I would just like to preface this blog with an introduction to the world of Instagram for those who don’t know it.
(Mom and Dad, this is for you)
It’s a popular place these days. People share their lives through pictures (Online, Mom). There are ManCandyMondays (#MCM), WomanCrushWednesdays(#WCW), Transformation Tuesdays, and my personal favorite, Throwback Thursdays (#tbt). #tbts are an opportunity to share fat baby pictures and memories from high school. Who could possibly resist?
As I type this, I realize how ridiculous this all sounds.
Because it is.
But I’m a guilty gram-er.
(Sidenote: I have some fantastic childhood photos that make #tbt totally acceptable. Example given below)
Anyway, I am here today to tell you about the most intriguing Instagram I’ve recently followed.
I’d been creeping on his photos for a while. They caught my attention. There was something about his work that stood apart from all the other trending artists. It made me want to meet the guy. It took me longer than it should, but I started following him.
I can’t even begin to describe his snapshots, you guys. From the looks of how many follow him, he’s a pretty big deal. I believe, however, that there is yet to be enough credit where it is greatly deserved. I’m telling you, everyone needs to see this.
The beauty captured, refined, and shared makes me feel like part of something bigger than myself. He posts a lot about those he loves, but who doesn’t? Oh, and he’s a real sucker for his kiddos. No doubt they are in good hands.
I’m still learning “the art” of filters, but he seems to always pick the right one. I could try to edit a thousand different ways and it would never be as good as his work. He’s able to bring a different light to each photo, individually designed to be exactly how he wants it.
I’m so glad I decided to follow him.
I haven’t met him in person yet, but something tells me I will someday. Maybe you already know of his account, maybe not. If not, he can be found through the following hashtags.
#lordoflords #comforter #father #provider #redeemer #giveroflife #greatencourager
I asked him for some tips on how to make my work more like his… What was his process? I want to understand it. I want to be walked through it. So far, this is what I have gathered.
Sharpness/Clarity – Before you pick the filter that changes the photo completely, it must be fine-tuned. Consider the Lord’s (greater) plan for us. Refocusing our sights on Jesus does a number on the sinful fog that has likely clouded our sight. We can’t possibly see the glroy of his awaiting plan until we surrender ours. Hebrew 12:1-2 states,
“Therefore since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.”
Searching for that sense of clarity means an inevitable surrender of the entanglements of this world. And we have a perfecter of faith sitting at the right hand of God rooting for us!
Black and White – Take the most complex photo and view it in black and white. What happens? For me, there is a sense of simplicity when viewed this way. There is less room for distraction and a sense of ease in the photo. Ephesians 2:8-9 states,
“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is a gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one can boast.”
I find joy in the way that the complex picture of Salvation was simplified for our understanding. It did not say “those who make the most money, those who always behave..” it is a black and white picture that is not meant to be confused or complicated, regardless of how hard we try. It’s a gift! All we have to do is open our hands and heart to it.
Brightness – Okay, Mom. Even you can handle this one. Brightness is indeed a necessity to be able to see the work. Jesus says, “I am the light of world. Whoever FOLLOWS me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12). Heck Yeah! He doesn’t drop an “occasionally you will walk in the dark”.. Nope. Truly following Jesus gives an incomparable sense of hope that makes one feel alive in every ounce of their being. We are human. Darkness happens in this world. But we have an invitation to walk in the bright, bright light.
Shadows/Highlights – All too often, I take a photo and there seems to be no way to fix it. No way to make it display the beauty I saw when taking it. One side is too bright, there’s a glare, it’s too dark.. And it’s frustrating. Because WE can’t fix it. Good thing we are given an open line of communication with the great redeemer! He says, “Come to me all who are burdened and I will give you rest.” With God for us, who could possibly be against us?
No one is stuck in the shadows.
No one is too broken.
No one is excluded from the incomprehensible joy of owning his or her identity as a handmade work of art.
Everyone is, and always will be, invited to follow.
I’d highly recommend checking out his page. Don’t worry about him accepting your request, he guarantees 100% acceptance to all who seek to follow him.
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I can’t believe J-Squad is about to adventure into Month 6 in Zambia! THan you to all who have been praying for us. We cannot tell you how much it is appreciated. I am in need of $2,000 to remain on the field and be fully funded! I know God will provide, as he has proven time and time again. Thank you again to all who have partnered with me to share our Father’s love. Blessings! ES
