“This is now the second letter that I am writing to you, beloved. In both of them I am stirring up your sincere mind by way of reminder.”- 2 Peter 3:1-
As some people may already know, I have been trying to obtain a press pass for Passion 2010 to document what God is doing over at Atlanta, Georgia. I had received an email saying that my name would be on the list that would allow me to cover the main sessions of the event. Unfortunately, I received a second email a few days before leaving for Atlanta saying that there were already enough photographers to cover the conference. My mindset coming into the conference completely crumbled and I did not know what to expect.
Even though my plans did not go as I would have wanted, I believe this was God’s way in telling me to listen to what these speakers have to say; this of course is easier said than done. It’s been hard on me because I’ve been bitter about the photo pass situation but somehow God got through to me.
“All these things my hand has made, and so all these things came to be, declares the LORD. But this is the one whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word.” -Isaiah 66:2-
“He who… trembles at my word.” The bible is not just a book of morals and laws; it is the living word of God. In Sunday school, this has been taught to me over and over again, yet I never grasped the seriousness of it till Francis Chan spoke at Passion. As he read from 2nd Peter, the passage where Peter recalls the transfiguration, the enthusiasm and energy that carried Francis Chan’s message helped me realize I’ve been reading the bible the wrong way. I have been reading the bible just to go through the motions and called it devotion. When in reality I never went deeper into the word. Not only did his message point this out to me, but he also pointed out that it is because of God’s divine power that I am able to live a life for God; that God granted me all the tools necessary so that I may become a partaker of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire (2Peter 1:1-4).
“Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” -Matthew 37-38-
John Piper opened up my eyes again and helped me realize why I was at Passion. I wasn’t here for the worship music, or the speakers, or to take pictures; I was there for God. I realized that I had nothing to be upset about; this time in Atlanta, or the photos I take are not about me, its all about God and magnifying God’s glory; less of me and more of Him! As John Piper had said, “… We are not made to be somebody, but to know somebody.” My life and my work would not count for anything if Christ was not glorified by it! I felt so much conviction come upon me. The past few days, I was so raddled up because things didn’t go the way I wanted them to; it was an inconvenience for ME. Then it hit me. Who cares what I want?! This life isn’t about me but about God!
I am so thankful that I was able to come to this conference so that I would be reminded why s2c photography exist.
I was still able to a take some pictures for memory’s sake and I would love to share them with you.
Lastly, I had a blog entry reflecting my plans on spreading the gospel to the homeless and taking their photograph. The following image is of Eric. I met him outside my hotel in the freezing cold during the last night at Passion. His hat was flipped over to collect change anyone was willing to give. I gave him some money and told him that 22,000 student from around the world has gather in Atlanta for a single purpose; to come to know Jesus Christ. I shared the gospel with the man, prayed for him, and went on my way. I will continue to pray for Eric and I hope that God reveals himself to him.
