Before we could fully open the door to enter the venue, we were warmly greeted by a woman who welcomed us into “Story Marks.” This was a unique event to the city. Tattoos often carry a deep meaning, and this event was to highlight some of those stories. Some attendees were models who would be sharing, and others came to enjoy the gallery and listen in.
Our host was all smiles as she showed us the display of beautiful pictures of women and the stories of their tattoos. She introduced us to some of the models. We mingled and enjoyed snacks until it was time for the event to begin. There were a couple of small business owners set up at the back of the room. There was a small room to the rear where children played so their moms were able to attend the event.
Before long, an emcee went to the mic to welcome everyone and introduce the event and the first speaker.
One woman after another shared the story of her tattoo and all of them were rooted in their identity. From music, to relationships, to faith, each had a story that revealed a piece of her life.
At one point, the emcee invited up one of the small business owners who had been seated at the back of the room. She hadn’t been scheduled to speak, but she had an especially meaningful tattoo and was inspired by the other women. She asked to spontaneously share her story.
Her name was Brandy.
Brandy took the mic with both her hands and her voice trembling. She didn’t have a script on a paper or a phone to follow. She just spoke from her heart.
She turned around and dropped the top of her sweater to reveal a tattoo high on her back. “This tattoo represents each of my four children. A year ago, you wouldn’t have recognized me. I was homeless and hooked on meth. I was doing all I could to feed my addiction, and it finally cost me my children. When you lose your kids, you lose just about everything. I realized I needed a way out, and I began a long journey. I became part of a local ministry who helped me get on my feet and begin to rebuild my life. I asked God to help me. I don’t have my kids back yet, but one day I will. I am grateful for a second chance.”
She quietly gave back the mic and returned to her seat.
At the end of the event, one of the hosts shared how we, too, could follow Jesus and invited us to pray a silent prayer with her. After it was over, Brandy asked if she could join the group regularly, and of course she was welcomed in.
We are here for you, so you can be here for her – and for the millions of women like Brandy who are looking for a community to belong.
Story Marks is an outreach that is reaching
women across the nation.
If you’d like to learn how to host one, we are happy to help.