Spell-check, Please

Spell-Check, Please

If we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.

1 John 1:9

Have you noticed the increasing number of young people sporting multiple tattoos? Recently my son wanted to pay tribute to his deceased older brother. I watched as he anxiously unwrapped the covering around his forearm, showing me the carefully planned artwork of angel wings and sun rays backlighting the sketch. It struck me right away that his brother’s name had been misspelled.

Even into adulthood, Timmy was the name everyone affectionately called him. He never grew too tall because of his kidney disease, and he kept his youthful appearance and nickname. His birth name was Timothy.

In my son’s confusion and anticipation, he had added an extra m, spelling out Timmothy, and that became a permanent letter on his brother’s tattoo memorial.

As I began to chuckle and point out the mistake, I saw my son’s shoulder and arm relax. I giggled with mercy, posing the question, “Do they make ‘Flesh-Out’?”

We both laughed, understanding how this might have happened, not with intent or disregard, but with maybe a bit of impulsiveness and an emotional attachment to the name with two ms. Timmy probably was getting a giggle out of it himself there in heaven.

Although God does not think our mistakes or lack of attention are particularly funny, when we confess to him our blunders, he looks past our stains and sees his creation as a new canvas awaiting the Artist’s touch. God sees into a humble heart. He sees our wings and our potential through the gifts he has given us. God’s shining light of grace illuminates us. Our correct names are written on the cross in the shed blood of Christ.

—Coleene VanTilburg

Thank you, Lord, for the knowledge that our stains are not permanent, that our mistakes are forgiven because of your ultimate sacrifice. Help us to be living memorials to you throughout our lives. Amen.