Last weekend we had our BIG Youth weekend, and it went off without a hitch, and it was amazing for those that were ready and willing to hear from God. (I’d have a little vent post to the last few rows sitting in front of me if I weren’t so nice 😉 But seriously, WHY come if you aren’t a bit interested? I mean really…..it’s a good thing I’m nice, huh?)
But one of my most favorite things at weekends like these is seeing the Spirit of God move. And, of course, being able to capture that in a photograph.
I had someone ask me one time why I do that? Isn’t it kind of an invasion of privacy? I’m taking photographs of people vulnerable before God, why do I do that?
And I understand the question, and the desire for privacy when you are “doing business” with God, I really do. Maybe I’m just a closet v0yeur, but I don’t think so.
I believe God gave me this desire because as humans, we want to see God, or as a sweet blog-friend said, “to have God sit down and fold laundry with her”. We have that desire to see Him! And for me, this is as close to Him as I am going to see this side of Heaven. I can see God on the faces of those worshiping in His presence. I can see the Holy Spirit breathing on them and moving their hearts closer to Him. I get to see that with my eyes!
And sometimes, it isn’t a big, outward display, sometimes it’s quiet…
…sometimes it’s simple…
…and in different forms…
…but the commonality between them all is: they are all seeking God.
I have to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit, and I know when to move and when to start shooting. I also know when to stop and take a break. I seem to know when they are “faking” it too in order to be photographed. 😉 Sometimes I may be wrong, but I think overall, I’ve been pretty accurate.
I see it as beautiful art. Some people shoot birds or barns, and a lot of people shoot the unsavory, but I choose to seek the face of God through worship. And that’s how I can share Him with other people as well. I’ll probably never make any money doing it, and it won’t make me rich or famous, but it’s a testimony of God’s power and God’s effect on His people. And I find it overwhelmingly beautiful…
I pray everyday to see God. I pray before events that the Holy Spirit will move in this place. I pray that every person there will feel God’s presence. And I am never disappointed.
We can see God. We just have to know where to look.
And another shameless plug for our speaker, Brad Fogarty , out of Atlanta….simply captivating and an honest lover of Christ! If your church needs a speaker for your teenagers, this would be my first choice! You can find him on Facebook and Twitter as well!
Be KIND, and be always watchful for God!
In those days I will pour out my Spirit
even on my servants—men and women alike—
and they will prophesy. Acts 2:18
You have shown me the way of life,
and you will fill me with the joy of your presence. Psalm 16:11
mommymovesagain said:
Lovvvvvve the photos. Love the song too (Chris Tomlin) We played community worship Sunday night and our paper covered it with a montage of photos! Praise is beautiful no matter how you do it! 🙂
Jen~Beautiful Mess said:
I love it! I am thankful to “see” God moving in others and if I can’t be there then it means someone “shooting” it 🙂 To God be the glory! Forever! Amen!
Jen
Rachel said:
I love how your pictures speak to the human need for God. They show hearts that were made to need Him and the deep desire to know Him more. And they show Him needing and desiring right back.
Thanks for posting these my friend… it makes me wish I had been there.
Annie said:
Thanks for sharing! The pictures are beautiful and it I wish everyone had a picture of themselves in true worship to hang on our walls an remind us of His love. Beautiful!
Pam D said:
I’m with Annie… to be able to actually SEE God moving in a person as they worship… what a present you are giving to those you photograph. I think God gave you the gift of HIS eyes, to see His people in love with Him. And then to turn around and show it to the world. And Tomlin’s “Amazing Grace” brings me to my knees… I would think you could capture some deep emotion with that one. Keep shooting… everyone needs a little glimpse of Heaven on earth….
kelly said:
Thanks for stopping by my blog! I LOVE all the testimony on yours! You have great inspiring messages. My fav in this entry is the person in plaid with arm raised with the cross in the background. What neat composition. I love that “Through the Lens…” has brought all these God-fearing photographers together.