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
