The Ichthus

When I was 18 we had to take a test, during a college/career assessment.  This test would help us determine what jobs would be the best for us depending on our personality.  I had no real idea what I wanted to be when I grew up, so I was relying on this test.

As I reviewed the results, I saw the job of mortician and instantly knew this test wouldn’t help me.  So I researched highest paying jobs with least amount of school.  I found financial advisor.  That was the route I was going to take until I determined what I wanted to be when I grew up.

When I was 24 I passed a finance exam.  It wasn’t just any exam, it was thee exam that would allow me to give advice and sell any kind of investment product.  It was thee exam that I knew would carry me through my career and help me climb that ladder.  It tested me on everything there was to know and I passed it.  I can still remember the absolute jitters when I hit “submit” and was waiting my score. 

To celebrate my passing of this exam, I wanted to do something big, something monumental.  My friend suggested a tattoo.  I thought that was a great idea.  The passing of this exam cemented my future in the finance industry so why not celebrate in a permanent way.

The problem was, what to tattoo?  I had no real idea what I wanted and yet it was going to be with me forever.  It also had to be small, discrete because I was entering a professional field and I didn’t think people would trust a financial advisor who was 24 with tattoos.  Even today, 14 years later, that still holds true.

I decided to get it on my foot.  In flip-flops, you can see it.  In shoes, you cannot.  Once the location was decided, I was able to narrow down the design due to size.

One afternoon, after much thought and some pressure since the appointment was made, I knew, just knew the tattoo I would pick.  As a Christian, I thought an Ichthus (some call it a “Jesus fish”) would be perfect.  Much like the permanence of my chosen career field, there is more permanence to my faith.  On my foot it would remind me to follow where God leads.  It would also remind me that my career in finance must always follow my belief in God and to not allow it to lead me into greed.

This little fish is less than 2 inches long.  It is, per square inch, my most expensive tattoo.  Yet, it is my most visible tattoo.  I see it every day.  I am reminded every day the decision I made when I was 8 to follow Jesus as my savior.  I am reminded every day:

·         My obedience to Christ is before anything else.

·         My feet must always follow where He leads, even if my human self is uncertain.

·         My faith will offend.

·         My faith will be challenged.

·         My faith, at many times, is in opposition to the very industry I couldn’t wait to join.

Today that is all about to change.  A full twenty years after I researched the career with the highest pay with the least schooling, do I finally understand what I want to be when I grow up. 

I want to be someone who makes an impact for Jesus.  I want to be someone who can expand His kingdom.  I want to be someone who follows wherever He leads, not matter the fear, the anxiety or the worry.  I want to be in a job that allows me the freedom to be a Christian.

I am saying good-bye to an industry that has allowed me to develop some skills and provided me with necessary knowledge, but ultimately showed me what I don’t want to be when I grow up. 

With the ichthus on my foot as a reminder, I am taking one step in obedience to Christ.  I am embarking on a new journey that is the complete unknown.  Despite that uncertainty, despite all the potential fears, I’m completely content and completely at peace.  That’s how I know the Prince of Peace is leading.

I am beyond excited for this next step, but also the ones to follow.  For the first time in my life, I feel like I can make a difference.