As a child, I was fascinated with birthmarks.

People would have large brown ones, small brown ones, an oddly shaped scar, or multiple spots here and there that they’d be proud to show.

Now that I’m a medical provider, I still find skin marks interesting but now I know what a few of them are haha.

Here’s a few examples of benign (non-cancerous) marks.

Nevus: Just a simple mole. If it is not Asymmetrical, has well-defined Borders, the same Color throughout, has a small Diameter, and hasn’t changed (no Evolution) in years (we call this the ABCDE method), it’s safe to say that this nevus is just fine.

Cafe Au Lait: A little brown spot. As long as there are only a few, there’s no concern. If these flat spots become more visible or start to “bubble” outward, get them checked ASAP!

Mongolian Spots: Careful! These could easily be mistaken for bruises on a child but alas, it’s just a birthmark. And they typically go away on their own. I think the blue color is quite amazing!

Freckles. Enough said. They’re cute. Love them.

Did you know that Christians are marked as well?

 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit,  who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory. Ephesians 1:13-14 NIV

You certainly can’t visibly see a tattoo or anything on the outward appearance that separates Christians from non-Christians.

But as a believer, we are “marked” with the love of Christ and the Holy Spirit that dwells within us.

We are “marked” with a purpose. God sees your capability and opportunity to change the world around you.

He “marked” you as special. You have a special appearance, personality, talent, gift, career, speech, sense of taste, sense of smell, demeanor, etc.

He “marked” you as one of His children that he loves dearly.

He “marked” you as one of His children with a purpose so intimate, so powerful, so profound, so unique, that NO ONE else can fulfill that purpose.

No one can write that song, write that book, perform that play, create that movie, open that cafe, create that vaccine, build that car, paint that mural, work Wall Street, or do anything exactly how God intended it to be done by you.

If you have a physical birthmark, show it off!

If you are a Christian, remember that you are invisibly marked. But now that mark needs to shine. Accept it, wear it, and do what God has called you to do!