"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
- Romans 8:38-39
I am not ashamed to say that my faith is important to me. I value my relationship with God more than I value pretty much anything else. I may not go to church every week or pray before each meal, but that doesn't make me any less of a Christian - and God knows that.
When I was little, I used to think God wouldn't love me if I didn't go to church, or didn't know the Lord's Prayer by heart, or couldn't recite the ten commandments. Obviously now I know that isn't true - God's basis for love is very simple - everyone.
I chose to reciprocate and celebrate my love for him with a permanent mark on my body. I always knew I wanted a tattoo, but I refused to get inked just for the sake of having one. I wanted it to mean something and spent over a year searching for the perfect tattoo. The moment I laid eyes on these symbols I knew I wanted it on my body: God (G) is Greater than (>) the highs (^) and the lows (there is no down arrow symbol LOL).
Being able to look down at any time and be reminded of the incredible bond I have with my Savior brings me endless joy and comfort. Not that I need a tattoo to prove my love for him, but because I am not ashamed or afraid to let the world know that I am a believer.
On the best days of my life, God is there with me. No matter how much fun I have or how many memories I make, He will always be greater. I often forget to pray and talk to God in times of praise and thanks. When something goes wrong or I'm having a bad day, I ask Him to make it better. But for every favor I ask Him, I should thank Him for twenty things. He is greater than anyone or anything I will ever encounter - no matter how good they are.
In low times, I need to keep my faith. I've heard horror stories about people who fall away from their relationship with God because of a sick family member, a death of someone close to them, or any other amount of tragic events that happen. People tend to get caught up in their emotions, and rightfully so, and question God's intentions.
However, none of these things are His fault. He knows his plans for each and every one of his children and I have 100% put my trust in Him. I cannot see myself ever abandoning my faith due to a misfortune here on earth. Times may get tough and I may develop some questions, but I will always rely on God to be my hero and my guardian.
I've read the parables, I've recited the verses, I've studied the Bible, I've taken the vow to dedicate my life. Through all of these things, I have strengthened my faith and come to terms with my love for a being whom I cannot see. Faith is all about believing without seeing, and the ink on my arm is something I can see to be reminded of my faith. After all, He is greater than my highs and my lows.
"Give thanks to the God of heaven, for his steadfast love endures forever."
- Psalm 136:26
