The Invisible Tattoo

How could one have a tattoo yet, no one can see it? It's simple. Invisible ink. 
Well, not exactly invisible. They use glow in the dark ink, only seen under a 
black light.

I know that many of you will be tempted to send me biblical references to such 
marks as being against the will of God. I appreciate and understand that. I may 
then shock a few people when I tell you that I have tattoos. Two of them. One 
heart on my right shoulder that says "Love" and one with fancy lettering on my 
left shoulder that says "Hope."

I also have invisible tattoos. So, do you. These are the marks in my life that 
you would not be aware of unless you knew me personally. And I have marks in 
the great book of things I did and said that God was not pleased about.

Some of you may have marks of insecurity that would go undetected by others 
unless they had seen you under pressure. Many of you carry marks of the past, 
perhaps from abuse by others or even by self induced addictions. Invisible 
tattoos.

Then there are those, who have physical challenges others cannot see. Have you 
ever seen someone park in a handicap spot and questioned what right they had to 
it? Sure, there are some who shamefully take advantage of it and know they have 
no right. But, there are millions who suffer from chronic pain and 
neuro-muscular diseases in early stages.

If you saw them you might not be aware that, although they look perfectly fine 
to you, most of their life their disease keeps them from functioning well in 
everyday tasks. Their invisible tattoo is pain. You can't see it, but it's 
there.

Why then are we so skeptical? Why do we first choose to criticize, doubt, and 
reject others who are different than ourselves? You may argue that your life is 
such that you can clearly declare you have no "invisible tattoos." But under 
the black light, you may discover that "Denial" is yours.

I believe if I keep my mind and my heart open I can benefit from every person 
who crosses my path. By shining the light of love I will see the markings of 
goodness in them. Remember, too, everyone has invisible gifts to offer the 
world. Those are often shadowed in my insecurity and doubt.

By shining the light of mistrust and skepticism, one only reveals to the world 
their own markings of prejudice and fear of the unknown.

Don't judge me for what you see, love me for who I am.

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