Why I Got A Really Big Tattoo

The fiction series The Chronicles of Narnia was introduced to me in the 4^th grade.  I was already a good reader, but my 4^th grade teacher Mrs. Avery inspired me to become an avid reader through this series and other books, including A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle.  Over the years, I have read the entire Narnia series, including the popular favorite The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, 17 to 18 times.  At some point, as a child, I considered writing the author C.S. Lewis a fan letter only to find out he died before I was born. 

It wasn’t until I was in a college literature course that I discovered the series and its characters allegorically taught the morals and beliefs that were part of the Christian faith.  Aslan, the great lion in the stories, became a lifelong representation for me of truth, courage, strength, hope and love.  In the past three years, as I struggled with health issues including a speech impediment and now life on Parkinson’s medication, the image of Aslan and his representation of Jesus Christ, has developed a deeper, more personal meaning.  I have experienced firsthand the strength, courage, and hope that I believe could only have come from Christ.

As a creative artist, I have always been interested in tattoos; though honestly I viewed many as tacky or unsightly.  As tattoos became more popular on people of all types, I often expressed that eventually the tables would turn, and I would be unique by being one of the few people who did not have a tattoo.  Then in recent years, I started to see more and more intricate and artistic tattoos that blew me away with their detail, but even more importantly, I was amazed at the stories they represented for some of my closest friends.   That’s when I started to think about getting one of my own.  Not a rash-decision by any means, a two-year process of considering and researching.  The entire time, Aslan was the only image that seemed worthy of a permanent piece of art on my own body. 

When I made my decision early in 2013 to get a tattoo, the image design, the tattoo shop, the artist, and the location of the tattoo were all a result of that extended time of thought, research and consideration.  The tattoo artist I chose, Champ, works at one of the most well known shops in my area, Guru Tattoo.  Champ’s specialty is animals, and lions are one of his best.  Guru was even featured in the national Tattoo magazine in the months I was getting mine done.   Most of the artists have 6-month to a year waiting periods, and their work is featured in coffee table books and art gallery shows regularly.

It was a cool experience to share my story with Champ and give him examples of images I preferred, then work with him on the drafts to see that story come to life on the page…and eventually inked on my side.  I added the scripture Ephesians 1:1-14 to the bottom of the image (see the entire verse below).  That verse has become a life verse for me during these past three years, as I have leaned into my true identity through my health crisis. Theodyssey, a course I took through my church, and now lead groups through, has played a big part in that growth.





The image of Aslan and the verse are part of my TEDx talk at TEDxYouth@SanDiego, because I knew the students would relate to the Aslan character analogy and the image is an intricate part of my experience.  As someone who has taught teenagers through church and school for 16 years, I do not have a desire to encourage a young person to do something rash like get a tattoo on a whim, and if I am asked about it by teens who are fascinated with this art form, I am clear about my decision.  Tattoos are not right for everyone.  It’s what was right for me.  I waited until I was 43 years old to get one.  I considered and researched my options for two years.  I got a tattoo in a location on my body that people are able to see when I want them to see it, and in no way does it compromise professionalism in the workplace.  AND, it hurt a LOT during each of the four sessions and in the days afterwards, because as my research told me, the side/rib cage is one of the most painful locations to get a tattoo.  Oh man, did it hurt. 

For me, the way I experienced God during these past few years, and the lessons I learned were so important, so vital, so beautiful, so moving, I chose to permanently mark my body with a piece of art that points to the truth I learned about myself and my faith.  And, it gives me the opportunity to share those lessons with others when they see it.  And on those days when I’m so drowsy from the Parkinson’s medication I want to cry, or when I’m fearful about what’s wrong with my brain, I have this beautiful artistic reminder of the strength and courage God provides and a Bible verse that reminds me that I am loved, blessed, chosen, lavished upon, and forgiven.  For me, its not just a tattoo – it’s an artist’s rendering of hope inked onto my side.  I love seeing it each day.

Ephesians 1: 1-14

1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To God’s holy people in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus: 2 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. 4 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace 8 that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, 9 he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, 10 to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.

11 In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, 12 in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. 13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.