When My “Come to Jesus” Came.

By Brian Brenner — Truth & Triumph Tattoo, in Dayton OH

Many young artists could be labeled as dreamers. Artists invent vivid planes of existence inside their heads with limitless imagination. That’s why I’ve always gravitated toward creative types. They were the people I felt most connected with because they seemed to be on a mission to create their own paths of opportunity using unique visual and audible skillsets in hopes to leave the world better than they found it.

That being said, once I began venturing down the road that allowed me to have this voice, I never looked back. I never wanted to. Every day was like an adventure. New art to see, new things to learn, new things to create, new things to try, new people to meet, and for the first time in my life, I KNEW THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT I WANTED TO BE DOING! TATTOOING!

Becoming a great tattooer consumed my every thought. I woke up in the morning thinking about it. I’d lay awake in bed for hours thinking about new possibilities for the next day’s project. It became an all-consuming obsession. The more time that went by, the more the obsession grew.

For over 3 decades, I’ve had the good fortune of becoming a serious contender in the tattoo industry. My position allowed me to build a high-profile enterprise that has fostered some of the greatest artists in the business. Together, we established a brand and reputation that became synonymous with thinking and dreaming big. It became more culturally and financially relevant than anything I could’ve hoped for. I guess you could say I was “LIVING THE DREAM.”

The thing is, what I couldn’t have understood at the time is that the acquisition of money, success and status aren’t necessarily things that bring true gratification and they definitely aren’t an antidote for unhappiness. Sure, the feeling of success and achievement feels great in the moment, but all of those things are external. Because when the race is ran, the trophy is won, the cheering is done and the money is spent, you’re left with only yourself and your thoughts.

Talk about confusing! I had a phenomenal wife that supports me endlessly, I was making what I thought were all of the right moves with my business, growing my reputation as an artist and mentor, making sound investments and buying real estate, vacationing frequently, had my dream home, owned multiple dream cars, sent my kids to the best private school in town. You name it, it felt like I had it.

Thinking back on it now, the one thing I didn’t have was inner peace.

Where does inner peace come from? That’s a question for the ages, right? Well, if you wanna break it down into simpler terms, what are the key components to our human condition? I’m gonna have to say above all, MIND, BODY, and SPIRIT would be my answers.

That being said, in my decades of personal pursuits, I had to accept that I had drastically ignored all three. My mind was cluttered with so much noise that it’s a wonder that I could function with any focus at all. My body had become a worn-out shell of what it once was from poor dietary habits and lack of exercise. Then, my spirit had been all but crushed from carrying around a two-ton truck of past mistakes, failures, regrets, and betrayals that led to a state of cynicism that wouldn’t allow a minute of contentment to exist, even on my best day. Then, last but not least, I had a less than lukewarm relationship with God.

So where does one go from here?

I guess start with the things that I can control. So, instead of working around the clock and burning the midnight oil, I began setting an acceptable weekly work schedule. Then, as for my physical condition, I leaned into clean living, a healthy diet, and a strict training regimen that led to completing multiple marathons and Ironman triathlons alike. I felt more put together than ever, both physically and professionally. As much as all of that changed my life for the better, there was still something that felt undone. I didn’t feel complete.

As a child, I remembered my Grandmother always citing “The Good Book.” That was what she called the Bible. She was a firm believer that Jesus was always the answer. I was beginning to understand what she meant by that. Why have I been given such abundance? I mean, I’m not that smart or that clever to have pulled this off all on my own. At one time I may have been arrogant enough to believe that, but at this point I know better.

I believe that Jesus was there pulling me through even when I didn’t deserve it. He had to be. I should’ve sank a thousand times over. Then, no matter how badly I wavered, no matter how lost I got, I was always given a way out. I was always saved from not only harm’s way, but, most of all, I was always saved from myself.

The more I think about it, the more I believe that The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit had been there the entire time guiding the way. I didn’t always stay on the path, but every time I fell from grace I was led back. There’s no way this wasn’t God’s work from the beginning. He let me try then let me fail. He let me feel the sting of failure then learn, and thankfully He did and does it over and over again.

Thanks be to God!

Editor’s Note: From the Heart of Truth & Triumph

Brian’s story is about life, purpose, and faith. Every artist chases mastery, but few pause long enough to look inward. What he shares here is the reminder that even when your art consumes you, balance and belief matter more than any trophy or title. To every young artist: keep creating, keep learning, and never lose sight of your soul in the process.