This series will continue this time with a guest post from my broski and squadmate Ryan O’Keefe. I’ll continue to share my stories as well, but want my friends to share theirs. Stories are meant to be lived and shared, and they have some pretty rad stories, so I want to give them an opportunity to share.

I got my tattoo because I know that it’s a message that will stand the test of time in my heart. I got it as a reminder to me of why I’m on the planet. I am made in the image of God, and God is Love. God so loved the world, that means all. Therefore, my created design and my purpose is found only in this one thing: LOVE ALL. 

All means everybody. 1 Corinthians 13 paints a picture of what this looks like: 

Be patient to all. Be kind to all. Do not envy anyone. Do not boast to anyone. Don’t be proud toward anyone. Don’t dishonor anyone. Seek the good of all rather than my own good. Don’t be provoked by anyone. Don’t keep a record of wrong against anyone. Bear with all. Believe in all. Hope in all. Endure with all. Love all ALL the time. 

I can love all regardless if they love me back. Love is not contingent on the other person. It’s just dependent upon me. 

Finally, I am included in all. I am called to love myself. And to be patient and kind toward me. This is the missing link for a lot of people and has been a missing link for me. So this is a great reminder for me to love me as well! 

LOVE ALL.

—Ryan O’Keefe