Growing up I used to hand sew clothes for my Barbie's and pretend I was a fashion designer. I think even back then I realized that clothes carry a message.
As I've grown and started doing mission work, that realization has solidified in me and started the desire to take some of the images God has shown me and turn them into a wearable message.
Each design is based on an image or word God has shown me in different countries, the stories of these designs and the country I received them in are below. You can head to the shop section if you'd like to buy one of these wearable messages.
"As in Heaven, so on Earth"
- Romania
This one came to me when I was on the world race in Romania. It was month 10/11, I had been around the world and seen some of the worst tragedies. We were assisting a local church with their Ukrainian refugee ministry, as this was early into the war with Ukraine and Russia. We ran logistics to help refugees get to other countries, provided shelter, and companionship. We heard stories of atrocities that sent chills down our spines.
Our squad received news that one of our squadmates wouldn't be continuing on with us, but would be going home. Then the next week we received this news again about another squadmate. In both cases it was the best decision for them, but living on top of each other every single day for a year leads to deep relationships. We loved these squad mates deeply and continuing on without them on the field with us shook our squad and required an adjustment and transition.
I was recovering from a pretty traumatic two months prior, and working through how to move forward into this month and beyond. I felt confused and wondered why God didn't intervene more. I received a text from my family that my aunt was very sick, and this time it didn't look hopeful.
I got a call a few days later that she had passed and I would miss the funeral.
Felt like in all areas of my life, there was a need for heaven to invade earth. God showed me how, it in fact does. How we are the connection point. How it's Christ IN us, the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27). We're to pray that God's, "... kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." (Matthew 6:10).
In all of these situations, there was a connection point of Heaven meeting earth. Whether through teammates, family, or strangers, God was using people who had said yes to Him, to love other people.
We're the connection point that brings heaven to earth! We're to be the hands and feet of Jesus! People should see the goodness of God through our lives.
I wanted this tattooed on me, and I knew I wanted the hands from the "Creation of Adam" painting in the Sistine chapel also. One of the most famous paintings ever, it shows God reaching out towards man. (And beyond the meaning I just like the aesthetics of it)
I spent a whole day asking people how I should phrase the concept of "on earth as it is in heaven" for my tattoo. I eventually settled on "As in Heaven... so on Earth." This design is tattooed on my ribs to remind me that I get to be a vessel of God reaching to the earth and I get to pray that as it is in heaven, it would be on earth.
I hope you enjoy this design and get to start some fun conversations by wearing it!!
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