the gift of losing my Dad is that it prompted me to pursue my Heavenly Father. the only way i didn't crumble and crash and burn after such a sudden tragic loss is because of God. i dove into my Bible and Isaiah 41:10-13 became my go-to.
"Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.
Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you.
I will hold you up with my victorious right hand."
when times are tough and i can barely utter a prayer, i simply cry out to God, hold me. and peace comes because i can be confident according to His Word that i am HELD.
for years, when facing something scary or unknown, i would take a Sharpie and scribble HELD on my hand. i did that enough times to finally decide with all certainty that i wanted it tattooed permanently on my body.
"Where shall I go from your Spirit?
Or where shall I flee from your presence?
...your hand shall lead me,
and your right hand shall hold me."
Psalm 139:7, 10
for years, when facing something scary or unknown, i would take a Sharpie and scribble HELD on my hand. i did that enough times to finally decide with all certainty that i wanted it tattooed permanently on my body.
for my birthday this year, that's what i did. i went to the tattoo shop with my word, scripted in a dear friend's handwriting, and with my closest friends by my side, my word was permanently painted onto my arm. i love it. i have looked at it no less than 462,000,000 times in the past week, just needing the reminder of that truth. I AM HELD.
my mom saw my tattoo for the first time and asked me, "so, do you have to explain what it means to everyone who sees it?" and i kinda hope i do. what a blessing to get to tell people that we are held by a God who will never let go.
