I recently got to shoot a very special and wonderful family. I've known Staci for several years because we used to go to church together. This year their family experienced a tremendous loss in the tragic and unexpected loss of their husband and father. When Staci reached out to me for their session, she told me how now she realizes how important family photos are and that she wanted to capture her family right now. Even though they have experienced great loss, the Lord is sustaining them and has even brought them joys through their sorrow. Photography is so much more than a business or even a hobby to me. The Lord has brought me several families this year who have been going through gut wrenching trials and He has used me for His Glory to minister to His people with this gift of photography. Don't get me wrong, I am not trying to toot a horn when I say that. I only say that to bring attention to the incredibly loving God we serve and how He cares about even the details. We are His beloved. He calls us chosen, his children. He loves us so much. So much, that he would use something as seemingly insignificant as a photo session to bring us joy in the midst of pain. He cares for us. Even through the trials and most difficult seasons, He is there. Always. The whole time I edited this session, I listened to "Ever Be" by Kalley Heiligenthall with Bethel. You can hear it here. I wanted to write the lyrics here because I felt it was so fitting for this family.....
Your love is devoted like a ring of solid gold Like a vow that is tested like a covenant of old Your love is enduring through the winter rain And beyond the horizon with mercy for today
Faithful You have been and faithful you will be You pledge yourself to me and it's why I sing
Your praise will ever be on my lips, ever be on my lips Your praise will ever be on my lips, ever be on my lips
You Father the orphan Your kindness makes us whole You shoulder our weakness And Your strength becomes our own You're making me like you Clothing me in white Bringing beauty from ashes For You will have Your bride
Free of all her guilt and rid of all her shame And known by her true name and it's why I sing
Your praise will ever be on my lips, ever be on my lips Your praise will ever be on my lips, ever be on my lips
You will be praised You will be praised With angels and saints we sing worthy are You Lord You will be praised You will be praised With angels and saints we sing worthy are You Lord
and it's why I sing
Your praise will ever be on my lips, ever be on my lips Your praise will ever be on my lips, ever be on my lips
