For the next 15 days, I’ll be raising money for the missionary society HeartCry. If you donate $20 or more, you will be entered to win a free photography session. The HeartCry Missionary Society began in 1988 in the country of Peru with a desire to aid indigenous or native missionaries, so that they might reach their own peoples and establish biblical churches. Since then, the Lord has expanded their borders to include not only South America, but also Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and the Arctic Region. This organization’s teaching material has had a tremendous positive effect in my life, as I know it has for others. There are several things about this organization that make it stand out, but one of my favorite things is that they will not ask for money or let their needs be known, outside of staff members. They are a missionary society that believes and depends on God’s unlimited resources to provide for the mission to which God has called them. Your money will not be used to support the luxury of men or women- it will be used responsibly to further the Gospel Of Jesus Christ.
To enter to win a free session, click here and donate $20 or more. In the comment sections put HeartCry. Names will be pulled from a hat, and the winner will be announced 10/01/2012.
This is Tim and Sarah. I’ve said a dozen times on this blog I get some of the best clients, and these guys are no exception. Tim is a youth pastor and Sarah… Well, I’m not sure what Sarah does. But they both are great Christian people. Occasionally I get clients that are plenty “religious,” but not very Christian. That is simply not the case with these guys. You can feel the softness and kindness of their spirit just spill over from these guys. You get the point; they are a great couple. Enjoy!
As of Monday morning, July 30th, I entered the “battle” regarding gay marriage. I did not jump into it, but rather I was pushed. On that Monday morning, I came under attack for refusing to photograph gays as a couple. I’ve been harassed and publicly slandered on several mediums because my policy. I wanted to write this post to set the record straight.
This year, I have been asked to photograph gay couples. While I am very honored that those couples appreciate my vision, I have politely declined my services. I did so based on the fact that I felt like it was against my personal convictions. Because I am a Christian, a book called the Bible forms my personal convictions. While most people know what the Bible is, most do not understand that it is to be used as a life manual for Christians in every situation. I believe every single word in that book is inspired by God, and He has called me to obey it. Many times, Christians overlook the importance of Biblical instruction. Admittedly, I myself have fallen into that trap. Nevertheless, despite my failures, as I read the Bible every morning, I get better at following the instructions that are found in it. I want to follow the Bible, but I’m also human. Now you know where I’m coming from, and you know I’m not perfect. Please let me explain why I will not photograph gays as a couple. In the Bible are many clear proclamations that the homosexual lifestyle is wrong, and, to quote the Bible, it calls the homosexual lifestyle, “an abomination.” That’s pretty strong wording, right? Therefore, it is safe to assume that by photographing gay couples, I am going against the very word of God. If you are gay, or if you support gays, don’t get your feathers ruffled yet. Hear me out and keep reading to the end.
Before I can further explain why I will not photograph gays as a couple, allow me to define what pictures of a gay couple would look like. During a session with a heterosexual couple, they will lightly kiss and hold each other. Likewise, if I were to photograph homosexual couples, they would do the same. After a typical session, I would post the images online. As stated before, if I accepted a gay couple as clients, I would treat them equally and post the images online as well. At this point, not only would I feel like I have gone against God and His Word, I would also publicly announce and endorse the homosexual lifestyle by publishing the images. This is the primary reason that I will not photograph gays as a couple.
If you are gay, or a supporter of the homosexual lifestyle, you might be a little angry with me, but I want to let you in on my personal life. I do have gay friends. As a matter of fact, one of my closest friends just announced she was gay. And guess what? I still give her hugs just as big as the ones that I’ve always given her – and her sexual orientation will never change that. My goal with my friends, including my gay friends, is to set a good example of the way a Godly man should be, while not forgetting to love those who believe differently than me. Again, I admit that I have failed at times. As I said earlier, I get better at it with age. I want the gay community to understand that just because I do not support your lifestyle does not mean that I feel as though I can’t love you and be there for you. Frequently, gays are hurt emotionally, and sometimes physically, due solely to their sexual orientation. That does not just bother me and annoy me; it angers me. Sadly, sometimes these attacks are from people who are claiming to be Christians. Christians are not called by God to attack gays with their fists or lashing tongues. Men and women of faith are called to stand up strong for what we believe in, and to love people. The Bible is not a book about law, but a book about love and sacrifice, and the main character is King Jesus. The Word of God proclaims Him as the person that Christians are to follow. His ways are to honor and protect His children, and bring abundant life to them. However, if we are not careful, it is easy to miss the main message of the Bible – to love God, and to love people. I believe Christians should stand for what we believe, and stand strong. When it comes time to fight, do so, but don’t miss out on the blessing of loving people.