My First Tattoos

Well, I finally did it. August 12, 2010 I got my first tattoos. Three of them. I've been considering this for a long time, about four years. I knew what I wanted, where I wanted them and why. I found a great artist and Nadine gave me her blessing. They look awesome, I couldn't be happier.

The First: "Qin'ah"

Qin'ah is Hebrew meaning, passion or zeal. It's from Psalm 69:9 and John 2:17 "Zeal for your house will consume me." Passion is one of the four elements of my personal ethos, I wrote about it back on October 26,  2007. The color red can mean a few different things. One interpretation of red is wisdom. Passion needs to be tempered with wisdom, thus red was the primary color. Why the left forearm? Well, I have had a few spiritual experiences where God reveals part of his nature or character to me. I have had multiple experiences with The Spirits of Wisdom & Revelation (See Ephesians 1:17). In those experiences Wisdom has always been on my left with Revelation on my right.

The Second: "Dĕrowr"

Dĕrowr is Hebrew as well and it means freedom or liberty. It's from Isaiah 61:1 and Luke 4:18  where Jesus said that "He was sent to bind up the brokenhearted and proclaim freedom for the captives". Freedom is another aspect of my personal ethos. Blue represents revelation and the revelation of truth will set people free. This tat is on my right forearm.


The Third: "Philos Theos"

Philos Theos means "Friend of God" or God's fond one. It's taken from James 2:23 where the patriarch Abraham is called the friend of God. One of the most important lessons I've learned on my spiritual journey is that the highest place I can attain is not found in ministry, but in relationship. The location was inspired by a friend Keith. He says "It's like the tag of a shirt to remind me of who I am." I like that, thanks Keith.


The Artist: "Brian Paul"
I found Brian at Kings Avenue Tattoo using Google. Their work is amazing, their shop is impeccably clean and extremely professional. Not only does Brian do great work, he's a really nice guy. I recommend him wholeheartedly!


The Pain
You know what, tattoos hurt! But it's an odd kind of hurt. Different than anything else I've ever experienced. While actually being tattooed the Philios Theos far and away hurt the most. However, afterward Qin'ah has been the most irritated - sort of like a nasty sunburn.. All in all I'm extremely pleased!