It's really been a minute hasn't it. I'm really not gonna try and front but exams really took it out of me causing me to put them above everything and anything else I was doing outside of them - if anything I'm glad I did but I'm here in full force ready to create new content. Today's post:

Quite blatantly, I got a tattoo. It's crazy to actually write about it almost 3 months post because it has honestly become a part of me and I don't think about it being on me anymore to be honest. Don't get me wrong - the permanence is such a huge thing to take into consideration that it wasn't a decision I took lightly. As a Christian girl, the concept of tattoo's is seen as a taboo topic similar to that of what we should and shouldn't eat based on scripture in Leviticus 19:28 which states that "you shall not make cuts on your body for the dead or tattoo yourselves" - which is what I constantly found myself referring to. I won't go into it but the context of it goes back to God trying to protect His people from pagan practices - of which were surrounded by idolisation etc. From my own understanding and thoroughly asking for God to reveal to me if this was the right move for me - I saw that this move was and is right for me, I took time to meditate on scripture and depict it piece by piece and reference other scriptures and talk to people for advice. I know it sounds a little excessive but you're the most expensive thing you own - to mark your body is to make a full commitment.

For me I came to the conclusion that it doesn't matter how I choose to 'decorate' my exterior but instead what matters is how I choose to devote my interior to God - you know? If you're even considering getting a tattoo ask yourself why you're getting one, check your heart and also reflect on if this is really a reflection of what you want people to see of you. Personally, it appears that no man is more righteous than the other based on their choice of not having tattoos or having them but only through the redemption of Jesus - by grace alone.

If you're not religious then cool - but I still believe the same kind of principle applies and I know there is something you can take away from all this. In terms of pain - sis I've had aunties doing my hair hurt me more than the needles. Honestly, it really didn't hurt but then again it was quite a nice first spot. No, I'm not planning on getting a sleeve but I am considering others but that's not gonna be for a while.

In terms of aftercare my artist suggested a cream from the shop or coconut oil and a fragrance free soap - I personally opted for the natural approach and it pretty much healed completely in about 10 days. This is it in it's worst state during the healing process, I really expected worse - completely raw image no retouching:




I know it's something I'll love and honestly not one I can or will regret - for reference it's the verse John 1:16 - "indeed, we have all received grace upon grace from his fullness".