Harold Keller / L’Observateur / July 7, 1999

A few weeks ago, I heard that the parents of a young girl graduating from high school asked her what she wanted for graduation? Her answer was, “A pierced navel.” The parents, to my surprise, thought nothing of it. Theyoung graduate now has her graduation dream – a ring in her navel. Iquestion the young girl’s desire, but even more so, I question the parents’ decision to not only letting her have her wish, but thinking nothing of it.

Tattoos and body piercing are popular among many young people. Girls arenow into getting tattoos and piercing navels, noses, tongues and breasts.

Why do people abuse and mutilate their bodies? That’s a good question and the answer could be that they want attention. But most of all, they don’trealize that their bodies are made in the likeness and image of God and are the temples of the Holy Spirit.

I’ve heard it said many times that what one generation abuses in moderation, the next generation will abuse in excess. Years ago, playing”chicken” was a popular abusive game. Young people with lit cigaretteswould hold each other with one arm and burn each other’s arm until one would give up and was then declared “chicken.”Last week, I met a young man who had a tattoo on his right arm. In big,bond letters was the name “Becky.” “Who’s that?” I asked. “My wife,” heanswered. “Still married?” I continued. “Yes,” was his reply.I then noticed that his left arm had a big, ugly scar that appeared to be the result of an accident. “What happened?” I asked. He seemed embarrassedand said, “I had a tattoo on my arm that I cut out.” “What was the tattoo?”I asked, curiously. “It was the name of my first wife,” he replied. “You cutit out yourself?” I questioned. “Yes, he answered. “With what?” I asked.Defensively, he answered, “A razor blade. I was drunk at the time.”In my wildest dreams, I cannot imagine a human being disliking himself so much as to mutilate his flesh so crudely. I realize that he was drunk, butcan you imagine the pain? I guess it’s the sign of the times – abuse and misuse of God’s creation.

Harold Keller is a regular columnist for L’Observateur

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