Why does a relatively sane woman in her 60s get her first tattoo?
Well, I can tell you one thing, it took the right design to tempt me and move me into the tattoo artist’s chair. And that design was the logo and theme for the Tenth Triennial Gathering (July 13-16, 2017) in Minneapolis, Minn.
When the theme “All Anew” was announced, I immediately connected with it because it describes my life right now as I finish my bachelor of arts degree and start my master of divinity degree at Luther Seminary (Saint Paul, Minn.) this fall.
Then I saw the logo and totally fell in love with it. As I shared it with the women from the Nebraska Synod, one of them said, “I love it. That’s my next tattoo!” Then I started thinking, “Wow, that could be my first tattoo.”
So, I took some time, prayed and talked to people and decided, “Okay, I’m going to do it!”
[bctt tweet=”Now I have a tattoo on my arm, and I love it!”]
Now I have a tattoo on my arm, and I love it! It’s fun, and it generates a lot of conversation with friends and strangers, and it gives me plenty of opportunity to talk about how God is working in my life and promote the upcoming triennial gathering in my home town. (You can find out more about it at welcatg.org.)
Before I end this, I do want to address some of the questions I’ve been asked.
Q. Did it hurt?
A. Kind of, but as my tattoo artist told me, it hurts less once the adrenaline kicks in.
Q. Would you do it again?
A. Probably, but it would have to be the right design.
Q. Do you think everyone should get one?
A. No, but there are some Women of the ELCA participants around the country (and you know who you are) who said they were going to do it. I’m still waiting for those photos.
Q. Are you glad you did it?
A. Yes, I am. I look at it and remember that I am always being made new by God’s love. Sometimes when I am fearful about the future, I look at it and remember that I am a Bold Woman, being made anew and loved by God.
Nancy Giddings serves on the churchwide executive board and lives in Blaine, Minn.
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Photo of Nancy Giddings’ tattoo
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