“Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead,
nor print any marks upon you: I am the LORD.” Lev. 19:28
LATE-NIGHT BIBLE STUDY: ABOUT FACE by eric d. graham
Before we get started, this is the no JUDGEMENT ZONE.
Because, "those without sin, cast the first stone."(John 8:7)
BUT!!!!! as the hilarious Comedian Cory Holcomb would say ..
Should we tell or warn our children about marking their bodies with tattoos? Especially, in a world where getting “tatted” has become more accepted, while being promoted by mainstream media, through shows like VH1’s Black Ink, who have influenced a new generation, who have decided to add ink to their flesh.
Getting multiple tattoos, however, seems to have become the
norm (NOW)..with the assistance of a new breed of rappers, exotic dancers and
athletes along with an increasing “gang culture,” which have developed a love
for BODY ART by adoring their “SACRED” Temples from head to toe after spending
“a little time behind bars”
Oddly, this new Renaissance or "craze", which was
once ONLY seen on the arm of sailors, RockStars, or Bikers, has left some
people staring in disbelief these days. Especially, our grandparents, who were
OLD TESTAMENT Bible believers, who attended that Old Black Church in the DEEP
SOUTH, which frowned upon such "wicked" behavior and conduct.
Oh yeah, Ya’ll know Grandma would put out Leviticus 19:28
quick:
“Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead,
nor print any marks upon you: I am the LORD.”
Why? Because, some of our people, have, boldly decided,
without SHAME- to get facial tattoos, as well… (Let’s not even talk about the
BRANDING, which occurs in some FRATERNITIES on Black college campuses.)
This is why so many people were shocked and amazed when
self-proclaimed “Instagram model and cultural influencer” Amber Rose placed a
tattoo across her forehead recently due to her love for Kobe Bryant after his
tragic death.(1 John 5:21)
Now, the question remains, is Amber’s tattoo- a beauty mark,
a request for attention, a form of artistic expression, a coping mechanism for
internal pain?
Or, simply, a result, of a hidden substance abuse problem.
Or, maybe, all of thee above. Why? Because, some theologians and psychologist,
have also used Leviticus 19:28 to address psychological, as well as, other
mental health issues such as self-mutilation, also called self-harm,
self-injury or cutting, which is done deliberately to hurt one’s own body, as a
harmful way to cope with emotional pain, intense anger and frustration-and, in
the worst case scenarios, suicide.
Despite this disturbing viewpoint, Amber Rose, Mike Tyson,
Tashaki 69, Post Malone, Gucci Mane, XXXTentacion and a host of others continue
to proudly sport these "facial blemishes." (Let's consider all of
their mental conditions when reading their names)
But, let’s not forget, historically, it was NBA Hall of
Famer, Dennis Rodman, who was a revolutionary, in a sense, for pushing the
limits in the world of fashion, sexuality, body piercing, cross-dressing and
tattoos, which was considered strange and unacceptable. BUT, NOT NOW….
However, “there is nothing new under the sun.” (Ecclesiastes
1:9) Because, according to the Guardian, facial tattoos, were outlawed by the
Roman emperor Constantine in AD 316. While, on the flipside, all ancient
cultures from Africa, Samoa, the Indigenous People of North America, New
Zealand, India, China, Japan, etc.etc all displayed body art.
Unfortunately, in, today's world, it is still considered a
“jobstopper” amongst many employers.
Therefore, before you go and get that “DOPE” NEW permanent
facial tattoo on the side of your face or forehead like your so-called
“favorite” rapper, think twice. And, ponder Leviticus 19:28, which reads:
“Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead,
nor print any marks upon you: I am the LORD.”
Of course, there is an astrological breakdown of this
scripture-for the TRAVELING MEN IN THE ROOM…But, let’s try to keep it simple
(Proverbs 14:15) for this SUN-DAY LESSON FOR DAY. Because, “The simple believes
everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps.” (bobbeethehater.blogspot.com)
