Difficult Little Devil

My body is a temple. Some people say this in regards to religious texts denouncing marking yourself in anyway.

But, when have you known a temple to be barren?

My tattoos and piercings are the artwork depicting my religion's greatest achievements. They are the statues of Saints and the alters at which I pray.

My body is a temple. One I've chosen to decorate a little differently than you.

You meant that my body is supposed to be how God has willed. Why would you change what They have already deemed perfect? But have you not changed your own temple, even without tattoos? You tan because you don't like to be pale. You cut you hair because you like that style, or are tired of the old. You drape yourself in tapestries meant to show who you are and how you feel. Each stroke of make-up is a gift left at your alter. Each scar and freckle and mole is a decoration which tells your story.

That is not to say that you should decorate your temple the way that I do. Each temple is different. Each is sacred and revered. You are holy ground.

Our bodies are our temples. The alters might be different, but the intent is the same.

You meant that I should be kept pure, but am I not pure when I live my life to the best of my abilities? I have hated my temple for so long, looking to change it. I could not understand, why was this temple mine? It was not beautiful to me. But, I live each day trying to be kind. To provide sanctuary and solace to those in need. Sometimes to myself. And I have realized that this temple is mine. And how can something that provides such joy and kindness to others be so terrible? So impure?

So, I have added things to my temple that make me happy. That tell my story. I am just hanging up another painting. Placing another statue. Decorating another alter. I want everyone to see the Deities I worship. I want everyone to know the Saints I love. How is it any different to the cathedrals, temples, pyramids, mosques that mark the earth?