I've only taken one class at Canby Bible College. Walking in to that class (because I knew the teacher and wanted to support him) I never, ever expected to walk out with a new community. I hadn't realized how desperately I craved community with peers - you know, people my own age - who loved Jesus so much. Somewhere after high-school when we all head off to work, university or community college, we can easily lose touch with intentional Christian gathering.
Don't give up.
It's my pleasure to present to you two friends from said class. Their hard work and dedication has lead them to graduation - and due to Covid-19 it is nothing like anybody expected. Worry and disappointment would be understandable, but that's not the song they were singing. This unique time has given them time to step back and examine their lives, what they want to see change and how they can come along side our generation. At the end they will walk away with invaluable lessons because they took the time to seek God and meditate on what they've observed. We'll be moving forward with gratitude for yesterday and anticipation for today and the days ahead.
I watched Grace shyly pick up her guitar and take her place in front of the class. Her hands shook ever so slightly. Smiling, she took a deep breath and began to share her heart, her music, her song. My breath left me, quite literally, as shivers ran down my back. This girl. This girl has been given the gift of music, of worship, of empathy and of beautiful expression. The whole class sat frozen, afraid the slightest movement would break the enchantment. When we all remembered to breath again I don't think we could find enough words of praise and encouragement. She truly has the gift to connect us with our Savior.
And then there's Daniel. Every morning he walked into class with a brilliant smile, "Hello, Sarah." He is a friend to everybody and everybody is his friend. With a heart for God and people, no one could help but be amazed as he talked about his life and insights. If any one man can do anything, I'm fairly confident it will be this one.
So when I got the e-mail requesting I do their graduation photos, you'd better believe I jumped on it.
My favorite part from this shoot was when I asked them to sit in the field. "Here, I'll get on the ground, too, so I can empathize," I say with a wink. Before I knew it I got so carried away in the moment that I found myself on my stomach in the dirt squinting into the sun, "Don't. Move. This is perfect." And it was.
-Sarah Marie
Thanks Sarah for sharing your thoughts and heart. 😘