May 9 - Photo Ops and Treasures
Matthew 7:12 "So in everything, do to others what you would
have them do to you...."
Luke 2:19 "But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered
them in her heart."
Seeing people live in abject poverty. It is unlike anything you will ever
see. No matter where I go and how many times I see it, I still ride through
countries and walk through villages around the world choking back tears. Other
than seeing lives changed for Christ and helping those living in poverty to
overcome it, it is one of my heart's greatest desires to see the poor maintain,
regain or for the first time ever in their lives, achieve dignity. And it
doesn't happen when large teams of North Americans walk around snapping photo
after photo of their every day lives, especially without permission.
Guatemalans of all ages are beautiful people and I understand the desire to
capture their faces and lives in photographs. But for a moment, put yourself in
the shoes of a woman that is exactly like one you will meet there.
She steps out of her tiny tin shack. She is wearing a worn, dirty dress. A
broom in her hand, she has been working all day to keep the mud from overtaking
her dirt floor. She is weary. And she has no idea who you are or why you are
there. A photo of her would make a great newsletter piece for a missionary or
for your scrapbook. Having a photo of her will make you happy and it will be
great to show your friends back home so you take it. But how did taking the
photo make HER feel?
Guatemalans, like the rest of us, want dignity. If you would have asked her
if you could take her picture, she probably would have said yes. First she would
have liked to change her clothes and brush her hair. She would have wanted to
look her best so that when you showed others her picture, they would have seen
her at her best. Aren't we all the same?
Obviously on a mission trip most team members, if not all, want to get
video and photos. I understand and please, take as many photos as you can and
enjoy them later. Be respectful, but by all means, take pictures!
However, there are some experiences that you will have and some things you
are going to see that are going to be so astonishing, scenes that you are going
to be itching to record which you will need to let go of. Out of love for the
people of Guatemala, you are going to have to simply treasure the memories in
your heart (journal them, too!) and keep them between you and the Lord.
In Biblical times, there were no cameras. Mary didn't have a scrapbook. She
treasured some of the world's most important events in her heart. You can do the
same so that those we serve do not feel like they are on display and in turn,
gain a little more dignity.
God, thank you for allowing me to go to Guatemala and for all of the
new people and experiences and sights that you will bring my way. Help me to
record as much as I can. But Lord, in addition to that, help me to choose to
treasure in my heart the memories of what you do, the places you take me and
what you bring my way. I reject any selfish action that would be hurtful to
another human being because I know that would hinder your kingdom. Help me to
walk in your love at all times.
With Gratitude,
Sondra
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