Nicole Edwards Green loves her husband, Brian. She also loves his tattooed arms. But all too often, strangers assume those tattoos come from time spent behind bars. They couldn't be more wrong. So, Nicole took to Facebook to set the record straight. And what she has to say just goes to show why you should never judge a book by its cover!
"I guess some people see these and think prison or criminal, based on the number of times he's been asked where he did time, or how many people strike up a conversation with him about what's going on up at the prison right now. If you ask me, it's pretty judgmental and insensitive, even though he laughs it off.
But, let me tell you about these tattooed arms.
They are a story, his story, of family, brotherhood, loss, and faith.
These arms have worked hard to provide for his family, many times across oceans. They have held tight to his brothers. These tattooed arms have been strong, for us, and for his country.
These arms have held our babies when they had bad dreams, picked them up when they have fallen, carried them when they were tired.
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They have lifted kids after a winning soccer match, risen in applause for childhood awards, and have participated in some of the best kitchen dance-offs there have ever been.
These arms have held me close when I was hurting, wrapped around me when I was filled with joy, and surrounded me when I was on my knees in prayer. These arms are my safe place, my happy place, a place where I can draw strength. These tattooed arms are my home, and somewhere I am, and always want to be welcomed.
Where you see prison on these tattooed arms, I see peace.
I'm willing to bet that for every set of arms you see that scream criminal or stint in prison, to someone they sing of protection and warmth."
What a powerful reminder of just how dangerous assumptions can be. Jesus never let society's standards sway Him while He was on earth. He looked beyond all of that, to the heart!
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." Romans 12:2
Credit: Facebook / Nicole Edwards Green