Mark Cropp had made a lot of bad decisions and felt bad about them. Because of a failed drug deal, he spent two years in jail and had to face the harsh consequences of his actions. That one desperate act, though, was what would change the course of his life. Mark and his brother got drunk and got the word “Devast8” tattooed on Mark’s cheek as a permanent memory of what they did wrong.
The tattoo, which was an intentional misspelling of the word “devastate,” came to represent Mark’s guilt and blame. It kept reminding him of all the hurt and suffering he had caused and all the chances he had missed. It was a barrier, though, and a physical sign of the mental baggage he carried. When employers saw the tattoo, they would immediately turn him down because they thought he would cause trouble and was a lost cause.
Mark felt like he couldn’t get away from the mistakes he had made in the past. He begged for a second chance, a chance to show that he was more than just a tattoo and a criminal. To try one last thing, he turned to social media and posted a sincere plea for help on Facebook.
Mark’s story touched people from all walks of life, and the post went viral. His post made Sacred Tattoo in Auckland want to do something, so they did. Mark was given a free laser tattoo removal treatment, which gave him a chance to get rid of the physical sign of his mistakes.
It was more than just a way to make Mark look better; it was a chance for him to start over. After each practice, he felt lighter, and it was the first time in years that he had felt truly relieved. Mark’s emotional baggage that had held him back for so long was slowly leaving him along with the tattoo, which had once been a sign of shame and sorrow.
Mark changed in more ways than one. He became emotionally and mentally stronger as well. Thanks to the kindness of strangers, the help of his community, and the giving of Sacred Tattoo, he was given a second chance to make things right and start over. He got a job as a painter and designer, and his life slowly started to get better.
Mark’s story shows how important it is to be kind and give people a second chance. The story shows that we can always start over, make things right, and find a way to heal and be forgiven, no matter how bad our past is. Mark Cropp’s journey from the depths of depression to the light of redemption is a powerful reminder that we can all change and that we can get past even the worst parts of our pasts with the right help and attitude.
