An important symbol

I was not the woman who would get a tattoo. I used to be against them. Over the years, my attitude has changed (I think it might have to do with being in my 5th decade). When I began considering my first tattoo, I knew exactly what I wanted… a cross with a semicolon. I wanted to make sure that anything I put on my body was meaningful (I considered this one for at least two years).

The cross represents my Christian faith and the semicolon my mental health struggles. I see it every day and am reminded of the years that mental health took me to the lowest places of my life. It is a place I do not want to return. The cross helps me stay focused. Focused on my life’s journey to live a life pleasing to Christ. The path from my elementary school years in Catholic school, where I thought about being a nun (something many don’t know), to my young adult years as an active musician at St. Pius the V. One of the highlights of my faith journey is when I was confirmed in the Catholic tradition in my early twenties, as well as becoming an ordained Deacon in the UMC.

 

 

 

 

I have always had a strong connection to the Spirit (aka Holy Spirit). The times the Spirit nudges my heart to do something, say something, or simply be present are how I respond. And I’ve never been disappointed. This stepping out in faith is what fills my soul. Because the Spirit is so alive in my life, I decided my fourth tattoo would represent the Spirit.

I don’t often say Holy Spirit. One of my seminary professors taught about the inclusion of all faiths. As a chaplain, I encounter people with numerous faith and spiritual traditions. I never want to be offensive, as many have an understanding of the Spirit while not using the word Holy. Using the term Spirit opens up a dialogue, an understanding, and a space that is not offensive but inclusive.

The Holy Spirit is God’s present activity in our midst. When we sense God’s leading, God’s challenge, or God’s support or comfort, we say that it’s the Holy Spirit at work. In Hebrew and Greek, the words for Spirit, wind, and breath are nearly the same. In trying to describe God’s activity among them, the ancients were saying that it was like God’s breath, like a sacred wind. It could not be seen or held: “The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes” (John 3:8). But the effect of God’s Spirit, like the wind, could be felt and known. The Spirit is alive and active in the world, and listening for that nudge is a way I connect with my Creator.

 

#2 The prayer practice of the labyrinth brings me peace.

 

 

 

#3 One-year anniversary of a spinal decompression. From the muck and the mire, the lotus represents the beauty that comes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

#5 This filigree pattern represents (my own interpretation) how life begins and twists and turns into something beautiful. The ends and “buds” are the beautiful moments

 

 

 

 

I now look at tattoos as a representation of someone’s story. Ask them about the meaning. It is amazing what you can learn about a person.

May the Spirit overwhelm you today with love, joy, and compassion for yourself and others.

Gracia y paz,

Caz

Today I am thankful for:

1. ice cold water
2. new tattoos
3. central air conditioning
4. my sons living their dreams
5. a quiet morning of writing