A black-and-white photo of a person mid-air in a Superman-style body suspension pose, supported by multiple hooks in their back and legs, smiling joyfully toward the camera. They are suspended horizontally in a large indoor space with high ceilings and visible rigging. A group of onlookers—some seated, some standing—watch with expressions of admiration, amusement, and support. The atmosphere is lively and communal, capturing a moment of shared experience and transformation.

Biblical or Medical?

<self-indulgent>

I figured I ought to wait until Sunday to post my new tattoo here since it’s scriptural in nature — my third scripture tattoo, which may surprise people, but even if you’re not Christian (I’m not), if you know the Bible well, scriptural references are an extremely efficient way of communicating). This is of course Matthew 5:30;

5:30  And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.

The tattoo is on top of a large benign bone tumor that’s being removed this summer. The leg may or may not come off as well, but honestly, my attitude is pretty well summed up by Matthew 5:30. I’d rather have no leg than a gimpy leg or a leg that’s always in pain, and for whatever reason, reminding myself that this decision is ultimately inside my control helps me deal with the stress.

It’s brand-new-fresh in this photo and was done by the brilliant Chino who’s currently working here in Toronto at King of Fools. Best script artist in Toronto (not that that’s all he does!!!) in my opinion.

</self-indulgent>

Comments

66 responses to “Biblical or Medical?”

  1. Stardust Avatar
    Stardust

    Whoo! Best of luck to you Shannon, and that verse really does fit the occasion 🙂 Do you have your other scripture tats on here?

  2. Stardust Avatar
    Stardust

    Whoo! Best of luck to you Shannon, and that verse really does fit the occasion 🙂 Do you have your other scripture tats on here?

  3. Jay.O Avatar
    Jay.O

    Oh, good luck, Shannon!!

    P.S. & I love the tattoo! It looks so neat.

  4. Jay.O Avatar
    Jay.O

    Oh, good luck, Shannon!!

    P.S. & I love the tattoo! It looks so neat.

  5. Laura Avatar
    Laura

    Good luck buddy x

  6. Laura Avatar
    Laura

    Good luck buddy x

  7. marisha Avatar
    marisha

    good luck! i’ll be keeping my fingers crossed for you

  8. marisha Avatar
    marisha

    good luck! i’ll be keeping my fingers crossed for you

  9. em Avatar

    good luck!

  10. em Avatar

    good luck!

  11. Kelley Avatar
    Kelley

    good luck! i like the way your tattoo is done…it kind of makes my eyes feel funny.

  12. Kelley Avatar
    Kelley

    good luck! i like the way your tattoo is done…it kind of makes my eyes feel funny.

  13. Pearl Avatar
    Pearl

    Now you just need “NOT THIS ONE” on the other leg, and you’re set :D. Good luck for your surgery.

  14. Pearl Avatar
    Pearl

    Now you just need “NOT THIS ONE” on the other leg, and you’re set :D. Good luck for your surgery.

  15. lindsey Avatar
    lindsey

    good luck dude!!!

  16. lindsey Avatar
    lindsey

    good luck dude!!!

  17. hitonihi' Avatar

    Best of luck, Shannon!

  18. hitonihi' Avatar

    Best of luck, Shannon!

  19. raj Avatar
    raj

    I’m praying for you.

  20. raj Avatar
    raj

    I’m praying for you.

  21. iris Avatar
    iris

    Best of luck! Hope for everything to turn out for the best!

  22. iris Avatar
    iris

    Best of luck! Hope for everything to turn out for the best!

  23. bucket of bunnies Avatar

    That’s beautiful. I love the meaning behind it and it would also be something nice to quote to people who are completely anti body modification (including surgeries). I’ve had my fair share and “I would’ve died” doesn’t always cut it.

  24. bucket of bunnies Avatar

    That’s beautiful. I love the meaning behind it and it would also be something nice to quote to people who are completely anti body modification (including surgeries). I’ve had my fair share and “I would’ve died” doesn’t always cut it.

  25. Rachael Avatar
    Rachael

    Good luck Shannon.
    I really hope everything goes for the best.

  26. Rachael Avatar
    Rachael

    Good luck Shannon.
    I really hope everything goes for the best.

  27. Pol Avatar
    Pol

    It’s such a uniqe and beautiful way to deal with such a hard thing, really inspiring.
    we’re with you
    🙂
    You’re one strong person.
    good luck!

  28. Pol Avatar
    Pol

    It’s such a uniqe and beautiful way to deal with such a hard thing, really inspiring.
    we’re with you
    🙂
    You’re one strong person.
    good luck!

  29. Miss Kayla* Avatar

    Wow, good luck!

    That particular verse was a huge part of the book that I just finished reading (This Much Is True by Wally Lamb… I suggest everyone read it, it’s an amazing book). I love that verse.

  30. Miss Kayla* Avatar

    Wow, good luck!

    That particular verse was a huge part of the book that I just finished reading (This Much Is True by Wally Lamb… I suggest everyone read it, it’s an amazing book). I love that verse.

  31. Mess Avatar

    meow good luck dude!

  32. Mess Avatar

    meow good luck dude!

  33. Madz Avatar
    Madz

    Its a great way to deal with something that is so devistating to you. Best of luck. I hope all goes well! Take care.

  34. Madz Avatar
    Madz

    Its a great way to deal with something that is so devistating to you. Best of luck. I hope all goes well! Take care.

  35. Casey Avatar

    My husband thinks you should build a guillotine if the time comes. It seems like it would be less messy and leave a more even wound.

  36. Casey Avatar

    My husband thinks you should build a guillotine if the time comes. It seems like it would be less messy and leave a more even wound.

  37. PredatorDK Avatar
    PredatorDK

    I admire your calm way of dealing with this, but I certainly don’t hope you’ll have to loose the leg.
    God speed, sir!

  38. PredatorDK Avatar
    PredatorDK

    I admire your calm way of dealing with this, but I certainly don’t hope you’ll have to loose the leg.
    God speed, sir!

  39. Em Avatar
    Em

    Wow, I hope it’s all better as soon as possible – is it weird that the first thought that popped into my head was “Shannon would look great with a leg missing.”? Tactless maybe?

    Grr, I can think of lots of people that deserve intense pain, and you’re not one of them!

  40. Em Avatar
    Em

    Wow, I hope it’s all better as soon as possible – is it weird that the first thought that popped into my head was “Shannon would look great with a leg missing.”? Tactless maybe?

    Grr, I can think of lots of people that deserve intense pain, and you’re not one of them!

  41. trinityva Avatar
    trinityva

    Best wishes Shannon

  42. trinityva Avatar
    trinityva

    Best wishes Shannon

  43. robot spy butterfly Avatar
    robot spy butterfly

    Shannon, I know I don’t know you but judging from your posts and articles you’re on of those people that just won’t be brought down by anything. Way to deal and best wishes.

  44. robot spy butterfly Avatar
    robot spy butterfly

    Shannon, I know I don’t know you but judging from your posts and articles you’re on of those people that just won’t be brought down by anything. Way to deal and best wishes.

  45. Angiebabynz Avatar
    Angiebabynz

    Good luck Shannon – if you do lose the leg, you can get a funky peg-leg! My Mum just lost an eye to cancer and shes loving the eyepatches. Kids love pirate-y stuff!

  46. Angiebabynz Avatar
    Angiebabynz

    Good luck Shannon – if you do lose the leg, you can get a funky peg-leg! My Mum just lost an eye to cancer and shes loving the eyepatches. Kids love pirate-y stuff!

  47. Emma Avatar
    Emma

    Nice!!

    Best of luck with it all

    P.S if u lose ur leg, can i have it?

  48. Emma Avatar
    Emma

    Nice!!

    Best of luck with it all

    P.S if u lose ur leg, can i have it?

  49. tony Avatar
    tony

    Beautiful lettering, and a beautiful concept. I am a Christian myself and though we don’t share the same faith, I’m glad you found some comfort in this verse.

  50. tony Avatar
    tony

    Beautiful lettering, and a beautiful concept. I am a Christian myself and though we don’t share the same faith, I’m glad you found some comfort in this verse.

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