When He is silent He is listening, and not abandoning.

If you know me then you know that I have desired a tattoo of a sparrow for a couple years now. The idea was inspired by a poem titled, "Silence" by Bradley Hataway. I always wanted something that represented my faith and love for God and always thought that crosses were cliche. I also did consider that sparrows somehow by default came to represent the emo culture. I did also take into account that the sparrow was the logo for the band The Lyndsay Diaries, a band that was very representative of my feelings on relationships and life in college. It's also the logo for Stumptown coffee in Portland. Then you have that bastard of a pirate, Jack Sparrow. BUT, my sparrow will always mark a symbol of faith and love and taking comfort in God even when life blows. Nova and I went to the House of Tattoo in Tacoma, WA and I was inked by a fun, talented, quirky woman named Katie. I now will carry this symbol of faith with me for the rest of my life to serve as a reminder that God is always faithful even in his silence...


Silence by Bradley Hathaway

What’s happening here?
I was once so alive and now I’m so full of dread and almost dead
Show me your wounded head that is lead to communion with the father
But where did he go?
His presence seems farther and farther away each day
but I’m trying so hard to steer his way
Yet still lonely and confused on this cold hard ground I lay

Speak to me wise mouth and say “it’s all good kid, it’s nothing that you did, and though it feels like I’m not here with you right now just be still and silent and listen for that sound..
Shhh..
Did you hear it?
Listen again.
Did you hear it?
That silent voice that just spoke nothing, that is me, I’m listening to your plea with open ears Counting all your tears flowing from your irritated eyes
Searching the skies looking for that hope that beyond there lies.

Oh you young worrisome sparrow, find rest
Lay your battered head upon my omnipresent breast and make it your nest
No strong cold wind could ever blow and carry you from this your home
Look around, see the life shooting up from the ground
Spring colors springing fourth and celebration of your trusting

It’s a constant process this is
Growing you into the man you are to become
But when you sense the setting of the sun know it is only rising and has just begun
Now go fourth, sing songs of faith, and lift up others in the midst of this race
And if you can’t keep the pace or lose sight of my face
Know that I’m always near so you need not fear
But don’t worry about all that right now
Just sit here and enjoy the peace I offer in my silence
When I am silent I am listening, and not abandoning.