I was 20 when I got this tattoo (on January 15, 2005) and I had considered it for about a year by the time I actually had it done (I made myself do that to make sure it wasn't a passing fancy). I went through a lot of changes in 2004, particularly in regards to trusting the leading of the Holy Spirit in my life.
1) At the very beginning of the year, I flew to Denver, Colorado for a conference...and I only knew one person there (a leap of faith right there!). But it was an immensely rewarding experience and God really spoke to me about the year ahead. I relinquished control over my love-life and made an agreement with God that I would not seek out or put any effort (including emotional) into finding a man. If God brought someone into my life, I'd be open to it, but I wasn't going to put so much emotional energy into it like I tended to.
Oddly enough, a few weeks later, I had the distinct impression that I was going to meet the man I would marry that year (it ended up being true!)
2) I got up the nerve to quit working for my dad (which had some nasty consequences, unfortunately) and go back to school as a music major. This was a huge step and broke some unhealthy ties between my father and me. I did end up going back to work for him (and have since), but our relationship has been much better since that time.
3) I'm also glad I took that step (a step that was taken after much prayer, fasting, and wisdom-seeking) because I met my husband in the musicianship and music theory classes we both took. We became very good friends over the Fall semester and while I denied it at the time (at least from my end of things), we fell head-over-heels for each other.
4) I also realized the power of prayer and fasting in a deeper way. I was constantly praying for Nathan because he didn't yet acknowledge Jesus as the Lord over his life. He began to recognize him more, especially through our discussions, but he didn't follow him with his life yet.
5) During this whole time, I was growing incredibly close to Jesus. Probably the closest I've ever been (yes, I'll admit, even compared to now), and I grew exponentially in my faith. I used to rely so much on the words of other people, but I learned to listen to His voice, to trust both His word, and my spiritual ears. I didn't take it for granted, though. I earnestly sought after Him because I didn't want to "hear" God only to have it turn out to be my own voice.
A large part of my life was the community of believers I was a part of at Aqueous and the Charismatic branch of Christianity that we are a part of. The leading of the Holy Spirit (always evaluated through the lens of Scripture) and the spiritual gifts that have been given to followers of Jesus are a significant part of our expression of faith. And that had become something very important to me.
So, this leads me to the significance of the different aspects of the image I had designed. The dove obviously represents the Holy Spirit. Most often Holy Spirit doves are depicted with fire. But I chose a depiction of wind because the Greek words (like pneuma) that translate to "Spirit" often have a connotation of or would directly translate to "wind" or "breath". I've always identified with that more than the "tongues of fire" imagery for whatever reason. It's a strength you cannot see (after all, you can't see the winds of tornadoes, but they sure are powerful!).
Lastly, the dove is angled down and positioned on my upper back as a sign of anointing. I want my life to be one that is led by God and by His Spirit. So I chose to permanently depict that on my physical body as a sign of what has occurred in my spiritual life.
