Val and I have become avid watchers of a reality TV show called 'MIAMI INK' - on TLC. This is a show that follows the daily activities of a street side tattoo parlor in Miami. If you have a chance to catch this show, do. The first thing you'll notice is the incredible artistry of the tattoo artists. But you also see people from all walks of life going in and getting 'ink'd up'. (Yes, Val and I are 'ink'd up' as well.)
While watching a recent episode, Val commented on the amazing parallel between the Miami shop and the 'ideal' local church. The tattoo parlor brought in people from all walks of life, every race/ethnicity, every economic status, all ages, etc... you get the picture. Some came in looking for a 'memorial' tattoo to help them heal from the loss of a loved one. Some folks want tattoo's to represent a passion or love in their life. Every tattoo is very personal to the person getting it. Irregardless of the tattoo, the reason for getting it, or the person it is going on, that tattoo artist sits down and talks with them - with no judgment, just a friendly ear. "This is in memory of your brother? How did he die? That must be tough to deal with."
Imagine if this was the way people viewed the Church. A place to go and share feelings and memories, a place to find comfort and release, a place filled with people ready to listen and help the healing process. Shouldn't churches be places where people in pain or with conviction of heart can go to talk to a total stranger and leave with an uplifted spirit? Some churches are exactly this type of place... some are not. Do the unchurched, de-churched, non-church-going public know that this is what God's Church is? For that matter, do active church go-ers know this as the true nature of the Church? ...I hope so.
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