One thing I’ve always enjoyed doing since my teens was taking pictures. This was a hobby that grew on me, not one I embraced as a child. What I love about taking pictures is that they document significant moments or occasions. I love the idea of taking that picture for someone to look back on someday and they re-experience the joy they’ve felt in that nanosecond when my shutter blinked. It was during the time when I re-engaged this hobby that I decided I should always be “camera ready”. Camera ready, prepared, focused and living for my close up! My “camera ready” stance for me meant being conscious of the physical things that related to my perfect photographs. I wanted to always control external factors such as lighting and backdrops that could influence my life’s circumstances. I believed I’d discovered a way to combat my fears. This was my false confidence, my security blanket and the best part I thought was; who would know? I’d just remain camera ready! My refuge of camera readiness forced me to remain reactionary so that I could embrace the moment leading to my close up. I wanted my hair, lipstick and manicures pristine in order to do well in my moment. With all of this preparation, I was sure the spotlight I craved would find me.
For a season, this whole camera ready concept worked. I was able to hide a lot of character flaws this way. However, as I matured and began walking with the Lord; I realized being picture perfect is not an option at all for those who are but flesh. I learned that my idea of being camera ready was my own insecurity tunneling its way to the surface, rearing its ugly head. It was my coping mechanism that I’d created to control my life and the perfection I was attempting to create was merely a facade. I was covering up my fears believing in my camera ready crutch. It told me that remaining in this state meant I was “handling my business”. How wrong and silly I was! I wasn’t handling anything. The reality was my fears were managing me.
This realization made me feel defeated. However, when I turned completely to the Lord, He taught me the best pictures were those that were not posed at all! He showed me those spur of the moment photos with amber tones of fading sunlight catching my silhouette in an afternoon breeze were priceless shots! Those were the best camera ready photographs! These photos that illustrated my vulnerability while exposing my fears were the ones that showcased my inner strength. For in them, I learned how to have faith in God!
The best times in my relationship with God were the times when I couldn’t prepare myself even if I tried. The most awesome times were times when life had totally blindsided me, when it seemed like adversity was overwhelming me and I couldn’t see myself coming out in one piece mentally. The most precious times were those in which my human frailty was obviously apparent. The lesson God taught compelled me to respect the fact that no matter what I do or where I go, He is taking the picture. He is ALWAYS in control. There is no amount of preparation or foresight I can muster that could compare to God’s insight.
I can rest in the comfort that even though I’m not always camera ready, my God takes perfect pictures of me every single time! His anointing airbrushes my flaws and His love shoots me in the right light. His pictures always illustrate my camera ready gifts, no matter what my reality is at the moment. No matter my actions or where I go or whomever I meet God is in complete control. How can I fear anything with security like that? I can rest in the arms of my God who takes photos of me that are picture perfect single every time, even when I’m not Always Camera Ready…..
Be encouraged child of the Most High God!
