People ask me about my tattoos often. I have many reasons for each one that I currently have, and for the others that I plan on getting.

Each of the five tattoos that I have tells a piece of my story. I've struggled a lot throughout my life with being vulnerable with other people. I love tattoos because they are conversation starters.

I love being able to ask people why they have certain tattoos, and why they picked different designs. The stories that they share with me are pieces of who they are. Every time I ask others to share themselves with me I get the chance to connect with a new person. Tattoos give me a way to start a conversation with people that I would never have talked to otherwise.

My tattoos allow me to connect with others through my story. I am thankful for the gift of encouragement that God has given me to share with others. I have learned on my journey of vulnerability that sharing my story gives me cool opportunities.

These precious times that I have spent with others have shown me grace and allowed me the chance to tell others the grace that God extends to them. Because it is hard for me to just offer conversation, my tattoos give me a reason to share my story. And each portion of my story is a precious reminder of what God has done for me.

He is giving me strength and grace to take each day as it comes. Currently, I have the opportunity to be studying counseling. I am learning things every day that will allow me to help other people.

And I am so excited about it.

I am very grateful that I get to be in a difficult, but very impactful line of work. Jesus works in and through hurting people. Pain pushes us closer to the healing that only God can give us.

My first tattoo represents both a reminder to myself, and a way to impact others. Ode to Sleep by Twenty One Pilots has a line in the pre-chorus that says, "I'll stay awake; cause the dark's not taking prisoners tonight."

The light overcomes the darkness. Good triumphs over evil. My story is not over, and neither is yours.

Steady as they come, mountains remind me of my family and my home. I am also reminded by of how steadfast God is, no matter how faithless I am. Like the mountains, he is always in my life.

And God gives us passions to use for Him. That is what my third tattoo represents. I love sewing, and the opportunity to express my creativity through that.

This summer I acquired two more tattoos.

In memory of our sweet, sweet friend that passed away at the beginning of the summer, I got this tattoo with two of my sisters. The airplane was significant because Gracie had recently purchased a necklace that looked like a paper airplane. It also serves as a reminder that life is fleeting, and how I need to be ready to meet God at any moment.

This tattoo ties back into long ago when I first heard an Adventures in Odyssey episode that tells the story of the hymn It is Well. This has been my favorite hymn since the young age of 7 years old. Life is not all happy moments. There are ups and downs, but no matter what is happening, God will provide me with peace. Roses have beauty along with the sharp thorns and fit the picture well.

Don't be afraid to ask people about the stories that their tattoos tell. Just remember that each tattoo is a story. Be kind when you ask. Don't make jokes about their stories.

But ask. Get to know their stories. Ask me about my stories.