This was written in church when dealing with a warring within me over accepting, comfortably, the heart toward God of a young person whose body had been 'violated' with markings, permanent markings that she'd not been born with.  This was a step beyond hairstyle and make-up.  Well, I'm over fifty, which is way over 30 ;o}

What Vessels?
Virginia Salter

a day of celebration
that God is alive
and in all of His creation

a day to praise His name
with shouts and singing
to laud Him above all

in what vessels does His Spirit live?
might they be only the finest-
those of pure white, edged in gold?

or might His vessels reflect
His entry into the Holy city
on el burro, humbly clad

might they be earthen vessels
tarnished, stained, cracked
unlovely to view on the outside

what should we seek to regale?
beauty, glamour, precious gems,
perchance eyes with souls filled with Him

His children stand before me
professing full His love
yet merely human, mundanely togged

one has marked her body
pierced with ink, for all time,
a conundrum to see past her tattoo

help me see beyond her choice,
to Whom she chooses to confess
in the cross twined with vine
on the place where wings might rest

©April 16, 2000