By Jennifer Hallmark
**If you missed it, you’ll find part 1 here...
Hello, world! It’s Sunday, January 21. I’ve just left the church, and I’m driving home. After the service, standing in the parking lot, I showed my daughter my tattoo. I can’t help but smile because I’ve just totally shocked her. I didn’t think it was possible.
She asked if it hurt. In fact, even today, that’s the question I’m asked the most.
Yes, it hurt. A lot.
But really not as bad as I imagined. I’m a writer, and I have a big imagination. I went in with a large cup of iced coffee and my friend, so I was ready. The artists were very professional and the parlor was super clean, which was the main thing I’d been researching for the last six months.
The lady and I discussed again what I wanted (we’d already been chatting on FB messenger), I paid her, and she went to get the template for the word “fearless.” I’d picked a specific font, one where the letters were in cursive, but the “r” wasn’t joined to the “l.” That way, it could read fearless or fear less.
In life, I’ve always been cautious, conservative, and reserved. Nothing wrong with that except when I let it affect my walk with God and my witness. Or it comes between me and my family and friends. So this year, I want to fear less and faith more.
I love the little story that says, “Fear knocked on the door. Faith answered. No one was there.” That’s how I want to live. I’m not there yet. Every day, I ask God to help me recognize fear and shut the door by my faith in Him.
Anyway, the whole process from when I entered the shop lasted about an hour and a half. I’d already purchased the soap and ointment and things for aftercare. It’s healed well.
Am I ready for another one?
No. I broke through that wall and it is enough. It’s taken me a few months to get up the courage to share it with y’all. I shake my head as I think how crazy I am to get so worked up over a tattoo. But one of my fears throughout my life has been fear of rejection. So, it makes sense.
Why have I shared this over the last two weeks? I guess it’s mostly for me. I have my first novel coming out in June of 2019 with Firefly Southern fiction, and I’m already struggling a little with what people will think of my book. Will they cringe? Laugh? Love it? Or reject it?
I give these fears to God. I like to say I don’t write for God; I write with Him. We laugh and cry together as I pen words that reduce me to a transparent, vulnerable state I’d rather not be in, at times. But it’s a healing place.
And it’s me.
Hello, world!
Me signing my contract
I loved these posts, Jennifer! Congrats on being “fear less.” I know someone who talks about getting a tattoo. She hasn’t yet. I don’t think so, anyway. 🙂 She even knows what she wants, but I’m concerned she wants it because it’s “the thing” more than having a well-thought-out reason like yours.
Thank you. I don’t think it’s a decision to take lightly since it is permanent 🙂
Love, love, love. You and I are on the same page lately. Can’t wait to see you! And I’m so glad you shared this!
My first tattoo was in honor of my father that just had died. He was my hero, my coach, my encourager and my friend! So I decided to go with a cross and a Rose 🌹 my thoughts was the same as yours. Clean, safe and how bad is it going to hurt! The thing is I have a fear of needles. I never watched what they did and my husband held my hand and kept my focused on him and his craziness! A couple of years later I returned for a butterfly on my shoulder. I did this one because it represents beauty and freedom. My last one I did in memory of my husband that died suddenly. I did a heart with love wrote across it. At this moment I don’t plan to have another one but who knows!
Thanks for sharing, Kathy! ❤
Love this, Jennifer! 😊
Thanks, Andrea! ❤
Thanks for this. Fear has always been a big deal for me. Laying it down daily is all we can do. But reading your story is encouraging.
Bravo, Jennifer! Wish I got to see your tat! It was a privilege to meet you, and congratulations again on your forthcoming novel! Great post – and a great adventure!
Thanks for dropping by, Judy!🙂 I appreciated your encouragement at Blue Lake. Hopefully, I’ll get back there again…