His tattoo

Ever since I met Joel Henderson in 2006 he has talked about getting a tattoo. I can't tell you how many times I've heard "Yeah I'll probably be getting a tattoo soon..." come out of that boys mouth. And have we ever followed through with that? No. But last week I heard him say it and I knew he actually meant it this time. I've always known Joel would get a tattoo sooner or later, it was just a matter of when, so really I had already come to terms with the fact that my husband forever and ever would have this on his body. And I'm not gonna lie, I even pictured us one day watching our great grandkids play on the floor and looking over and seeing the tattoo as he rocked back and forth in his chair. I played devils advocate and came at it every possible angle through intensive questioning and interviewing, but nothing was slowing this boy down. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't my intention to change his mind and I fully support this decision, but I felt it my job to see him 120% sold on this before any permanent decisions were made. So that's what I did! And I must have done my job because here's my buddy getting his tattoo with 120% certainty, confidence and courage:

I know it's totally lame to brag on how strong and fearless your man is but I'm sorry, you're gonna have to deal because this kid TOOK IT LIKE A CHAMP. I was a nervous wreck while he just sat there watching all of the artwork come together, carrying on conversations, and asking ME if I was ok. I repeatedly asked him to give me a number on the pain scale 1-10 and it never went above a 4! (and even then that was while it was getting filled in, which is the worst part) And don't even try to tell me he was just trying to be macho and play it cool, because I can read him like a book and he really just wasn't in pain. I was amazed.

Here's the finished tattoo! It's a representation of the scripture 1 Corinthians 10:31 - "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." The meaning of this verse is rather straightforward and simple, which is why Joel likes it so much as a constant reminder. The microphone and an xlr cable are thrown in there to represent his work and passion for sound and music. For me I like to see it as even though people like Joel are serving and giving of their time and talents it is still an act of worship to the Lord, and whatever form you may do that in (like the verse says) should always be for the glory of God and the advancement of His kingdom. Such a good reminder to always carry with you, and now he has it!

I think it is completely beautiful. That's probably the last word Joel would ever like me to use to describe it, but I really do believe that tattoo artists are extremely gifted in a way no other artist is. They have a way of taking simple words (like what Joel originally brought in) and creating a visual message that you actually want to have on your body for the rest of your life. It was amazing seeing and hearing the artist talk about his work and watch him make this everything Joel wanted and more. So that's what I mean when I say it's "beautiful". As weird as it sounds, I honestly love the fact that this will be on my husbands arm forever, and that our marriage will also have that permanent reminder for whatever we do.

Anyway, so now we're tatted up and ready to rock. Next on our list is motorcycles, mohawks and lots of heavy metal concerts! We met lots of new friends who were tattooed head to toe at the shop so we're going to start going out with them on the weekends : ) And in case you're wondering what I think of Joel Henderson post tattoo... I still love him more than words could ever explain. He's still the most handsome, gentle, kind, selfless, wonderful man on the face of planet earth. And the truth is, I maybe love him just a tad bit more (shhh... don't tell).