04/12/2012
Dear Friends and fellow Christian Photographers,
A little over a year ago, the Christian Photographer - page was launched.
At the time I was exited in following and implementing what God was spurring me to do. Although the task at hand was overwhelming, I moved forward with much anticipation on what God was going to accomplish. Little did I know then the road that lay before me.
The road I was traveling was a little different from the one God wanted me on. In 1 Peter5:6 it says,
“Humble yourselves therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour.”
Well: I didn't humble myself, I thought I could carry my anxieties better than Him, I wasn't sober-minded and I was blind. The end result – I was devoured.
This last year in some ways presents a picture of the background behind The Christian Photographer (TCP). The vision that God gave me for TCP was one of a community of believers that had a passion for photography. A place (an organization) where we can share our belief and our art with one another. A group that includes the amateur alongside the professional encouraging one another and supporting each other by sharing those struggles that come to all of us, both spiritually and professionally.
In 1 Peter 4:8-11 it encourages us to do so; “Above all keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift (photography) , use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks (photographs), as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves (teaches or shares their photography experience) , as one who serves by the strength that God supplies–in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen”
2011 turned out to be worst year in my life. I allowed my circumstances to dictate and direct me. My financial world crumbled around me, my house went deeply underwater and meeting my mortgage became harder and harder on a monthly basis. A full-time job evaporated and three years of part-time work began to wear me out. I felt like a failure, withdrew from my family and those that love me, photography lost it's luster. Instead of turning to God, I withdrew into an Andy pity party.
But God, in his mercy has blessed me with a godly wife (Deby) who is a fighter who didn't give up on me. He's given me, two dear friends (Marc & Scott) that stood by me, loved me and reminded me of all God has done and is doing, pastors that cared for my soul and a vibrant church I call home. He's given me godly photographers friends (Rafael, Dave & Quigg) to encourage me to keep shooting. They gave me what I envision TCP giving others: photographers encouraging one another in the love and grace of God. And lastly there is Bill Fortney; his website brought me much comfort and led me to prayer during this time. His Pilgrim's Chronicles blog is like “a voice in the wilderness.” http://billfortney.com/?cat=3 .
1 Peter 5:9 tells us; “Resist him firm in your faith knowing that the same kinds of sufferings are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.”
One of the main lessons that I (re) learned through this time was from the above verse. Many of the doubts, feelings and situations that I went through, many of you have (or are) experienced. We just seem to think that we are alone. I will step out and state that many photographers fight the battle of not thinking they are good enough. Well like the verse says, “...the same kinds of sufferings are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.”
I'm OK now. I'm back on the right road and I feel God wants to do something with TCP. I will begin to post on the page this week. I will let Him guide it. I would love to see others post uplifting stories (and links) that will build up all of us. Also pass the word around about TCP.
Also work will begin on a website: TheChristianPhotographer.com. I need your help, suggestions, support and encouragement. Please send me links to christian photographers that we might be able to feature on the site. Send them to: [email protected]
In the end, 1 Peter 5:10-11 - “And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore you. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen”
By His grace, I'm being restored.
Andy
[email protected]
www.araphotos.com
This month’s issue of Outdoor Photographer, their Landscape Issue, has a good article about three lens packages, and it moved me to expound on their conclusion, which by the way are good suggestions! I want to take the conversation alittle further. Please remember that I work for Nikon and my know...
