More than a decade ago, while on a ministry trip to Jordan and Egypt, an experience profoundly shaped my understanding of faith and commitment. Witnessing local Christians in these regions bravely express their devotion through permanent cross tattoos on their wrists was deeply inspiring. It moved me to get my own cross tattoo during that time – a story perhaps for another occasion. This act, seemingly simple, carries a powerful declaration: a Faith Cross Tattoo is an outward symbol identifying oneself with Christ. This identification, in places like Egypt and Jordan, often comes with significant challenges, both subtle and overt. In essence, it proclaims, “Regardless of what life brings, my faith remains in Jesus.” It was this powerful symbolism that drew me to the small Coptic Cross for my first tattoo, one I then imagined would be my only. However, just days later, on a train journey through the Egyptian countryside, I encountered a story that felt divinely orchestrated, deepening my understanding of unwavering faith. I was reading about William Borden, a young missionary whose life exemplified radical devotion.
The Cross as a Symbol of Faith and Commitment
The cross, universally recognized as the central symbol of Christianity, represents sacrifice, redemption, and unwavering faith in Jesus Christ. For believers, it is a potent emblem of Jesus’s ultimate sacrifice for humanity, offering salvation and eternal life to those who believe. A faith cross tattoo takes this symbolism a step further, making it a personal and permanent declaration. It’s a visible testament to one’s deepest convictions, worn on the body as a constant reminder of spiritual allegiance. This visual commitment is particularly meaningful in environments where Christian faith is not the majority or even faces opposition. In such contexts, choosing to display a cross tattoo is an act of courage, a willingness to stand firm in one’s beliefs, regardless of potential social or personal costs. It transcends mere fashion; it becomes a part of one’s identity, a permanent marker of a spiritual journey.
Inspired by a Legacy of Faith: The Story of William Borden
The story of William Borden resonated deeply with the symbolism of the cross tattoo and the commitment it represented. In 1904, upon graduating high school and inheriting a substantial family fortune, Borden embarked on a trip around the world. This journey, intended as a graduation gift, transformed into a spiritual awakening. Witnessing global suffering ignited a profound sense of purpose within him, leading him to declare his desire to become a missionary. Despite skepticism from some who saw his decision as a waste of potential, Borden remained resolute. In the back of his Bible, he inscribed two powerful words: “No reserves.”
His commitment only deepened during his time at Yale University. He became a beacon of faith for his peers, known for his unwavering dedication to Christ. A classmate described him as having “given his heart in full surrender,” a source of strength and inspiration for those around him. Borden’s ministry extended beyond campus, reaching out to the marginalized, the addicted, and the forgotten in New Haven, culminating in the founding of the Yale Hope Mission. Upon graduation, he declined lucrative career paths and reaffirmed his commitment to missionary work. Adding to his personal motto, he wrote two more words in his Bible: “No retreats.”
Borden set sail for China, intending to serve among Muslims, and stopped in Egypt to study Arabic. Tragically, he contracted spinal meningitis there and passed away at the young age of 25. While his life was cut short, his legacy of unwavering faith remained. Underneath “No reserves” and “No retreats” in his Bible, Borden had penned a final two words: “No regrets.” This powerful story, encountered shortly after receiving my cross tattoo, felt like a divine affirmation. It mirrored the very essence of the tattoo – a commitment to Jesus above all else, lived out with complete surrender.
“No Reserves, No Retreats, No Regrets”: Embodying Unwavering Faith
Borden’s declarations, “No reserves, No retreats, No regrets,” encapsulate a powerful approach to faith and life. “No reserves” signifies a complete and wholehearted surrender to God’s will, holding nothing back. “No retreats” speaks to unwavering perseverance in the face of adversity, refusing to turn away from one’s commitment. “No regrets” reflects a life lived with purpose and conviction, free from looking back with remorse, even in the face of sacrifice.
Inspired by Borden’s life and these powerful phrases, I chose to add them to my Coptic Cross tattoo. Accompanying these words are lotus flowers, the national flower of Egypt, a symbolic nod to the place where this spiritual journey deepened. This addition transformed my tattoo into a more profound personal testimony, a constant reminder of my aim to live a life of complete surrender, unwavering commitment, and ultimately, no regrets in my faith journey.
Choosing Your Faith Cross Tattoo: Design and Symbolism
When considering a faith cross tattoo, the design choices are vast and varied, each carrying its own unique symbolism. The Coptic Cross, with its equal arms and often adorned with trefoils at the end of each arm, represents the Egyptian Christian tradition and signifies eternity and the Trinity. The Latin Cross, perhaps the most universally recognized, directly evokes the crucifixion of Jesus. Celtic Crosses, with their intricate knotwork and circle intersecting the cross, blend Christian symbolism with Celtic artistic heritage, often representing eternity and the interconnectedness of life.
Beyond the style of the cross itself, consider incorporating additional elements that hold personal meaning. Flowers, like the lotus, can symbolize purity, rebirth, and spiritual awakening. Scripture verses, subtly integrated, can serve as daily reminders of faith tenets. Ultimately, the most meaningful faith cross tattoo is one that resonates deeply with your personal spiritual journey and visually represents your commitment to your faith. It is a permanent expression of an inward conviction, a story etched onto the skin, reflecting a life lived in faith.
