I posted a few new pictures on myspace a couple days ago, and since then, the questions have poured in…”What in the world does that tattoo mean?”
So, here’s the story behind the tatoo……
Mexico City is on of the most dangerous cities in all of Latin America. It is known for it’s robberies, kidnapping, gang activity, drugs, and prositution. I have been told by many not to go, by others I will be robbed, and of course, thoughts even within my own mind, of “what the heck am I doing”?
All my life, I have struggled with random thoughts of fear. Since I was a child, I was awakened in the night with horrible night mares. I’ve struggled with thoughts like….What if I die? What if someone robs me today? What if someone breaks into my house? What if I have cancer? What if I fail? What if this…? What if that…?
Hebrews 2:15 says, “….Jesus came to free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.” When I read this verse a few months ago something clicked in my heart. Jesus came to rid us of a fear of death. If we choose to be afraid of the future, or afraid of sickness, or ultimately death, we make a choice to be slaves to the enemy.
I have made a choice. I will not be held back by fear. I will not believe the lies of the enemy. I will not allow anything to rob me of God’s blessing on my life, nor to keep me from thousands of lives that will be changed by coming to Mexico City.
The Bible says, God hasn’t given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and sound mind!
The tattoo is Psalms 91:5. The actual words written on my wrist are “THOU SHALL NOT BE AFRAID”. It is from the original language the Bible was written in, Hebrew.
Please take a minute for yourself, and read Psalm 91. No matter what happens, no matter what situation we’re in, or what’s happening around us, God is our refuge. As believers we know He is in control, and NOTHING can happen to us outside of God’s will.
For me, my tattoo is a reminder to myself, and a declaration to all, that I am free from fear! Thank you Jesus!!!!
Maybe you need to make a declaration today that you won’t be held back by fear in your life. Try something new, do something different, we have nothing to fear!!!
Eric Said:
on January 9, 2008 at 8:27 pm
And your recommendation to those of us afraid of tattoos?? It’s good to see that things are going well, if not exactly according to your plan. His plan is going to work, and that’s awesome. Things are still slow here, but I’m working on speeding some things up. Christmas with the family was wonderfully strange, the way only family can be. Keep up the good work, and I’ll be praying for you.
-Eric
sarahkeller Said:
on January 10, 2008 at 2:13 pm
Celebrating the “small victories” with you girl…we love you and are so proud of our Missionary in Mexico City!!!
Matt Keller Said:
on January 10, 2008 at 9:36 pm
Linds, you’re already making us proud. It’s going to be an amazing journal. Don’t forsake your blog. this is our pipeline to your world.
Know you are loved and supported from Fort Myers, FL & NLC!
Matt
Donna Frank Said:
on January 14, 2008 at 10:12 pm
Love the tat… I stand on Psalm 91 regularly. The devil is always slinging what ifs at me too. This is what I’ve started slinging back: what if God does everything He promises? What if He is who He says He is? What if we walk in the authority He gave us? What would be lost if we didn’t obey?
Take the city, girl…then the country, then the world. Much love from Baton Rouge!
Scott Said:
on July 9, 2009 at 2:30 am
I love this,and searched for a tattoo like your because psalm 91 in my favorite.
Scott Said:
on December 10, 2009 at 1:01 am
Thank you for being such a huge inspiration to me. Psalm 91 means the world to me, And your persistent belief in that verse has touched someone miles away from you.I have to steal this tat from you, but put it on my whole forearm.I am really proud of you, and I don’t even know you.