Many people are judgmental of individuals with tattoos because they find them ugly or unconventional. However, a tattoo can represent a true piece of art. It’s stunning how detailed and unique some of these markings can be.
Tattoos allow individuals to express themselves, their thoughts, and even serve to represent something meaningful to the wearer. There have been mother-daughter duos who seek out matching tattoos, sorority sisters wanting their Greek letters imprinted on their ankles and even couples who opt to tattoo wedding bands on their ring finger in a joint session.
While Michelle Torino-Barcelos and her husband were dining out at McAlister’s Deli in San Angelo, Texas, after church one Sunday, she spied a man sporting an interesting tattoo. The reason she was drawn to it was because it said “Together we serve,” and was accompanied by a cross.
Michelle asked her husband to try and sneak a peek for himself, then explained what she thought could be the beautiful meaning behind it.
“I told my husband, it can have double meanings. The word “we” may mean as we, as a whole serving God, or “we” can also mean him, together with his other half; it can be his girlfriend or his wife.”
Only a couple moments later Michelle and her husband saw a woman sit down at the table with the tattooed man. And sure, enough she had the same “Together we serve” message on her left arm!
Although Michelle was already intrigued by the pair because of the powerful tattoos they displayed – she couldn’t help but become even more enamored after observing what they did next…
There at the table, the young couple began praying together. Michelle was stunned.
“I thought, it was like the sweetest thing ever that I saw from a couple, having that same kind of tattoo written on their arm … But my heart melted more when they started holding each other’s hands as they pray before eating! I was blown away! Not only by seeing how sweet they were but by just simply being bold enough in professing their faith in public. And for me, that is really what a relationship goal must be!”
Watching them pray together at mealtime was an inspirational moment for Michelle. She felt compelled to go over and talk to them.
“I told my husband that as soon as we finished eating, I would love to come to the couple and approach them. Just to say that we were blessed and inspired by just looking at them, their tattoo, and their faith and love for God.”
Not one to shy away, Michelle did exactly that. But as they began talking, she learned so much more about the meaning of the couple’s tattoos.
Their conversation ended up being imprinted on her heart. Michelle discovered that the man and woman had married just a couple of months before and worked for the United States Army.
“In my heart, not only that they want to serve the country together, they also want to serve God together, and that is what their tattoo really means. And that is the best #RelationshipGoal ever!”
The couple at first was taken aback when Michelle testified to the impact their tattoos and praying in public had on them. Then they asked if they could pray for Michelle and her husband, a request they happily accepted.
“For the first time in our entire lives, never did we experience strangers praying for us! Inside that cafe, all four of us held each other’s hands, bowed our heads down, as this beautiful couple from the U.S. Army prayed for me and my husband! They prayed that we may always be blessed, and that we may continue to be a blessing to everyone else, and may our love for God prosper and grow just as how God’s love and grace overflows in our lives. How amazing that moment is!
May God always bless and protect them, and may their lives always be a blessing too as they serve God and their country together.”
What a beautiful encounter between the newlyweds, and Michelle and her husband. Since Love What Matters posted their story on their Facebook page it’s been shared more than 25,000 times.