To me this tattoo is not just any tattoo. Personally, I don't see the point of being covered in tattoos and many tattoos I find very strange. I think, do you really want that on you for the rest of your life? This is definitely not to say that I think tattoos are bad or anything like that, I know people have their own stories, their own reasons, and their own motives for their tattoos and it is not up to me to decide whether it's a good idea for them or not... That being said, I do believe that tattoos should carry a lot of significance to a person. I don't think it should be a fashion statement or just "pretty body art." I think a tattoo should really ignite specific feelings or thought in a person. Something that's a significant part of your past, or a true piece of your identity.
To me, the cross is part of my identity. The cross is a sign of salvation and a symbol of Christianity. Being from an Orthodox Church, the cross is huge. We're constantly making the sign of the cross, every time the Trinity is mentioned, as we walk in and out of the church, and to begin and end every prayer. I was born a Christian and for my whole life I've gone to church on a weekly basis. Perhaps at times it was as part of a routine, but not usually for long. Whenever in trouble, I've found my rest in prayer and comfort in the church. When worried, I've sometimes read a passage of the Bible by chance, and felt God was directly speaking to me and telling me not to worry. Though born into it, it is my choice and out of my free will to remain a Christian, to go to church and to pray. It's often that non-Egyptian friends have heard me answer with "sorry, I have something at church" in response to plans to hangout. Being a Christian has become the main part of my identity, and though I don't always show it, and am often a weak and negative representation of a Christian, I do constantly try to become a better person for the sake of His image in me.
The cross tattoo has a story behind it which I will tell in a later blog post, but to me it would be a mark of my identity, right there on my dominant arm's wrist for me to see and be reminded of all the time. It would be a sign and reminder of who I am and a little guidance when weary or troubled. I've wanted this tattoo for a long time and I'm excited to finally go through with it!!
- "Whenever physical hunger turned cruel against me, I found my gratification in prayer. Whenever the biting cold of winter was unkind to me, I found my warmth in prayer. Whenever people were harsh to me (and their harshness was severe indeed) I found my comfort in prayer. In short, prayer became my food and my drink, my outfit and my armor, whether by night or by day." -Father Matthew the Poor
