A funny thing happened on the way to a poem

by John Fischer
A funny thing happened on the way to a poem: I unearthed a controversy I had no intention of addressing. But since it came up, let's see what we can do with this.

I'm referring to the subject of tattoos and body-piercing that came up when I used the metaphor of a tattoo to describe our names that have been engraved upon the palm of God's hand.

Some, who were accustomed to sharing the Catch with the whole family, were concerned their kids might see the metaphor as encouraging the practice of marking their bodies which as parents they disapprove of.

Still others were elated to find at least an inclusive reference to tattoos in a context they wouldn't expect. They were overjoyed with being able to take what had been for so many a source of division, and use it as a link for parents and kids—a bridge across a formerly insurmountable cultural divide.

This is what I wish to affirm today: an attitude of seizing every opportunity for reconciliation that we can find. There is so much that divides us without even trying. We need to put our efforts into what brings us together.

"…with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." (Ephesians 4:2-3)