Despite my plaintive plea for absolutely no more tattoo letters, the count was up to 144 unread letters in my email box this morning. It seems that everyone wants to talk about tattoos! Here is today's crop of letters. Read on, for the LDS perspective on body ink. Or maybe that should be perspectives. Opinions tend to differ widely, even among Latter-day Saints.

This reminds me of a sweet situation that just occurred in our ward.  A single sister with her two young children moved into our ward who had visible tattoos.  She let everyone know that she was coming back from inactivity and had moved here ( California from Utah ) to get a new start and get away from some associations from her past. 

My wonderful ward welcomed her with open arms.  She worked at a beauty school, and many of us went down to her place of business to show our support.  She blossomed in our ward and we grew to love her.  She was with us for a little over a year and then decided for financial reasons to go back to Utah. 

A bunch of us women in Relief Society took her out to lunch to say goodbye, and she told us how grateful she was that we accepted her and treated her and her children with love and respect.  But what happened in her last fast and testimony meeting with us is what I would like to share.  She said that when she came to our ward she had a conversation with God that went something like this:  “I'm giving you one more chance, God. If I'm not accepted here then I'm not coming back to church.”  Then she tearfully thanked our ward for opening our arms to her, for loving her children and helping them to feel a part of the Primary, and for giving her the strength to again be a full active member of the Church. 

It is about love.  It really doesn't matter who walks in off the street; when they walk into a church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, they should not only be able to feel the spirit, but they should feel love from everyone they rub shoulders with.  It is what Jesus would do, after all.   I'm so grateful for my ward!  They understand what the first and second greatest commandments are — and more importantly, they act on that knowledge.

Lynette Mills
Santa Barbara Stake

What an inspiring letter, Lynette! I'm so glad it had a happy ending in your ward. It's just amazing how many people are on the edge, and whose fate can be decided by one little act of kindness — or the lack thereof.

It was important that your friend did not tell people ahead of time about her conversation with God. On more than one occasion, I have seen people hold others hostage by saying, “If you don't do so-and-so, I'm going to punish you by leaving the Church, and it will be all your fault.” People who do that are looking for reasons to leave the Church, and someone to blame it on when they do. Don't let them blackmail you!

One of my favourite bishops that I had was in Lethbridge , Alberta . I was still a relatively new member and did not know much about the Church or anything else Church-related. However I was warmly welcomed into the ward that he was bishop in by him and his counselors. I learned that he was a retired RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) officer. As such he had tattoos on his arm.

I had learned that tattoos were a "no-no" in the Church and were frowned upon. Being a convert and knowing people that had tattoos (I have none), previously I knew that tattoos don't make good people bad. In fact he was the friendliest bishop I'd ever had. He was affectionately known as the hugging bishop. (However being over 6 and half feet tall and a retired RCMP officer getting a hug from him was sometimes like being in the grip of a grizzly bear!)

He loved the people of his ward. And that's how he showed it.

Interestingly enough I read something from the scriptures this morning: "Except ye have charity, ye can in now wise be saved in the kingdom of God ."

When people start judging based on looks, we lose that charity. Christ's commandment to love our neighbour is blatantly disobeyed. And, unfortunately there are some church members with a "holier than thou" attitude. I think we sometimes forget that it is Christ who descended below everyone and still loved all people. When we start judging based on what he hear (rumors) or what we see, we place ourselves above God saying that we have the right to judge ahead of Him.

The best advice I can give to this sister who is being judged is this — forgiveness.

Christ, while hanging on the cross and being judged and criticized, forgave his tormentors. In truly becoming more like Him we should do no less.

Forgiveness will free you from the bondage of feeling less worthy than they are because of tainted skin. However their souls are tainted when they judge unrighteously. But you can't change them. You can only change yourself. Be who you are and let your light shine. Regardless of how you look on the outside the true lover of God will see you as you really are, a child of God, a sister, a friend,

Cameron from Edmonton

You made a good point, Cameron, that you can't change people. People who have prejudices have to change from within, and if we try to change them it just doesn't work. The only thing that can work — other than by influencing people with “gentleness, meekness, and love unfeigned”— is changing ourselves.

I just wanted to write and say that I was in the same situation.  I don't have multiple tattoos, but I have one tattoo.   Removing my tattoo is not an option. It does remind me, however, of things I probably shouldn't have been doing and to try not to make the same mistakes twice. 

I have had some people act different around me because of my tattoo, but I choose not to be offended by how they act.   I try to do my best in church, my callings and in life.  I have decided that if I am trying to better my life, they should be glad about that.

I have also had cancer at a young age, and some people act funny around me when they find out. I have found that some people are just that way. I had a choice about the tattoo, but cancer was definitely not my choice. But people's reactions are their choice!

Idaho

You make a good point, Idaho , about people's reactions cancer being similar to their reactions to tattoos. I once had a doctor casually announce to me that he would have to confirm it with a CAT scan, but he was sure I had lung cancer. In the 24 hours between the time he told me that and the time I had the CAT scan, I was amazed at the difference in the way people treated me. I had already been diagnosed at one time or another with every fatal disease known to man (collect them all!), but that particular diagnosis really shook people. I felt like an unperson, and it taught me exactly how not to behave around cancer patients.

My son had a companion who had tattoos from a “former” life (before he joined the Church

and subsequently became an awesome missionary).  The companion said that those tattoos reminded him that he had escaped that world, and when he was able, they would come off.  My son didn't think another thing about it. 

Let's be encouraging, not discouraging, to those who have found the gospel.  Most of us have “leftover” reminders of the world we leave behind when we find the truth of the gospel. Some are hidden away within our hearts; others have tattoos.  What's the difference?

Encouraging Mom

Thanks for a compassionate letter, Mom. I hope we can extend that encouragement to church members who have made unwise decisions even after their baptisms. We are all human, and that humanity means we're always going to be making mistakes. A little encouragement can be a big help.

I teach in the Salt Lake County Jail on Sundays, and am often told by inmates that they fear how people will react to them, especially because of their tattoos.  My answer is consistent:

Please, sister, don't let this visible evidence of your past keep you from returning to activity.  We all have invisible scars that are like much uglier than any tattoo. It won't be long before your smile, your commitment and your desire to serve will make those tattoos invisible to all that have the vision to see through the eyes of Christ. 

Scarred Brother

Thanks for your input, Scarred. Your third point reminded me of a Meridian reader who once wrote to tell me that she had gained a large amount of weight due to a medical condition, and was unable to get rid of it. She said she prayed to find out why this cross was not taken from her, and the response she got was that her appearance was a test for those around her. People would be judged by the way they treated her. Some would learn compassion from her appearance, and others would be condemned for their lack of charity. This letter really struck me, but when I tried to respond to it to thank her for it, my email must have gotten lost because I never heard from her again.

I would advise this sister to just be patient.  As the sisters in the ward get used to seeing her tattoos, eventually the novelty will wear off and they just won't notice them anymore.  We have a dear sister in our ward whose hair is dyed a vibrant fuchsia color.  I must admit the first few times I saw her that it was difficult to look at her face and not her hair because it is definitely not something that you would see on a regular basis in a ward.  However, after coming to know this sister, I can honestly say I would miss her hair color if she changed it.  I have come to appreciate and love her unique style (and she has style!) and personality, and the hair color is just a part of her now. 

I also visit teach a sister who has tattoos on both ankles.  We have talked about it and she has stated that she is uncomfortable with it but we have assured her that it just doesn't matter to us.  By and large I think most sisters in the ward have had the same reaction, initially perhaps some discomfort but as they get to know her, it just isn't important. 

A Reader in Arizona

That's so true, Arizona . The surface things that initially hold our attention — whether marks of beauty or marks of disfigurement or something in between — eventually fade into the background as we meet the person inside.

While I do not like tattoos, and know the prophet spoke against having them, I also realize that like any mistake we make, we have the opportunity to repent.  If others feel offended by seeing your tattoos, they are being judgmental and that is a sin.  If you have truly returned to church after making some errors in judgment, I think you have the right to be forgiven for having tattoos just the same as a person who has repented for drinking, smoking or any other misdeed and if anyone is not forgiving, they will have to pay for their "judge not, that ye be not judged".

If it is possible to wear clothing to cover the tattoos, that might be the answer to part of the problem.

CJ

You're right, CJ; being judgmental is a sin. Getting a tattoo is only a matter of judgment.

It is a shame that the members in your ward can't get past your tattoos.  You just keep going to church and remain active.  Do not let someone/anyone keep you from the Lord's errands.

Not to defend the actions of your ward members, but it is my understanding that we've been counseled not to get them, and this may put some people ill at ease.  However, what are they doing to people who are new converts who come from a background where tattooing is acceptable? 

I'm wondering if a word to the bishop and a proactive "campaign" to help those who seem to be put off by your tattoos understand what it is they are doing. 

I've run across a number of self-righteous members who seem to think it is their duty and/or assigned mission in life to point out the faults, errors and omissions of others.  My own husband was once told that the men in the Church wear only white dress shirts and no other color. Yikes !

So, Dearest Sister Tattoo, please, please, please keep going to church, keep growing and progressing in the Gospel and remember is it the Lord you are here to please — not those self-righteous folks who can't seem to see you for more than what is on your skin instead of what is in your heart

Thanks for writing, Katherine! What would we do without the helpful members who tell us what color shirts to wear and what kind of fabric we can't wear and what kind of shoes are appropriate? I suspect most of us would do just fine without that kind of help.

The next two letters come from people who cite the Bible for its proscription against tattoos:

Today there are ways to remove the tattoos. I don't know the details, but have a friend who had his removed because they were pretty nasty, so I know it can be done.

In the Bible, it simply says that we should not mark or pierce ourselves. So if we do, and we want to do God's will, then it is just common sense to do what we can to have them removed as a repentance gesture.

I have several friends who have tattoos and don't mind that they have them and because they are not of the same faith as me, I don't say anything about it unless asked and then I am diplomatic about it and just give them the information and don't chide anyone for having them. I realize that at the time they got the tattoos, they were simply using their free will, and may or may not have even known what the Bible says about this matter. So all one can do is give the information to the individual and let him decide what to do about it.

Chris, a Reader from Wisconsin

I'm glad you don't chide your nonmember friends for their tattoos, Chris, but I hope you're equally discreet about not chiding your tattooed friends who are Latter-day Saints!

In Corinthians, it states not to mark your body and it is a temple of God .  Sacred temples should not be defaced and a tattoo is defacing.

My suggestion is that you starting putting all dollar bills you have in your wallet before retiring in a piggy bank or bedpost or somewhere for safe-keeping.  Eventually, you will have enough money to have those defacings removed.

Patrick R. Elliott, Sr.
Brenham, Texas Branch

Corinthians does indeed proscribe markings on the body, Patrick. It also prohibits piercings, so when I grew up as a Protestant I thought of pierced ears as being scandalous. About ten years ago, I found myself sitting in a stake bishops' retreat. The people in the room were the wives of all the bishops in the stake, the stake presidency members' wives, and me. (Clark was stake clerk, which put me in the room with everyone else.) As I looked around the room, I saw that of all these good women, every last one of them except me had pierced ears. At that point, I realized that there are other criteria by which God judges people, and I should start using those same criteria.

You know, the first real hint that Latter-day Saints should avoid tattoos came from President Gordon B. Hinckley in the year 2000. I have since thought many times that when he discouraged tattoos and “more than one piercing,” he could just as easily have included any pierced ears in that pronouncement. How would the women of the Church have felt if he had said none of us should have any pierced ears? I would imagine that's the same way that people in the Church who had tattoos felt when President Hinckley said we shouldn't have them. The cleaned-up version of their thoughts of dismay might translate as, “Bummer.”

Because that counsel included tattoos and not piercings, I have found myself being extra compassionate when confronted with church members who have tattoos. Just because I didn't happen to make that choice doesn't mean I'm any better than those who did. I dodged a bullet on that one, and the people who weren't able to dodge the bullet deserve my friendship rather than my condemnation.

Now let's hear from two temple workers, who will give you their experiences with tattooed patrons:

I have the privilege of serving as a temple ordinance worker and often see saints come to the temple with tattoos.  We neither ask about the tattoo nor make any judgmental comment concerning the tattoo.  We treat all who come to the temple with respect.  My suggestion is that those who have tattoos not draw attention to it nor make public apology for it.  If ask give a quite, honest answer based on where they happen to be in the conversion process.  As the gospel grows within them the focus on the tattoo will diminish to the point that those who know the wearer's true self will over shadow the outward visibility of the tattoo.  True obedience and repentance overcomes all.

Warren Thompson

Thanks for telling how temple workers are trained to treat patrons, Warren. I might also add that they are given the same counsel regarding women who wear slacks. Nobody who has a valid recommend is turned away from temple worship. In fact, temple workers are grateful for every patron they get.

Although many of your previous letters have mentioned important points, the topic of tattoos reminded me of an experience that I would like to share.  My wife and I have served as temple workers for more than a dozen years, and we look forward to our once-a-week service in the temple.  We live some distance away, and so we often share our experiences and feelings during the drive home.

One evening I was assigned to work at the front desk, welcoming members who came to the temple, and making sure their paperwork was in order.  During the evening, a sister arrived who was dressed rather stylishly, and who was very bubbly and friendly.  She was wearing a short-sleeved dress, and one of the first things I noticed was a number of large and obvious tattoos that covered both of her arms.  After she entered, I thought it was somewhat unusual that a member of the Church would not try to hide something like that under long sleeves.  Yet she was totally unashamed of her ink, and I thought that was a sign of a lot of self-confidence.

As we drove home that evening, I mentioned this experience to my wife.  She had had the privilege of working with this same sister in another area of the temple that evening.  While they were working together, my wife had commented on the tattoos, and had enjoyed the sister's response — “ I love seeing my tattoos because they remind me of my previous life, and how much it has improved since I found the gospel.  Each time I see them, they remind me of how far I have come and how blessed I am.”

We both agreed that this sister had a great attitude, and had come up with a great way of making lemonade from lemons. 

You cannot change the way that people will react to you.  Whether you are tattooed, too fat, too skinny, too tall, too short or too bald, there are people who will react with obvious surprise and (in some cases) displeasure.  If they choose to reject you because of these external factors, it will be their loss.  We are commanded not to judge others, and this applies to judging them by just their external appearance.  I often wonder how many good opportunities have passed us by because we have not learned this lesson.

Rabbit Man on the Potomac

Thanks for sharing your experience, Rabbit. Almost without exception, the letters we've had here have implied that tattooed members should be ashamed of their ink. You've given us a valid reason why some people with tattoos would not even consider covering them up.

If all of our bad decisions, mistakes and sins were as obvious as a tattoo or smelled as bad as someone who smokes, we would all be more accepting of each other.  "Let those without sin cast the first stone."   How would Christ greet this lost sheep? 

These ward members should surround this sister with love and admiration for "returning to the fold."  It takes a lot of courage and a deep desire for this young woman to go where she feels unworthy, unloved or unaccepted.  

A Sister in Utah

Thanks for reminding us, Utah , of the story of the Prodigal Son. We should all be like the father in that story, welcoming the prodigal back rather than dwelling on what he did when he was away from the fold.

Remember The Scarlett Letter , where the sin of adultery was marked by the letter A ?  What if all our indiscretions were somehow marked upon our foreheads?  Remembering that may help curb our natural woman/man tendencies to pass judgment.

For the tattooed sister, I think there is a personal sermon in those tattoos that she might consider sharing during a testimony about her journey back.  I think she will be surprised of how, once she sees them as a badge of turning around, she will accept herself.

Joan

Thanks for an excellent suggestion, Joan. Bearing testimony of a journey back, including the “scars” of tattoos, could change a lot of minds in Tattooed Sister's ward.

And here's another Scarlet Letter -related letter. Amazing how these things often come in twos!

The important thing to remember is that we're all "stained" with sin.  We all rebel in one way or another, and we all have regrets.  Generally speaking though, our "stains" aren't physically printed on our body for all to see.  Most people can keep their stains hidden.  And believe me, there are plenty of people walking around the halls of your ward, with inner stains galore. Unfortunately, tattoos function almost like self-imposed scarlet letter A 's on the chest, announcing them to everyone .

I truly think the best way to handle your awkward feelings at church is in three steps.

Tracy Keeney
Kansas City, Missouri

Thanks for a thoughtful letter, Tracy . I hope anyone with visible tattoos especially pays attention to your second point. What a teaching help that could be!

My name is Brandy. I share a similar past to this great sister! I too was inactive for many years and through a set of unexpected events was finally compelled to return to the Lord. I served in the military, and common practice was tattoos. I have four — some visible on my arm, others covered. This was a deep concern for me when I returned for I knew that my body was a temple and I was not to defile it, but what was done was done and I couldn't afford the expensive treatments to have then removed.

I too got the stares and looks that this sister is facing now. I was just determined that I was there for God, not for the approval of man! That right there got me through it. When someone asked, I would tell them the tattoos were part of my past that I no longer practiced and their attitudes soon would change. I prayed heavily that people would look past them and see the beautiful sister and daughter of God that stood before them, not the tattoos.

When I think of someone who would treat another unjustly, unmercifully and unlovingly because of choices made in the past, I remember when Christ said, "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone." The whole purpose we go to church and worship is to become better. I heard a quote some time ago that has stuck with me. I don't know the author but it goes something like "Church is not a retirement home for the righteous, but a hospital for the sinner." Just remember that only God knows your heart and loves you and is so happy that you have returned. If you repent of all wrongdoings, he will gladly welcome you into His kingdom and when that happens, the tattoos won't be there for anyone to see! God will make your body perfect. It is your duty to "go and sin no more." God be with you and give you strength.

Brandy D. Speece
Las Vegas, Nevada

Thanks for sharing your personal experience, Brandy. It's good to hear from someone who has been there.

Please define "visible tattoos." Are these things on your arms that could be covered with long sleeves?  Are they on your legs or ankles and could be covered with a long dress? Are they on your fingers where they could be covered by a band-aid?   Are they on your face?  Your neck?  Your hands?  Remember the simple expression: "Out of sight, out of mind."

Also, it may not be the people from your ward that are the uncomfortable ones.  It may be that your own guilt and/or discomfort about their seeing the tattoos that causes the awkwardness. 

Members of the Church tend to be forgiving and want to embrace the returning prodigal son/lost sheep.  Reactivation and forgiveness are constant topics in all meetings.  We smile at the woman in the chapel in pants, the guy who smells like cigarette smoke, the pregnant teenager, and the kid with the Mohawk, just happy that they are trying to return to the fold.

When you get over your own embarrassment, and realize that not everyone is pointing at you or using you to their kids as the "bad example," you will be much more comfortable around the other members.

A.W. Hatch
Las Cruces, New Mexico

Thanks for writing, A.W. It's true — Tattooed Sister's awkwardness could stem from her own perceptions of others' thoughts, rather than what others are actually thinking.

Everyone in the ward has things that they would like to hide from the rest of the ward.  It may be a sin that they are struggling with or struggles in other areas.  Everyone has a past. 

Many years ago I ended up pregnant before getting married.  That is sin that was soon obvious to everyone around me.  A good sister in the ward gave me some great advice. She said when a friend of hers started coming back to church after several years of inactivity she had a hard time.  While inactive, the sister began smoking.  It was obvious each Sunday while sitting in church that people could smell the smoke in her hair and clothes.  She felt uncomfortable and rejected, but knew she was in the right place. 

This friend talked with the bishop, who gave her great advice.  He told her everyone in the ward has something they are struggling with. Some things are more obvious than others.  He told her that if everyone's weakness had a scent, then the building would reek terribly and no one would want to enter.  Just remember you are not any worse or better than anyone else in the ward; you just have different challenges.

Tattoos created while inactive or before joining the Church do not reflect who you are now.  Just keep learning and living the gospel principles that you know and show others who you are now.  Your heart, service, and attitude will soon overshadow the tattoos.  Those who run away are the ones with a problem now — not you.  As the saying goes, you can't judge a book by its cover.

Still at Church in California

Thanks for your thoughts, Still. Here's a letter from a reader on the other coast who has similar sentiments:

I'm afraid I have very strong feelings about tattoos too, even long before I came into the Church. Is Tattooed Sister sure the other party is the one that's uncomfortable? Most women I know with tattoos have rather discreet ones that mostly only show due to slightly less than modest dress and the ones on ankles and wrists are not flashy. I'm not uncomfortable around tattooed people any more than I am in the company of people with birthmarks, scars or disfiguring injuries. The marks are not the person! The image of twinkling eyes and a warm smile is what I capture in my mental photo album. Tattooed Sister might be amazed at how many tattoos are sitting in Sacrament with her. Please don't let that be a ready excuse for not fellowshipping.

A Sister in Maine

Thanks, Maine , for reminding us that superficial characteristics are not the person, and that our mental photo albums should show more worthwhile portraits of the people around us.

The tattooed sister isn't her tattoos anymore than a Relief Society president is her calling.  The Lord really does [look on the heart].  We have several members with tattoos, and they are good people. One is even a counselor in our bishopric.  My sister's bishop had lots of tattoos (he was in the military before he joined the Church). The tattoos were a choice at one spot in time.  We have to live from where we are and live only to the Lord.  Just get steady and grounded before the Lord.  If he is leading you, let him — and don't let others scare you.
 
Arkansas

Thanks for reminding us, Arkansas , that we are always growing and changing, and that the choices we made at one spot in time do not necessarily define who we are today.

Here is the sad truth: people judge long before they ever get to know a person. But that is their problem. You know who you are, and you want to return to church. You are most definitely doing the right thing by going to church; don't allow anyone else to make you think otherwise.

If you have any friends in the ward, sit with them in class or sacrament meeting and go to ward activities. Eventually people will come to know that you are there to become better than ever before.

Pray for help whenever necessary.  If you still have trouble, the bishop is always available for counseling. Know that what you are doing is for yourself and for God, no one else. And lastly, remember that everyone who judges you harshly will be judged the same way when standing before the bar of God the Father, his son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost.

Joseph Arthur Doty aka Lysander
Holladay, Utah

Your point that we'll be judged with the same compassion that we judge others is one we need to hear again and again, Lysander. Thanks for saying it.

I too have a tattoo from my past. I try hard to not let it show, but remember who Christ taught to. We've all made mistakes in our life. Let the light of Christ shine out of you. Don't let them get you down. They don't know how to deal with your tattoo, but you do. Just smile at them and remember they are human just like you. Maybe your tattoo will teach them something — like compassion. They see the outer skin, but let them see your inner beauty.

Kim

You're right, Kim — Christ did come to the sinners. This is not to say that getting a tattoo is a sin, but we need to remember that Christ made a point of visiting the publicans and lepers and others who had been shunned by the rest of society.

There is nothing greater in this world than someone like yourself who turns around and comes back!  What should happen to you at church is that you will have loving support, new friends, and arms around you. That is how it would be in my ward.   

Do not be afraid to tell your story. You should be a great example for young people. There is nothing like learning from someone who has taken a detour and then come back. You have the "scars" to prove where you have been.  You are not alone however.  I have a family member with a tattoo on his back, and his wife has a small one on her shoulder.  Although the tattoos are covered up with clothing, they now regret doing this because they have children who they hope will make different decisions. 

One of my son's best friends has a large tattoo that covers his entire back.  He came back into activity and is the elders quorum president in his ward. 

Imagine for just a minute if we all had a sign hanging around our necks, stating who we are and what we have done or thought.  It would be very revealing.  No one is perfect.   We have all done something in our lifetime that we are not proud of.  I believe that when people get to know you, your inner beauty will show through and they will no longer notice the tattoos.  Don't get discouraged.   Keep going and get involved. People will warm up to you. It will get easier.

Karren Hubrich  

It just takes time, Karren. Thanks for reminding Tattooed Sister of the virtue of patience — and perseverance.

Isn't it interesting that having visible signs of doing things to our bodies that are not encouraged would cause such a problem for those that we try to associate with? Who knows what others might be carrying that are not visible? I pray that this will not discourage you from resuming activity. As we all know, the gospel is perfect; those of us who practice it are not. Part of our purpose on earth is to perfect ourselves. Good luck!

Well-Wisher

Reading your letter, Well-Wisher, pointed out how trivial a tattoo is. Getting bent out of shape over something as insignificant as body art really is “straining at gnats.” Thanks for the reminder.

Our last letter today comes from Vilnius , Lithuania . It tells a story that will make you glad you made it to the end of today's letters:

Concerning some of the comments, I wish to make one correction of one of the respondents. Tattoos and sin should not be compared. When we sin outside of the covenant, and we truly repent, we are made clean, totally clean. I remember in my Idaho youth one professional youth speaker would compare sin to driving a nail in a board, He drove a big nail into a board, then with a crowbar removed the nail, held it up and showed us the hole, which he said would always be there. I was impressed and shared the story with my dad. He told the bishop and stake president of the presentation, and father reassured me that the speaker was not correct with his comparison. All church leaders were encouraged to cancel his reservations for speaking.  Yes, the tattoo will remain, but the sin will leave no mark, and we are promised that we also will remember it no more.

It is true that removing a tattoo is prohibitively expensive.  While serving a private medical mission in Honduras , I found out that in their culture if a young person has a showable tattoo, he can never find work. A Catholic priest in San Pedro Soula, Honduras , involved a local plastic surgeon to train nurse-practitioners to remove tattoos. The process leaves a light-colored scar that is visible on their beautiful dark skin, but they can then become employed.

I spent two days in this clinic and marveled at the huge numbers of young people who were turning their life around. I was eternally grateful to that caring Catholic priest who raised funds in the states to pay for drugs and equipment needed to help. Patients paid what they could. Many paid as little as $3.00. The local injections were painful, but the result was good. So if people want help, they should find a place to serve there as I did, and at the same time get their tattoos wiped clean, for a very reasonable donation to this clinic.

I feel no need to remove tattoos in a tolerant society, but for the youth of Honduras, desperate to find work, removing them brought new light into their lives.

Boyd J. Hale M.D.
Vilnius, Lithuania

Thanks for sharing your personal experience, Boyd. Sometimes even in the States I hear people who are conspicuously tattooed say they did it so they'll never have to work in an office. If people put a little more thought into what it means to have that avenue of income closed to them, they might not be so cavalier about saying that. But this is what it means to be human. We all say boneheaded things, and do boneheaded things, from time to time. Thank goodness for repentance!

Until next week — Kathy

"We cannot lower the mountain, therefore we must elevate ourselves."

Todd Skinner