Well! My fast from photography and my camera is officially over! It as definitely one of the hardest things I have ever done in my life-complete with overwhelming frustrations and disappointments!
But, I have learned the most valuable lesson from it all. I realized how much I was truly consumed by my camera and photography. I have invested so carefully in the making of a great portrait… but I horrifically invested in the life of the person. God used 13 tough days to expose that to me. For example, it is so much better to just sit
(WHAT!?! In my busy life? My go, go, go lifestyle with my ten different to-do lists?!) Yes, it is better to just sit and share in the company of another person than to run off and complete the chores or check off lists.
God used my camera fast to especially prepare me for next month.
I am humbled to be “broken” by the Lord-figuratively and literally.
Speaking of broken.. We prayed over my camera and attempted to turn it on! We had a few short successes, each time improving…until it just could not take anymore and it finally gave out completely.
But God still provided!! Prepare yourself; this is an amazing “God” story!
At Launch, we were all regretting packing so much stuff into our packs. We all started sorting through and trying to get rid of stuff. One of my squadmates, Ryan, was announcing that he had a digital point and shoot camera up for grabs. I hesitated for a minute, just to see if anybody needed it. No one claimed up to it so I told him I would take it!
That is how I have a camera now! See!!! God provides! Even if its not exactly the way we would want or expect, he still provides! God does these things for His glory!!
It is pretty amazing.
Another thing that I learned about my camera, my photography, my new college degree, my profession through this fast is articulated so vigilantly by Rose. We both went to the media seminar in October and what I have learned there carries into what I learned from my photography fast.
Rose: God has been showing me something this month, something I really plan on taking with me for the rest of the race and beyond.It all started out in October, at the World Race media seminar.
I don't remember the names of the people who spoke, and I don't remember their specific words. I already know the power of media (specifically images and videos) to change people's thinking or to instill ideas. The main message I took from the media seminar is this:
Use your power to show people what God sees.
When given the choice, show the orphan smiling and laughing, not with that piercing stare with flies on their face. When God created that child, do you think that he wanted people to look at them and only see sadness? Tell the story of the church that has increased tenfold in two years, not of a robbing that cost them thousands of dollars. Do you think God would rather you feel sorry for them than ecstatic that thousands are finding new life through his glorious name?
While working here in a poor country and with disabled children, it would be so easy to show pictures and tell stories of poverty, of sadness, of Satan's triumph. But I've learned that I don't want to show you someone unless I show them in their very best light. I don't want to publish photos of someone staring blankly into the distance when in reality they have a smile that fills my heart.
For instance, let's talk about Helen. I could tell you that…
Helen is one of seven (I think) children. Her family loves her but when she was very small she had severe heart problems. Her parents tried very hard to get a doctor to see her (meaning walking several hours to a hospital while someone had to watch the rest of the children) just to get turned away from doctors who said there was “no cure” for her ailment, because all they saw was a little girl with Down's Syndrome. She was very weak and frail when was taken in by Maureen Casey, and wiping her little bottom made her thin skin come right off. Poor Helen. What a miracle she is even alive…
OR
I could tell you that Helen is an extremely happy, caring ten year old girl. God miraculously healed her heart- a surgery was scheduled but later a secular doctor said that she didn't need it anymore, somehow it was all better. Praise God! She runs out of the house most mornings screaming “HOLA!!!!!!” with her arms outstretched, ready to be scooped up into a big hug. She has very good table manners and is quite obedient. She's such a little helper, washing dishes and carrying groceries inside. She's also great with the other kids- helping get their shoes for them, and sometimes just sitting next to the ones that are immobile so they aren't by themselves. She also loves ballet class and is very flexible- she can put her feet behind her head! Helen is truly a joy to be around. She brings a smile to all of our faces, whether she is laughing, smiling, talking, giving kisses, making funny noises, clapping, singing, dancing, jumping, or just being the amazing child that God created her to be.
Bravo Helen!!
I know that there are stories of tragedy, of sadness, of poverty and inequality. I don't want people to think that there are no problems in the world and therefore no reason to work toward solutions. However, when given the chance, I want to tell stories of happiness, of blessings, and of triumph. When looking at a person or a situation, I want to see what God sees.
