Losing Touch
About 5 years ago I got a tattoo on my left forearm that had the abbreviation of a bible verse on it. A few people thought it was lame but I could honestly give a shit. It was for me, it was my reminder of what I was continuing to learn and explore. Sort of a small “this is where I am, this is where I want to be” I mean that’s what most folks get tattoo’s for right? Reminders? Memories?
The tattoo is written in ancient greek and you can imagine how many folks in NYC point and wonder “Hey what does your tattoo mean?” I never had an issue explaining and some times it would feel that a million people asked me a day – then months or so would go by without anyone asking. This has happened on and off ever since I got my tattoo.
The other day a man on the train asked me “Hey excuse me sir, what does your tattoo mean?”
“Oh. It’s the abbreviation of a bible verse written in greek.” I said
“What verse?” he said
I blanked, I had forgotten, Corinthians? Phillippians? It was one of those? Why the hell had I forgot? It was a tattoo on my friggin arm!? I knew this I could’ve sworn I did.
Just then the door opened and it was my stop, I got off and walked up the stairs to the street. I felt horrible, disconnected, depressed and just plain confused. Awhile back there was a kid who was 19 years old, had questions but knew where he wanted to be. As close as he could be with his creator. Who that was exactly, how that happened, when it happened were things I knew I would learn in time.
As I got older though, I just got busy, I cared less, I grew satisfied – I lost the hunger.
Maybe I got too excited over nice clothes, or good music, or just grew content with my outlook on spirituality.
Either or – the more I thought about it I knew I didn’t want to be anyone who would shut out the world to try to do something else. I didn’t want to shun anything great or cool just because it didn’t come from what I believed. I didn’t and still don’t want to be one of those “christians.”
How can I live in the world and not of it is something I’m thinking about more and more lately.
I believe in God that’s true, in fact I’m making myself pretty vulnerable here. I might lose some hits, some people might be like “Huh, what about pocket squares?” Ehh, who cares. Pocket squares are nice but, to know more about why I was created and what for is something I need to think about and not forget anymore.
I guess the whole point of this post is sometimes I lose sight of the bigger picture.
I hate it when that happens.
don’t you worry. you’ve got a heart of gold and cashmere…and yes, your pocket square looked very terrific on this fine autumn day.
I just found out about your site last week. And, while I did come to your site for fashion tips and updates; it is a blessing that you were convicted and followed through with sharing what you did.
It is easy to get caught up in the worldly desires and “treasures” that are all around us. But, we’ve got to keep our eyes on things “above.”
Great work.
thanks a lot, yeah its tough.
well thanks amber. haha
So Jeremy…what’s the verse?
Philippians 4:13
Thanks for sharing that, Jeremy. I think as self-sufficient adults, it gets a little harder to remember why we’re here and who made us. Okay, maybe a lot harder. Come near to Him and he will come near to you. That’s what I try to remind myself when I feel far away.
It’s easy to lose touch in NY, but it’s so refreshing when something happens to wake you up- to bring you back!
Thanks for stopping by the office today – it was a pleasure meeting you. And this is one of the best entries I’ve read in awhile… appreciate the honesty. Looking forward to reading more.
Why thank you. Appreciate you taking some time out of your busy schedule to chat it up.