Jose Luis Sanchez

I know I've made a few posts about this 14 year old boy, Jose Luis Sanchez. The boy who was so devoted to Christ that he endured the torture of the soles of his feet being cut off, walking through the town center, walking behind a horse towards his own grave with his bare feet having just been cut open, being shot, lying in the dirt. The boy who was so devoted to Christ that he would not say "Long live the Mexican Government", he was so devoted, that instead he continually repeated "Viva Cristo Rey". As he was lying in the dirt he drew a cross with his finger and then he died.

Viva Cristo Rey is a daily reminder to me of my call to follow Jesus, my call to be a witness of Christ.

Most people know that I have an acorn tattooed on my ankle as a reminder of what I come from. My last name is Oakes. Oak trees are strong, they are mighty, and they are incredibly beautiful. Oak trees are resilient. They come from little baby acorns. There's also this little plaque in my mom's kitchen that has an oak tree that says "Don't worry if your tasks are small and rewards are few, remember that the mighty oak was once a nut like you."  The acorn is important to me, it reminds me that there's always room to grow, always room to be stronger, try harder, there's always room to be more.. and it also reminds me of my roots. Where I came from, the people who got me to where I am. -- who knew a little acorn could mean so much? 

Now, I have this second tattoo. It's equally as inspiring to me, it is equally as important to me, but even more than that, I am humbled by this saying on my skin. I know that I will never be as strong in my faith as Jose Luis Sanchez was-- but this is a daily reminder to the strength that I can strive for, the confidence in my faith to stand up for what I believe in.  

H.Eilene