By Celica Cook, SBM Student Life Editor
Junior marketing major James Chopka has four tattoos that hold special meaning for him. They each serve as a reminder of the different ways that God has worked in his life. This is what he has to say about his tattoos.
What tattoos do you have?
“I have four tattoos right now. I have a cross on my right arm with Romans 1:16. I have an eagle on my ribs with Isaiah 40:31, and I have the coordinates to my church building where I was baptized on my left bicep. I also have a Hebrew tattoo on my right thigh that says, “I’m no longer a slave to fear. I am a child of God.”
What do those specific verses mean to you?
“Romans 1:16 is important because as my first tattoo it says that I am not ashamed of the gospel, and that is the way I want to live my life. For Isaiah 43, I was at a low point in my life after I had suffered an injury. That verse helped me get out of that low point, and it is a reminder for me to trust in God.”
Do your other tattoos have any special meaning?
“All of my tattoos have meaning to me. My eagle tattoo, which was my second one, I got after tearing my ACL for the second time. It is a reminder for me to always trust in God’s plan. My coordinates tattoo is a reminder of my baptism.”
When did you decide to get your first tattoo?
“My first tattoo, the cross, I got when I was 17.”
Why is your tattoo a unique expression of yourself?
“I am a very open person, and my tattoos don’t hide anything. I like when people come up and ask what they mean.”
What would your advice be to someone who was getting their first tattoo?
“Personally, I think each tattoo should have meaning. There are some tattoos that look cool, but if they don’t have meaning, I probably wouldn’t get it. It is on you forever. Plus, they are addicting, so if you get one you are probably going to get another one.”