Fear not.—2 Kings 6:16 (KJV)

“Mimi, I have a birthday wish,” says sixteen-year-old Abby, our dream of a granddaughter. 

“Mama said I couldn’t get a tattoo until my eighteenth birthday, and when the time comes, I want all three of us to get a tattoo, together.” 

“OK.” I smile, sure that her request would be forgotten in two years. 

Seeing tattoos as forms of expression, I often asked their wearers to share their meanings. But I certainly didn’t want one. Then, along about age seventeen, I realized Abby was holding tight to my commitment. 

“It has to be small,” I said, “and mean something important to me.” 

Abby began throwing out suggestions. Keri found a renowned tattoo artist, famous for his ability to create tiny tattoos. 

“I’ve decided on my tattoo,” I announced, finally, as the time drew near. “I choose ‘fear nothing.’” These were the words my husband, David, said at the end of every church service. 

“Hmm,” said Keri.
“Hmm,” said Abby. 

“Mimi, Mama and I have decided that we will get the same tattoo as you,” Abby announced later. Then, as an afterthought, she added, “And we will get them in Big Dad’s [the name our grandchildren chose for David] handwriting.” 

So, there you have it, tiny and inconspicuous on my inner wrist, “Fear Nothing,” as if David scrawled it there. Both Keri’s and Abby’s are the same, always reminding us of David’s ending to every benediction: “Christ is risen. Christ is with you. Go out into all the world . . . and fear nothing.” 

I hope and pray that through the years my girls will find strength, courage, and comfort in the message that I cling to now.