was. The message is so obvious, that’s why the tattoo was so simple.

To most people, the tattoo I selected wouldn’t seem special of significant. The wave and mountain would just be another image that someone decided to get drawn onto them. To me, this tattoo depicts hope, and faith. The tattoo is trying to show the power of God. In the book of Matthew, God says that we can move the mountains through fast and prayer. What the mountain is saying is that in order to move a mountain, or the obstacle, you have to submit to God and leave everything in His hands. It can only be done when you truly have faith and have dedicated your life to God. Once you believe that the mountain can be moved, it will move because nothing is impossible for God. The wave is the proof side of the message. There is no limit to the power of God. Exodus has the story of Moses being able to split the sea because of his unfaltering faith in God. In the book of Matthew, once again, His disciples were wavering in faith. Jesus never faltered, instead, he rose up and rebuked the winds and sea, then the sea calmed down. The disciple were shocked by the extent of God’s power and said “ who can this be that even the wind and sea obey Him?” in Matthew 8:23 (NKJV). The need to have faith and the evidence of what faith can do are clearly depicted in the tattoo. Nobody is perfect and we all fall short of the glory of God, but this is a message that could help us remember why we believe in Him and follow Him. God will never leave us hanging, and will always follow through on His promises, we just have to have complete faith in Him. The message behind the tattoo is so powerful and gives God the glory, as it should always be.

Tattoos aren’t always chosen at random, but can be something that has a lot of though put into it. There are instances in which a tattoo is an impulsive mistake or an act of rebellion, but to some it’s an expression of creativity, faith, perseverance, love, and the remembrance of a lost loved one. A tattoo should hold importance and not end up as a regret permanently etched into skin. The power of meaning is important and that’s why I selected the tattoo I did. Even though I would never get the tattoo because I believe that they’re wrong and not necessary, it depicted an important message that I believe in. It’s simplicity and boldness was breathtaking, and had to be looked at beneath the surface.