Last Updated on March 8, 2023 by Stacy Averette
I’ve considered getting a tattoo for years. They’re an intriguing kind of art and story penned in flesh. As my 50th birthday approached, getting inked was rolling around in my mind as a way to communicate my story. I did my research and I want to share with you what I learned in the process.
I knew my tattoo would be a word or maybe lots of words. The hard part was deciding which words. Because I have words, people. Many, many words. I was born loving words but I had a few hard lessons to learn.
Getting Schooled
It happened for the first time in the fourth grade. I opened that little report card happy to see all those A’s, and then my heart sank as I saw the words written by my teacher, “Stacy talks too much.” I was crushed. I vowed to do better, try harder, and please my teacher, and my parents. I worked so hard to keep quiet, zip my lip, and bite my tongue. But every six weeks, the same comment appeared again and again. “Stacy talks too much.” It seems silly now even telling you about it but the truth is it wounded me. For years I was self-conscious and apologized for talking too much. I began to ration my words. My heart ached.
Somewhere along the way, I found my words again. There were a few who saw the message of my heart and encouraged me to speak, write and teach. It’s been a long rehabilitation. I’m still in recovery, learning to step into my calling even after all these years.
Lesson #1
I decided not to get a tattoo. As I approached this birthday milestone I finally realized I could never possess enough skin to ink my story. But my sweet, friend Jesus reminded me that he had written His story on the tablet of my heart. It’s His gift to me. A perfect fit that will never fade.
He created me with this love for words—life-giving words—The Word. And I cannot stop speaking about what I have seen and heard. (Acts 4:20)
Lesson #2
Through all these years of fighting the battle, my fourth-grade teacher was never the enemy. The Destroyer, Satan, was the enemy. When I gave my 8-year-old-word-loving-heart to Jesus, he decided then and there to shut me up and shut me down. But God has other plans.
Lesson #3
I’ve finally learned it’s never too late to be what you always were. My Accuser said, “Stacy, you talk too much.” My Creator said, “Stacy, you are a passionate communicator of biblical truth and the abundant life in Christ and I want to use your words for My glory.
From one talker to another, I congratulate you, my young friend, for turning your words into endurance, encouragement, and enlightenment. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Thank you, Ms. Kay. Your words have always meant the world to me!
This resonates in my spirit Stacy. I know God has used your words to communicate this truth I so desperately needed to set my spirit free. Thank you for always being useful and effective, and for these words that I never realized I was waiting for.
Tina, thank you so much for your comment. You’ve blessed me today. God is always at work around us!
I love your words, my friend! You have many (many) wise words to share, and you have the coolest accent out of anyone I know! Keep those words coming. xxx
Thanks, Kathy. I miss you and your accent! Hope our paths cross again soon!
I’ve never been a man of very many words, but I am guilty of speaking foolishly at times. I try to heed the words in the Bible that say (and I paraphrase) “even a fool appears smart when he keeps his mouth shut”. I’m a much better listener anyway…
Blessed by you, my friend. Thankful you’re a listener.
“It’s never too late to be who you always were.” Amen, Sister! It has taken me a looooong time to learn to shut down the voices that tell me I can’t or I shouldn’t. Praying that I can teach my children to listen to the only TRUE voice and follow that one. Satan is so crafty in His schemes to stop us from being who God created us to be. Thanks again for “all of your words”. I happen to love them. 🙂
It’s good to know we’re in the trenches together. Thank you for letting me know:-)