Something Permanent?

It seems to me that more and more people are getting tattoos – from pictures and symbols to the guiding principles of ones life, and even prayers.

Actress Angelina Jolie has written “a prayer for the wild at heart kept in cages” on her left forearm. Robbie Williams etched “Elvis grant me serenity” on his right arm, while singer Pink has written “What goes around comes around” on her wrist. Others are less insightful – actress Lindsay Lohan's right-wrist reminds her to “Breathe”, while singer Amy Winehouse tells the world “Hello Sailor”!

The range and diversity of these comments are amazing – but they all have one thing in common – they are permanent. I expect that many of these celebrities will come to regret having these things tattooed on their skin, but I think it shows a real desire for something that lasts, a longing for something indestructible.

As a Christian I can understand that search for permanence, it is the same search that led me to meet Jesus and to be baptised. The same desire was evident at our recent Confirmation service, where ten people, young and old, chose to stand up and 'confirm' their commitment to God. At the font they made the sign of the cross on their foreheads, renewing the sign made at their baptism years earlier.

It was a reminder to me that all of us who have been baptised have this mark of God on us – like an invisible tattoo. It is a sign of God's love and commitment to us, that is permanent, and will never fade. It is a sign of our commitment to God too, that gives us purpose in life, and someone to live for.