Be Part Of The Mural

"Because true belonging only happens when we present our authentic, imperfect selves to the world, our sense of belonging can never be greater than our level of self-acceptance."
Brené Brown,

This is part of a mural at our church. It's made up of photographs of the church members tattoos.

It speaks to me.

I don't personally have a tattoo but I love to hear about other people's because,more often than not, they are portal into that person's deepest joy or pain or a window into what's important to them. They have taken an integral part of their life and shared it publicly. They have taken the time to count their blessings and remember the lessons. They have invited us to share in it!


I think that's what speaks to me about the mural. It's an invitation to be who I am, to bring my victories, my failures, my joy, my pain, and be met with love, forgiveness, and acceptance. It's says I'm not judged by what I've done but instead I belong because what's been done for me.


I don't have a tattoo but I bring my scars. When I gaze at this mural it's a reminder that there is no shame in them. They are part of my story, they are meant to be shared, and they make me stronger.


I'm done trying to be anything other than my authentic imperfect self. Self acceptance has been a hard road for me but, seeing true belonging on the other side, that inspires me to fight for it!


Come as you are, friends! Don't wait on the outskirts of belonging waiting to be worthy enough to enter. Your story adds to the beauty like one of these tattoo images, healing as you tell it, and creating an invitation for others to belong!

​ #tellyourstory #tattoos #flatiron #comeasyouare #metoo