My very first camera was a gift from my dad about ten years ago. It was the basic of the basic, and I used it extremely basically. When my now seven-year-old daughter was born, I used it basically yes, but also very very often. So often, I’m sure she thought it was a natural part of my face. I wanted to capture every move, laugh, tot, smile, and yes even the tears. Every milestone and the moments in between is mainly what my day consisted of. That camera didn’t leave home without me. Or wait, is it the other way around? Ha.
It wasn’t until two years later I had a friend tell me I needed to become a “photographer”. Say what?? Come again?? Me? Yeah, right. Another year later, one morning while sitting on the sofa watching tv, an Art Institute of Houston commercial came on. Unknowingly, God nudged my heart and I made a phone call. Maybe, my friend was right? Or maybe and more practically so, she was just sweet and being supportive of whatever talent she conjured up in her head that I had. Either way, I knew I wanted to do something extraordinary with my life, with a gift, and with a passion. Being a stay-at-home mom was amazing and such a blessing, but at the end of the day I craved more; I just didn’t know what. And, little did I know, the artist in me was a caged bird ready to spread its wings and sing a new song.
A few months later, I was accepted into the Art Institute program where I purchased my very first “pro” camera. The buttons, gadgets, do-hickies, and thing-a-majigs were beyond overwhelming, and I kid you not, that camera sat nice and pretty in its tiny little golden box for an entire three months until my classmates so generously bullied me into actually
taking it out and {what, are you kidding me?} practicing. Oh, and practicing some more. Oh, and some more! Until my finger felt like it was going to fall off. Oh the terror- the frustration, I tell you! This piece of equipment cost more than my bedroom set, and I’m a clumsy fool. What if it drops? What if it breaks?? Even worse, what if it shatters into a million pieces along with my very hopes and dreams of actually using it to take actual pictures and actually make {dare I say it} “ART”?
A few weeks later, I conquered my fear. I went from carrying that thing around my neck until I cramped and got a horrific ugly tan line to nonchalantly swaying it back and forth at the {gasp} beach with sand and wind and earthly elements. Oh my! Did I really press in and conquer my fear of the unknown? I sure did!
Today, I believe if we are not constantly pressing in and facing our fears, we will never conquer them. We will never reach our goals, and the plans He has set in our hearts. The very plans He has whispered in our ear. The plans to not harm, but to prosper! So get out there, and punch fear in the face! Wake up with your dreams in mind, every single morning! Yahweh made us a new creation, meaning we are always evolving! Never get complacent and settle for anything less than what God has promised you, because all of those promises await just beyond your comfort zone.
Casey