A Light in the Darkness
For you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light. (Ephesians 5:8)
There’s no doubt about it: I am completely different from everyone else in my photography class. At least, I am from my perspective. They may not see it as much, because I’m quiet and reserved. They are probably unaware that I am silently disagreeing with a large portion of what is said.
One thing they do see though: Light. Everyone noticed it. There is something with me and light. And they were drawn to it. I’m usually a fly on the wall in my classes, I kind of stay in my own little world. But last night it seems as though I made a lot of friends. Everyone was talking to me. I know they weren’t drawn to my personality—I am shy and quiet with people I don’t know, and few people are drawn to that. No, there is something more… I believe I am not mistaken: they were drawn to the light. His light.
I am sad to see where art may take my fellow students. They are talented and creative… and into such a mind, the world wants to pour a lot of lies and garbage.
My instructor wants to see photos that tell a narrative, make a statement. He wants photos that have “depth.” Sorry to say it, but he has no idea what depth is. Oh it’s true… depression, anger, darkness, suicide and death are all real things, and they are issues today. But how will photographing them and dwelling on them help the problem?
Set your mind on things above, not on things that are on earth. (Colossians 3:2)
For the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:18)
You want depth? Here is real depth. Here is something deep and overflowing… and it is found in the Lord. He offers so much more than what we can see with our eyes.
There is a battle going on—an invisible battle—between the kingdom of darkness and the kingdom of Light. We know what the outcome will be, so we needn’t fear. But it breaks my heart to see these young men and women heading down the path of darkness. Please pray for the students in my photography class. There is so much junk in the world of art which they are being bombarded with. Satan has done a lot of evil in that area, and most of it is considered something good under the pretense of being “art.” Pray that God will destroy the threshold that Satan has gained in this darkened place.
Pray that God would send workers into the field to announce His message, that “God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all.” (1 John 1:5) Rather, there is peace, hope, joy, and abounding love. Pray also that I will be a glimpse for them of the Light which is in Christ Jesus. That seeds may be planted in their hearts. For my desire is that one day they will seek the Lord, and this mystery of life in Him.
Finally, be strong in the Lord an in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 6:10-12)
For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. (Colossians 3:3)
This is the hidden life. And that is true depth.
[If you haven't already seen my photos, you can see my first assignment--7 days of self portraits--right here: Candi's Flickr Portfolio ]
