tattoo(:

My second tattoo happened!!

I've been met with a lot of mixed opinions...and I'm more than willing to respect them. I know, especially across generations, tattoos seem to be considered a rebellious, impulsive, and/or unwise decision.
I am a little bit of a rebel... but
No, this was not a decision I made as an act of defiance.
No, this was not an impulsive decision.
and
No, I do not regret it. Only time will truly tell if I ever will, but as of right now, I am more than content.

I've gotten a lot of questions about it's meaning and honestly, it's not an incredibly simple answer.
So this post is the explanation of my tattoo.


The base scripture behind it is from Psalm 119:115; "thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path."
          -This tattoo is a reminder to me that I need to let Christ guide my footsteps.
So why *this* lamppost?
This is (ever slightly altered) the illustration in C. S. Lewis' The Lion, The Witch, & The Wardrobe.
I love books. There is a special spot in my heart for children's literature. I love C. S. Lewis. [Insert C. S. Lewis quote here: A children's story that can only be enjoyed by children is not a good children's story in the slightest.] I love allegories...especially allegories of Christianity. I have learned so much about my faith by reading about the nature of Aslan.
This tattoo reminds me to
          -demonstrate courage, protection, and leadership like Peter
          -experience complete forgiveness like Edmund
          -exemplify gentleness and be nurturing to others like Susan
          -cling to my childlike faith and trust others fully like Lucy
          -hold the same reverence for my God as the beavers do for Aslan
          -serve in Aslan's armies with the dedication like the fox

          -turn from wrong and fight the good fight like Mr. Tumnus 

          -give freely of my gifts like Father Christmas

          -and to believe in radical adventures and keep an open mind like the professor.

It also reminds me to live outside of my comfort zone. (loose paraphrase:) "Everyone knows that it's unwise to close the door behind yourself in a wardrobe." ...and once you enter, you reach "The land of Narnia...all that lies between the lamppost and the creat castle of Cair Paravel on the Eastern Sea." It is in this place that adventures happen; you grow, you learn, you take risks, you fight, you sacrifice, and you spend time with a great lion... who, just like God, is Good, but is certainly not safe. The lamppost is a boundary. It's a guideline and a way to orient yourself. I need a lot of lampposts in my life; I need to be told what is good, where I am, and where I need to go from here.
In the book, the lamppost stands the test of time. Even years after they last saw it, the four Kings and Queens of Narnia use it to direct them back home. It is a constant light that never goes out.