In this interesting story about the power of social media, Mark Cropp, a young man from New Zealand, was in prison for two years and three months for a failed drug deal. He was at a crossroads.
Mark, who was eager to start over after serving his sentence, made a choice that would have a big effect on his life while he was in jail.
Mark and his brother made a choice that changed their lives one night while they were in jail and very drunk from making their own alcohol from fermented apples, bread, and sugar.
The face tattoo
In a state, they chose to tattoo Mark’s name on his face with melted plastic knives and forks and toothpaste that they had on hand.
The result was a huge black tattoo that clearly read “Devast8” across his lower face and jaw. Over time, it came to stand for sadness.
After Mark got out of jail, he had to face the harsh truth of being out of work. He wanted to support his girlfriend and young daughter and get back into society, but he quickly realized that his huge face tattoo was getting in the way of this.
Even though Mark had worked before, possible employers turned them down right away because of the obvious ink. “You should know that for a long time I would destroy everything I touched.” Mark told the Daily Mail Australia that the tattoo was meant to show that he would hurt everyone he met or became close to.
He went on, “They would be upset about something I did or said, and I would always hear, ‘That’s terrible!'” I knew I couldn’t go back to it after I started it. He said, “To be honest, I wish I had stopped when the outline was there.” He said, “Before I knew it, I had this on my face… It was swollen like a bloody pumpkin.”
Mark was desperate to get away, so he looked for ways to get rid of the tattoo. But he couldn’t find anyone who would do it for free or with enough money. Laser removal, which was the most practical option, required several sessions and cost a lot. Mark then turned to social media to get help.
Mark put up a picture of himself on Facebook with a special tattoo showing off and begged for work and a new start. He made a heartfelt request that quickly went viral on the internet and caught the attention of the staff at Sacred Tattoo in Auckland.
New beginnings
The band Sacred Tattoo decided to do an amazing act of kindness because Mark’s story moved them and they saw an opportunity to help.
The tattoo shop helped Mark get rid of the “Devast8” tattoo on his face by giving him free laser removal sessions. The shop was known for its commitment to the community. Along with showing how social media can change things, this kind act from Sacred Tattoo showed how kindness can have an effect.
Source: www.foxnews.com/