About this time last year, I got a new tattoo.
The reason I didn’t share it here is because I hadn’t told my parents yet (hi, mom and dad!). They’re old and set in their ways so I didn’t want to unnecessarily upset them 😉
Joy unspeakable is from one of my favorite Bible verses, 1 Peter 1:8:
“Whom having not seen, you love; in whom, though now you see him not, yet believing, you rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory.”
Being a person who has joy and brings joy to others is something that I’ve always felt has been placed on my life. And trust me – it’s not something that comes entirely easy to me. I live out of my heart (sometimes too much) so the littlest things can steal my joy. I’m working on that.
But the thing about having joy is that it’s a choice.
A state of being.
Not something based on circumstances.
The other thing about joy is that it doesn’t come from within ourselves or from other people. Joy comes from a source…from God. You might think that that I’m crazy for saying that or that we’re responsible for our own joy/happiness. And maybe you’re right. But for me, it’s actually a lot more freeing to know that my joy comes from God and God alone. I’m too weak and easily swayed to try to search for joy on a daily basis. That’s why I’m so thankful that it’s freely given to us, and we can choose whether or not to claim it as our own.
Do you have any tattoos? What do they mean to you?
jessi says
so good - very true
That’s a cute tattoo
I have a few, but my favorites are the lotus flowers I have on each foot, to represent my parents.
Erin @ Axell's Kitchen says
Love it! And I have the four Led Zeppelin symbols from their IV album on my lower stomach. I got it when I was 18 and it basically just symbolizes not only my love for the band in general, but just my love of classic rock and time my dad and I bonded over music when I was growing up. I also have a hand drawn peacock feather on my ribs on one of my sides. That one is more of just an aesthetic piece- I just think it’s beautiful (:
love that!
What a beautiful tat!
thank you!!
Love the font you chose!
thanks lady
Mary says
What a beautiful tattoo! I love tat’s with words/quotes/verses. Super meaningful
-Mary
maryjozefiak.wordpress.com
Oh my goodness, I LOVE it. The meaning behind that, and the tattoo itself, are both beautiful.
I always thought I didn’t like tattoos until recently. I’ve fallen in love with the idea of getting a script tattoo on my left side (ribs) and am definitely planning to in the near future.
Love this post, Gracie! You definitely bring joy to lots of people!
Ah, thanks for that Liz
first of all, I love yours! the font is perfect and clearly it means a lot to you. that’s what really counts with getting ink!
and I have not one but four tattoos, and my favorite part about them is that most people don’t even know I have them, even though one is pretty obviously on the inside of my bicep. they’re all simple and while sometimes it’s annoying to explain why I chose each, I love that they do have so much meaning for me.
joy is a state of being. such a beautiful reminder!
i dont have any tattoos yet but I’ve been thinking about a specific tattoo for two years! NEED to just get it. It is “she is clothed with strength and dignity” from Proverbs 31. Such a powerful one for me - and who I strive to be.
xo!
Andi
Ah, love that! Another one of my favorite verses
Allie @allieon says
Love love love your tattoo!
Been reading your blog for forever (and never commented. I’m a lurker.) and love the placement!
I’ve been playing with the idea of a tattoo but just can’t figure out a good discreet place!
-Allie
Thanks so much, Allie!
what a lovely post.
Megan says
Oh wow, I JUST did a devotional about this very concept. I’ve been praying for “uncircumstantial joy” because you’re right- GOD is our source of joy!
Natalie says
I love the font, what is the name of it?
I don’t remember exactly what it’s called :/ just a pretty basic typewriter font!
Meghan Burrows says
Love what you said about joy as a state of being. Really got my Monday off to a great start, thanks!