A tattoo parlor seems an odd place for spiritual enlightenment but opportunities are everywhere

A tattoo parlor seems an odd place for spiritual enlightenment but opportunities are everywhere
                        
I’m seldom questioned or challenged about my core beliefs and my faith. I am a Christian. Most of my family and friends are Christians, and the majority of the people in my community are as well. Most everyone I know either shares my faith and beliefs, or if they don’t, they don’t seem to have any real problem with it. During a recent trip to Classy Tattoos & Body Piercing in Mansfield I came to the realization that I’m rarely questioned about what I believe, which makes it very easy to be comfortable in my beliefs and faith. I know, a tattoo parlor seems an odd place for spiritual enlightenment, but opportunities are everywhere. To help pass the time while getting new ink the tattoo artist and shop owner, Micah Ortega, and I began to talk. The sessions are lengthy as are the conversations, which can lead anywhere and usually have some depth to them. During my most recent visit Micah shared with me that he’s been doing some soul searching for spiritual truth, looking into different religions and beliefs to find what he believes to be truth. The great thing about talking to Micah about his search for his spiritual truth, or anything for that matter, is that he’s open, curious and not combative. He doesn’t believe he has all the answers. When he asks a question, his is truly interested in your answer. He’s not one of those people who like to ask a question just to be argumentative. Micah and I go back a few years now and he already knows I’m a Christian. His grandparents taught him about the Christian faith, so he has a very good understanding of what I already believe. I, like most Christians, know all the good engrained Sunday school answers, and I know the basic principles of the Christian faith, but Micah’s questions were deeper than that. Questions such as why does God answer certain prayers and not others? Are children born with the knowledge of right and wrong? Why are the prayers of non-Christians heard and answered? Well, I’m no theologian, and I didn’t pretend to be. I considered the questions, and if I could, I’d give him some sort of answer. I also replied “I don’t know” if I had no good answer. Micah seemed to accept that. During my drive home I reflected on my time with Micah, and I kept thinking about his questions. I began to wonder if anyone really knows the answers to some of those questions. I believe we know lots of things about God because of what He has revealed to us in his Word, but I also believe there’s a vast amount he hasn’t revealed to us. How can we fully comprehend an almighty, all-knowing, omnipresent, perfect God while we are none of those things? There is no way we can! That’s why it’s called faith. As Christians we need to be open to talking and having real conversations with people who are searching for truth. It is a good thing to be challenged about our faith and beliefs because it naturally spurs us to dig deeper and get a better understanding of what we believe. Then we will be more equipped to answer the tougher questions. These good, thoughtful friendly back-and-forth conversations also lead to stronger relationships where trust is built. When there is mutual trust, we feel a freedom to be ourselves. No matter what you believe, communicate in a way that is open and welcoming. You’ll learn a lot about people, and you may just learn more about yourself. Take it from me, there is a lot to be learned even in the most unlikely of places.


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