tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49318330953999743682024-03-19T01:42:47.602-07:00Revolutionary MediaA team of artists who change the world through beautiful and true media projects.Sarah Bradshawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09585626595081705542noreply@blogger.comBlogger136125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4931833095399974368.post-24598282430503841112010-03-27T10:13:00.000-07:002010-03-27T10:13:23.456-07:00New RevMedia Site!In honor of our Dear World Campaign, Revolutionary Media has launched a new blog-site! We are thrilled to invite you to the Revolutionary Community at <b><a href="http://www.revmediablog.com/">www.RevMediaBlog.com</a></b>.<br />
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Come check it out!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6DW6eakK0n3u9Sz8ePzi9LBHO7qDK1Ei_nUT95xVM6EJ12VVFlTmYE3xQcQkLMwiTsW2ch5WhFpCTaUzcmshKXWtwqFJQhoGtV0hs47-m6iwONbQJrU3DDtCvMS4UBpxaTxw9OJNS8CFg/s1600/photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6DW6eakK0n3u9Sz8ePzi9LBHO7qDK1Ei_nUT95xVM6EJ12VVFlTmYE3xQcQkLMwiTsW2ch5WhFpCTaUzcmshKXWtwqFJQhoGtV0hs47-m6iwONbQJrU3DDtCvMS4UBpxaTxw9OJNS8CFg/s400/photo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Christina N Dicksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02657529641775815760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4931833095399974368.post-11545060381361810662010-03-11T07:51:00.000-08:002010-03-11T07:51:04.694-08:00The Answer to the Problem<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Dear World seeks to challenge and inspire people to reach out with the hands and feet of Jesus to a lost and dying world - to be a part of His work of redemption in every area of life. But Dear World is not the only resource that speaks about this topic. Check out the words of Shane Claiborne from his book "Becoming the Answer to our Problems."</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
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<i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">"</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">W</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">e</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> live in difficult days. The hungry are not just hungry. Often they are also our enemies. Drug addiction and mental illness make many who are hungry hard to deal with. They threaten us. Others have been hungry for so long that they are angry, even at those who want to help. We worry about how to protect ourselves from them while at the same time feeling guilty for our complicity in their poverty. So we give to charities. And charities become the brokers for our compassion toward the poor. </span></span></i><br />
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The problem with this is that we never get to know the poor. Though we have been made children of God together with them in Jesus Christ, we never sit down to eat with our hungry brothers and sisters. We never hear their stories. We never learn to see the world through their eyes..."</span></span></i><br />
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">"There will always be poor in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward those of your people who are poor and who live in the land." - Deuteronomy 15:11. To live God's way of life in the wold is to know that the poor are our brothers and sisters..." </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">- </span></span></b><a href="http://www.thesimpleway.org/shane/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Shane Claiborne</span></span></b></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Becoming-Answer-Our-Prayers-Ordinary/dp/0830836225">Becoming the Answer to our Prayers</a></span></span></b></span></i><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b>Keep watching for the gift release of Dear World - coming in just 2 days on Saturday, March 13th. </b></span></span>Christina N Dicksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02657529641775815760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4931833095399974368.post-21904202972811001462010-03-10T14:09:00.000-08:002010-03-10T14:09:03.742-08:00Can the Church affect Homelessness?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2mzQYKmG68oO2vGtfraR5IZ0Fk9n6IABl7_MiteLafgj2TNrLhDZSK79v5CtcczsT8dofBPfOp6K216d_WLY-ywmOa7TrlHHmFgF04230urwpZJ81HOjKuuPjwKHLoDC6_MGkOqb7br63/s1600-h/20080328_CND_28874.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2mzQYKmG68oO2vGtfraR5IZ0Fk9n6IABl7_MiteLafgj2TNrLhDZSK79v5CtcczsT8dofBPfOp6K216d_WLY-ywmOa7TrlHHmFgF04230urwpZJ81HOjKuuPjwKHLoDC6_MGkOqb7br63/s640/20080328_CND_28874.jpg" width="433" /></a></div><i>"I found more truth in drugs than I did in the church."</i><br />
- Anonymous Street Person, excerpted from Dear World.<br />
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It's a common fact among the church. Many of us have lost our flavor. We do not represent our Lord as we ought. Our desires for a life of ease, comfort, and stability often overcome the intensity of our call.<br />
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How tragic that many of the homeless are on the street because they have lost faith in the church.<br />
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Despite the plethora of ministries that the church may offer to the homeless - soup kitchens, assistance programs, food banks, etc. how interesting it is that the homeless evaluate the church - not based on it's service - but by it's faith; Faith that is rooted and grounded unshakably in the Truth of God's Word.<br />
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Of course, we cannot place entire blame on the church. Personal responsibility is required no matter the circumstances of our lives. But in the last few years, from the church has come a great deal of abuse, scandal, judgement; why then are we surprised when those who are struggling shrug off any help from such a source?<br />
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It is possible to reverse this issue. To restore faith in the church, by the church restoring it's unrelenting faith in God.<br />
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And to this end, Dear World may help you answer the question: "How can the church affect homelessness?"<br />
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You can read about it yourself at midnight on Saturday, March 13th, 2010, in the digital campaign and gift release of Dear World on the 2 year anniversary of this <a href="http://www.TheRevMediaProject.com/"><b>Revolutionary Media</b></a> project.<br />
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Be a part of a revolution to affect the homeless through the hands and feet of Jesus.<br />
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See the Need. Be the Change.Christina N Dicksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02657529641775815760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4931833095399974368.post-25815166596547147342010-03-08T11:14:00.000-08:002010-03-08T11:22:10.682-08:00What Should You Do when You See the Homeless?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ipw4utAMLkNTO84HFzM_SS3f2PBLd7GYOnOqM-SIarSbjXHxmZPCgql7WLPtcOYPLHwKi45UZWURadcAWSAUC745Wo3rX-QLewTlN0mvDalnKW0iPL24kmCIpZRnrypPUrO-hC7kngX_/s1600-h/20080325_CND_63305.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ipw4utAMLkNTO84HFzM_SS3f2PBLd7GYOnOqM-SIarSbjXHxmZPCgql7WLPtcOYPLHwKi45UZWURadcAWSAUC745Wo3rX-QLewTlN0mvDalnKW0iPL24kmCIpZRnrypPUrO-hC7kngX_/s400/20080325_CND_63305.jpg" width="271" /></a></div>In approximately six days, you just may find out the answer to this question, once and for all.<br />
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At midnight on Saturday, March 13th, Revolutionary Media will be releasing Dear World to the public.<br />
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What's the best part about this?<br />
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You don't have to order it, and you don't have to wait to read it.<br />
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In fact, we think you will be shocked with the way Revolutionary Media is bringing it to you.<br />
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Stay tuned. Be prepared to join the revolution. And spread the word with us.<br />
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<i>"We think sometimes that poverty is only being hungry, naked and homeless. The poverty of being unwanted, unloved, and uncared for is the greatest poverty. We must start in our own homes to remedy this kind of poverty..."</i> - Mother Theresa<br />
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<tr><td class="sqtdq" colspan="2" style="background-color: #edf1f7; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px;"><span style="float: right;"> <img alt="" height="7" src="http://thinkexist.com/i/sq/4star.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="39" /> <img alt="I Like this quote" border="0" height="11" onclick="vote(216176,1)" src="http://thinkexist.com/i/sq/ThumbsUp.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; cursor: pointer;" width="12" /> <img alt="I dislike this quote" border="0" height="11" onclick="vote(216176,0)" src="http://thinkexist.com/i/sq/ThumbsDwn.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; cursor: pointer;" width="12" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #003399;"><br />
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</tbody></table>Christina N Dicksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02657529641775815760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4931833095399974368.post-31843481394086490342010-03-01T18:57:00.000-08:002010-03-01T18:57:55.368-08:00Hold Your Breath<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs1zOs_BiCdpNL8QuC0MRUETengR7cHC_HaFU6bn01IxsFMTzgj81V_j4hGaA3uB0_09TPrQVHzwvYL6Npwe58DCs1BWWvBgdC5yCtBFiWPx5IIZq2G5bMdcmTxqiN-PjevF0lKjbb4hSh/s1600-h/20090115_CND_68264.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs1zOs_BiCdpNL8QuC0MRUETengR7cHC_HaFU6bn01IxsFMTzgj81V_j4hGaA3uB0_09TPrQVHzwvYL6Npwe58DCs1BWWvBgdC5yCtBFiWPx5IIZq2G5bMdcmTxqiN-PjevF0lKjbb4hSh/s400/20090115_CND_68264.jpg" width="247" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">You haven't heard from us in a while. We know. It's been several months. Close to 5 months to be exact.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">We promise, there have been good reasons.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Some have or are soon to be married. Others have just moved. Some are finishing formal education. And others are transitioning jobs.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The entire team of Revolutionary Media has been living out the God given call to use their talents for His redemption story, but we haven't been very active together.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">That time is soon coming to an end.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">We promise.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">We are going to begin a countdown to the 2nd anniversary of Burnside Underground and Dear World. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">For the birthday of Dear World, we will be drawing it's tumultuous production journey to an end. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">That's right. On Saturday, March 13th, Revolutionary Media will be releasing the digi-download of Dear World.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Sound awesome? We think so too. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">But don't take our word for it.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">We invite you to join us for it's coming in Celebration. After all, the message of rescue and redemption is a calling on each of our lives - and we are attempting to do this through artistic media.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The campaign is starting. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Trust us, you want to be a part of this.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Maybe you'll be among the first to see the unveiling of several new things in Revolutionary Media. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Hold your breath.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">It's coming. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 down. 13 days to go.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Christina N Dicksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02657529641775815760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4931833095399974368.post-72007815907983982292009-11-04T07:39:00.000-08:002009-11-04T07:39:26.712-08:00India_Log: Of Smells and Portraits<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2UuSXHpqwlCk4n9e8NtvC5vA10EqyeMIhED5OT7cK9w0WelgSNwibKE0Js_ADJ5LNFeOx-GeoZziQHICmJI-JSQqjaiMAkQj7H7PA6dAaRC5atoNcMeliAZidRt-szCrcPv5-UkCTNMgi/s1600-h/CCD_1639.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2UuSXHpqwlCk4n9e8NtvC5vA10EqyeMIhED5OT7cK9w0WelgSNwibKE0Js_ADJ5LNFeOx-GeoZziQHICmJI-JSQqjaiMAkQj7H7PA6dAaRC5atoNcMeliAZidRt-szCrcPv5-UkCTNMgi/s400/CCD_1639.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Dear Dad,<br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">I smell of portraits.<br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">No. Really. I do.<br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">I smell of portraits.<br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Before today, I didn't know that portraits could have a smell. But they do actually. And - don't get me wrong - it's not because I'm not paying attention to hygiene; I smell like portraits because that's what I did today. I spent one hour taking portraits of the common people of India. These are the ones who spend most hours of their days working in their shops along the main streets. They are those whom we westerners would call "blue collar workers" in the most hardcore sense.<br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Rig-shaw drivers. Sugar cane laborers. Mechanics. Grocers. Tailors.<br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">The Indian people don't seem to be much concerned with cleanliness or hygiene. Garbage is strewn in piles all along the streets. Sidewalks double for makeshift bathroom stalls, and the sewage slowly drips into the drains with an other worldly stench. Fingernails are grown out for, well, let's just say "business" purposes. And the dirt; the dirt of cars, bikes, rig-shaws, buses, and animals fills the air and dusts you with a layer of grime from things of which you don't want to know. It is in such an environment that the people of India work and labor, day after day, after day.<br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Today, these are the people of whom I took portraits.<br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">I think had you been out there on the streets with me, there would have been times you would have been uncomfortable. Not because of the dirt, but because of the nature of the location. The percentage of men in public places compared to the percentage of woman is vastly different - even startlingly different. Typically, if I am in an international location, I will try to take portraits of women and children - certainly not approaching men. I don't want to give the wrong impression [I think you'd be glad of that. ;-) You trained me well...]. Here, it is almost impossible to just go to the streets and take portraits of the women. Either they are not around, or they are shy and won't allow you to do so.<br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Today was interesting. I found myself following the hand motions of men and children who wanted me to take portraits of them in their work environment. The rig-shaw drivers in their rigs-haws. The shop owners with workers of their shop. I was surprised - especially after previous experience - to be the one being approached for photos of the people. It was delightful actually. Being able to give joy to these people who invest so much of their time and energy into survival.<br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">I promise, I've never been on the street in a completely dangerous situation - I mean, it is India after all. But overall, there have been very few times I've felt uncomfortable with my camera out among the locals. I've been surrounded by street children, old men, families, and other such crowds with nothing but a firm grip on my camera and a friend somewhere nearby to keep me. Of course, there's the greatest Protector of all who is also watching my back.<br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">What I enjoy about going out to photograph India, is that I never know what I'm going to find. I never know what kind of opportunity I may have to photograph. In fact, so far I've gone into my times to shot with a mindset precisely the opposite of the photographs I capture. If I go out with an intense purpose to get portraits, the time and place doesn't really work out; but if I go out casually for shots of India in general - like today - I come upon the most beautiful people I have ever seen and am privilege to capture some of the most beautiful portraits I have ever taken.<br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Sure, I smell like portraits. I smell like the real workers and citizens of India. But it's a smell that will wash off. It will eventually go away.<br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">I also come away with something that will never fade.<br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">That is why I don't mind.<br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">In fact, I kind of hope that I get to smell this way again. And soon.<br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Luv you Dad. Thank you for the prayers...<br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Christina <br />
</div>Christina N Dicksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02657529641775815760noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4931833095399974368.post-38122346617550142002009-11-01T07:40:00.000-08:002009-11-01T07:46:06.863-08:00India_Log: Quiet Worship<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZQMUnKB_FCzVJwixg_15afDgZXqw6y85BaD01SMre4ufObQmzVbEb_F3m2msgMiXMJEgZq6C6-1ptR-e3KW-ehAM7Cuz0xcKLAKEaRCowsjWQGhZHgyIbSnUp1pXChpsHTPLWqrqKScE_/s1600-h/IMG_6010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZQMUnKB_FCzVJwixg_15afDgZXqw6y85BaD01SMre4ufObQmzVbEb_F3m2msgMiXMJEgZq6C6-1ptR-e3KW-ehAM7Cuz0xcKLAKEaRCowsjWQGhZHgyIbSnUp1pXChpsHTPLWqrqKScE_/s400/IMG_6010.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Dear Brother Benjamin,<br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">This morning I attended an Anglican church.<br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Over one hundred years old, this building made of brick and stone holds worship services based on age old traditions. A steeple rose high above the compound. Hymnals and prayer books sat stacked on an old wooden stand. The pews were of carved wood and at their base were prayer cushions for worshipers to kneel. The windows were stained glass framed under beautiful arches. The women entered the church and with sovereign reverence pulled their scarves over their heads. <br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">From all my travels and visiting churches, I've never seen anything quite like this. I've never experienced a service more beautifully reverent. I think you would have been as awe struck as I.<br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">I confess, the formal service was heartfelt and sincere, but far more worshipful than most churches I have attended. Perhaps the stillness and quiet limited distractions. Perhaps the speaking of the church together in unison provided a focus. Perhaps the solemn atmosphere directed attention to a throne room that is other worldly.<br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">I am not altogether sure, even now, how or why, but in those few hours I felt with absolute certainty that God was filled with pleasure at the worship of His people. And despite everything you and I have discussed regarding churches and their organized worship services, I think I would like to go back every now and then. And I think you would have been as awe struck as I.<br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Perhaps that holy, reverent, still, and quiet worship is something that we all need from time to time. The removal of personalities and preferences, performances and projectors actually gave me the ability to focus my vision as if we were in the very throne room of God. I am not saying that such things in their place are irreverent - not at all. But the removal of these elements provided for an opportunity to focus, wholly and incomparably on the worship of God.<br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">It makes me wonder what our lives would look like if we were able to simplify. Remove all distractions of emotionalism, intellectualism, personalities, and trends enough to make God the everything of day to day worship. Would my idea of fellowship with Him be different? Would my attention span to still and quiet meditation become more lasting? Could my expectation change; be transformed from a worship that is led by entertainment, to a worship that is led by the still and small voice of God?<br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">It actually causes me to question my own creation of art. Are my photos or projects artistic pieces that entertain, or that allow people to see the Holiness of God, and inspire a life of worshipful reverence? In the end, that is what I want my art to inspire. And that is what I want to live by.<br />
<br />
Don't you?<br />
<br />
Luv you bro.<br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Christina<br />
</div>Christina N Dicksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02657529641775815760noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4931833095399974368.post-22193992683453080932009-10-31T06:15:00.000-07:002009-10-31T06:25:07.632-07:00The India_Log: Of Faith and Planes<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><br />
Dear Sisters Emily and Abigail,<br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">I woke up this morning to the sounds of international culture. Dogs barking and cows mooing. Cars honking their horns and trucks straining through the streets. Music was playing in the distance - music in a language I couldn't understand. I heard the sounds of children playing together and women speaking loudly as they walked down the streets.<br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLg5XW0sVAaHuscCtBRI73A8mR7-U-9lJkESyCYjDqxItB4JNEViz8xqveHXCKQgdhi94fmRovBI7-NhmhWyzfqiWWLvT4YelSzdrd0WL1q2js5d7VXVzLyynsmAGqcaIXUX64PVIF__ke/s1600-h/IMG_6001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLg5XW0sVAaHuscCtBRI73A8mR7-U-9lJkESyCYjDqxItB4JNEViz8xqveHXCKQgdhi94fmRovBI7-NhmhWyzfqiWWLvT4YelSzdrd0WL1q2js5d7VXVzLyynsmAGqcaIXUX64PVIF__ke/s400/IMG_6001.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">This is India.<br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">I've not been here yet 24 hours and already am in love. The sights. The sounds. The smells. The colors. The chaos. I think you girls would be amazed at the culture here - full of charm and character.<br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">India is far more beautiful than anything I could have imagined.<br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Last night as I sat on a plane for two hours on the Chicago tarmac I couldn't believe I was finally going to India. I wondered if it would be everything I imagined.<br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">The plane was full of people who seemed just as excited to go as I. I found myself taking in the sight all of the other travelors who surrounded me. Natives. Tourists. Athletes. Businesmen. Families. The atmosphere was thick with anticipation. Together we were on the plane, but individually, we each had our reasons for traveling. Everyone was off on a unique journey.<br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">That journey included traveling 38000 feet in the sky.<br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">This was the "big idea" of my traveling. As I gazed out the window and searched the earth below, I realized that flying takes a great deal of faith; You sit in a seat with nothing but a few feet of plastic and metal surrounding you from the elements. A few laws of dynamics, and a lot of air are all that separates you from a frightfully disturbing end.<br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">I was more astonished by the next thought: I realized that our culture takes flying with hardly a second thought, and yet it is also a culture where faith is looked down upon with disdain. This faith - an extreeme faith we could say - seems to come to us easier than faith in God.<br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0j9vJj72yON33pz54qRThIqWjFtWWLxgFqRanKmK22lGG-l2IvdQ4zVhBrhhfKVHo4yDHnI4bkSOWmeXuXfWqLxIN1yfbtTnGGBqFeFNyXi8E5CyC5N-bTHT-jXE-3uFxcgHuNKBR7tIB/s1600-h/IMG_6007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0j9vJj72yON33pz54qRThIqWjFtWWLxgFqRanKmK22lGG-l2IvdQ4zVhBrhhfKVHo4yDHnI4bkSOWmeXuXfWqLxIN1yfbtTnGGBqFeFNyXi8E5CyC5N-bTHT-jXE-3uFxcgHuNKBR7tIB/s400/IMG_6007.jpg" /></a><br />
</div>Gazing out the window and seeing the wide scape of rivers and mountians, of houses and roads; it challeged me with an alarming idea: What would it look like to have faith in God that would be similar to the faith I have in flying? Almost immediately I felt uncomfortable. Can I take my faith that seriously, that 30000 feet in the air seems nothing in comparison? Can I daily trust my God to keep me high and lifted up despite the alarming plunge below?<br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Will I take my faith that seriously? The thought has kept with me these last 36 hours of traveling and settling in here; as I stared out at the skyscape of Jaipur this morning, and walked the streets of the same city late this afternoon. I decided, quite assuredly, that this is the kind of faith by which I want my life to be characterized. I know it may be full of gut droping turbulance, and storm swaying wind, but isn't that what every journey is about? <br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">I hope you girls can grow to desire this kind of faith; this kind of faith that walks its journeys taking courage by the hand, makes resiliance it's guide, and the Savior it's Master.<br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">This is what I pray for you girls tonight.<br />
</div>Christina N Dicksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02657529641775815760noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4931833095399974368.post-57560970488062329542009-10-28T19:01:00.000-07:002009-10-28T19:01:22.040-07:00Journeying to India<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwdE9-g3jSsd5O-azOHmsYgS-uFtNrtYzWe2jkI4sD5YSRn-NJ6iZ2ry3rLz6wkhuI_RS4iPbrq7MrBowIuaHq8_doAdzwIQvRASqmu9p3iKUxmsi-_-PCIDkVkOjA3Tej7LoBleGmQqEL/s1600-h/n500224475_540401_1561.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwdE9-g3jSsd5O-azOHmsYgS-uFtNrtYzWe2jkI4sD5YSRn-NJ6iZ2ry3rLz6wkhuI_RS4iPbrq7MrBowIuaHq8_doAdzwIQvRASqmu9p3iKUxmsi-_-PCIDkVkOjA3Tej7LoBleGmQqEL/s400/n500224475_540401_1561.jpg" /></span></span></span></a><br />
</div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">RevMedia is setting it's sights on India.</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Land of silks and turbans. Of castes and characters. A place of palaces and princes, and of camels and tourists. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">There is also another side to India that most people choose not to see. And that is a Land of oppression and heart ache. Of human slavery and degradation. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">RevMedia wants to help you see the needs in this land. We want to help you understand the issues and what is going on. Moreover, we want to show you how Y.O.U. can be the change for these issues - whether that is home or abroad.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Tomorrow, I am getting on a plane, and heading to Jaiper, India. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The entire RevMedia team can't go yet. But that's ok. I am going to work with YWAM and train up another group of philanthropic artists to reach people through art and visual communication. This trip will be preparations for the future, but I also expect this to be a personal learning experience for me. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This trip will also be a beautiful journey for y.o.u; our RevMedia readers and supporters. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">My commitment to you is that these articles and posts will never waste your time. Rather, I believe they will also send you on a journey to personal discovery. My ultimate desire with communication is to Inspire my audience, to encourage, and challenge them to love in ways they never have thought possible. </span></span></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Arial; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
</div><div style="font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Arial; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I also am going to have a surprise with my posts. I want these posts to be personal and so I am going to write to one particular person in my post. The surprise is that you will never know if YOU are the individual I am writing to, clear from the other side of the world. </span></span><br />
</div><div style="font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Arial; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
</div><div style="font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Arial; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This is my invitation. I will post the updates here in this thread. I hope you all will join me for this adventure. And my prayer is that you will find it to affect you in such a way, that you never "see" things the same again.</span></span><br />
</div><div style="font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Arial; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><br />
</div><div style="font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Arial; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Look forward to seeing you in India.</span></span><br />
</div><div style="font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Arial; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><br />
</div><div style="font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Arial; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">- Christina</span></span><br />
</div><div style="font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Arial; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><br />
</div><div style="font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Arial; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">[Photo Courtesy my dear friend <a href="http://www.jmimagery.net/index2.php"><b>John McPherson</b></a>]</span></span><br />
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</div></div>Christina N Dicksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02657529641775815760noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4931833095399974368.post-14350794423208140342009-10-27T14:02:00.000-07:002009-10-27T14:03:39.284-07:00Marks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6EedBsu-5R6sOwruVINYlRL55GxeN_pJWe0GXcnUDXntF9-gQCPZZ_kW8q3MlcFt1KTAz-RJ3_Y65Hg-d6TPcaA98WxY-lYjkGIFx-VQQRzNDjeC_lItLoHBBdvmkEobZHkgDOuXxMgPw/s1600-h/back+page.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6EedBsu-5R6sOwruVINYlRL55GxeN_pJWe0GXcnUDXntF9-gQCPZZ_kW8q3MlcFt1KTAz-RJ3_Y65Hg-d6TPcaA98WxY-lYjkGIFx-VQQRzNDjeC_lItLoHBBdvmkEobZHkgDOuXxMgPw/s400/back+page.jpg" /></a><br />
</div>I am a dreamer.<br />
<br />
A visionary.<br />
<br />
This may not come as a surprise to most. But recently I took a StrengthFinders test and discovered the degree to which I am those qualities.<br />
<br />
According to Gallop, I am an "Activator" and "Achiever". A person who is constantly starting something, simply for the purpose of completing it; The kind of person who makes list just to cross everything off them.<br />
<br />
Here's the confession: I like making my mark.<br />
<br />
I think in some ways, we all do. We all want to do something that matters. We all want to be a part of something larger than themselves.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, we are often misled by what we think is "bigger than ourselves", and what really is.<br />
<br />
It's okay to have dreams about making your mark. The real issue is this: Is your dreaming keeping you from taking action? Are you waiting for the "perfect opportunity" to step out of your comfort zone and make a difference?<br />
<br />
If so, you may need to rethink things.<br />
<br />
To be completely honest, making your mark is something that can take place in whatever location and capacity you are ready and prepared for. The fact is, there are people in your backyard who need your help. There are people in your city, your town who need you. There are ministries in your area who could use someone with your artistic skills and giftings.<br />
<br />
It may be that so long as your busy dreaming, you will miss the best opportunity that you will ever have to make your mark.<br />
<br />
So.<br />
<br />
Where are your markings?<br />
<br />
Where could you make your mark close by?<br />
<br />
Just think about that today.<br />
<br />
Maybe you will change y.o.u.r. world.<br />
<br />
[<span style="color: #6c6159; font-family: Helvetica, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: italic;">This post is the fifth in a series of weekly posts designed to inspire and challenge through the stories and thoughts from the<a href="http://www.TheRevMediaProject.com/" style="color: #4a413a; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;"><b>Revolutionary Media</b></a>book, "Dear World".<a href="http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/540447" style="color: #4a413a; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;"><b>Dear World</b></a> is available for purchase through <a href="http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/540447" style="color: #4a413a; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;"><b>Blurb</b></a><b>,</b> and in November 2009 will be available for digital download by donation.]</span>Christina N Dicksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02657529641775815760noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4931833095399974368.post-54627751603604292232009-10-23T16:41:00.000-07:002009-10-23T16:41:50.632-07:00Belief and Walk<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibIT8PTfaPqg7JTDS2ypGTmdd087g51aESAFI64MsD3um5hCUr7ZKD4HpgsaQCr69Rv-l6lWBLhzBi-hsDwxSaiFwElJ5Yg5-00tUdVjdLchaGD4ol5OCnAE-2NdJRs7MxSLYuOPCf2-EZ/s1600-h/nick+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibIT8PTfaPqg7JTDS2ypGTmdd087g51aESAFI64MsD3um5hCUr7ZKD4HpgsaQCr69Rv-l6lWBLhzBi-hsDwxSaiFwElJ5Yg5-00tUdVjdLchaGD4ol5OCnAE-2NdJRs7MxSLYuOPCf2-EZ/s400/nick+copy.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Christianity is full of contradictions.<br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">We live to die. We die to live. We sow to reap. We lay down to take up. We love ourselves to love others. We suffer to find joy. We let go to hold on. To be strong we must be weak.<br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Yes. Christianity is full of contradictions.<br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">I was not among the team members who had the honor of connecting with Nick, but his beliefs strike a cord in me. For how often do I <i>say</i> that I believe what God says, and yet don't trust that His power is great enough to come through for me? I don't live by what He says, so how can I say that I believe in Him?<br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">I am ashamed to say this is such a commonality in my life. "You are Great. You are Good. You are Provider." I say in my prayers. But as I walk my mind echoes doubts and discouragements. "My dreams are impossible. My challenges are too big for me. My needs are greater than my financial opportunities."<br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">It's as if I hear the words of the preacher in church and nod my head in agreement to His description of God's Greatness. And then as soon as i take my step out the door, I walk on as if I never heard anything.<br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">I may believe one way; but I walk in a different direction.<br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">The actions of my life reflect the words of Nick. "I don't believe God, but I believe what He says."<br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Maybe then, the contradiction is actually not in Christianity, but rather my own heart. <br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">And so, I must ask myself: Can this be different? Can I change? What would my life looked like if I believed what God said, determined to live by it, and did? Maybe then the contradictions wouldn't be so confusing anymore. Maybe then, life would actually make sense.<br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Perhaps then, I could be pressed but not crushed;<br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Perplexed, but not despaired.<br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Pursued but not forsaken.<br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Struck down but not destroyed.<br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Maybe then, the circumstances of my life would not be the measuring stick for God's faithfulness to me. Maybe then, God could be the stability of my life, even when I don't understand what is going on. Maybe in these contradictions I can find a haven - for our God is the same yesterday, today, and forever.<br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">I want my belief to be my walk.<br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Don't you?<br />
</div><div><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6c6159; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; line-height: 19px;"><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="color: #6c6159; font-family: Helvetica, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-style: italic;">This post is the fourth in a series of weekly posts designed to inspire and challenge through the stories and thoughts from the<a href="http://www.TheRevMediaProject.com/" style="color: #4a413a; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;"><b>Revolutionary Media</b></a>book, "Dear World".<a href="http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/540447" style="color: #4a413a; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;"><b>Dear World</b></a> is available for purchase through <a href="http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/540447" style="color: #4a413a; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;"><b>Blurb</b></a><b>,</b> and in November 2009 will be available for digital download by donation.]</span><br />
</div><div><span style="font-family: Helvetica, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><i><br />
</i></span></span></div></span></span></span></div>Christina N Dicksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02657529641775815760noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4931833095399974368.post-26650703452744156252009-10-20T13:48:00.000-07:002009-10-21T14:47:24.797-07:00What Do You Offer?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyuuwIulUXXkZ2qZfNnQmIDW8eobXNMab4DU4df-qNDs5qeCWsLdi6UotMfQDNl6cIr77gW0CQcqBZCkPRefmdf1YPqS0PKBLVjY50GRbUa3JR6N_Kpd77YuMJRktm8iYCPGwCAqSPG2Sj/s1600-h/20090508_CND_63276.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyuuwIulUXXkZ2qZfNnQmIDW8eobXNMab4DU4df-qNDs5qeCWsLdi6UotMfQDNl6cIr77gW0CQcqBZCkPRefmdf1YPqS0PKBLVjY50GRbUa3JR6N_Kpd77YuMJRktm8iYCPGwCAqSPG2Sj/s400/20090508_CND_63276.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">In my experience of spending time with the street teens and homeless of Portland, I was struck by the value these people place on community. In fact, many individuals on the street are there because "street families" are stronger families than they had ever known.</span><br />
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">In a community where people don't have much to their name, don't have many possessions, or aren't defined by what they "do", they have an incredible sense of value of human life. Every person in a family matters - not by what they have or do, but simply because of who they are.<br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Each person is valuable because of what each person brings to the world - by simply being themselves.<br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Isn't it striking how the opposite is true for most of our culture?<br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">We artists can be among those who fall into this trap most often. We tend to define our artistic gifts as what we bring to the world sole. We place a great deal of merit in our abilities to "do". <br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">You know what I mean. A stranger asks about your work. "Oh, I'm a (fill the blank here). Artist. Photographer. Graphic Designer. Painter. Journalist. Etc. It becomes the first thing you describe of yourself. It becomes that wardrobe you don every morning before stepping out the door. It becomes the glasses through which you see the world.<br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">"Artist" all too easily becomes our identity. In our mind, it becomes the all encompassing description of what we bring to the world.<br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">But friends, this is simply not true.<br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">What we bring to the world is not what we "do". We are n.o.t. our work. We are not our abilities. We are not our gifts. These things are only elements of our identity - only parts of the whole.<br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">In fact, we are n.o.t. our art.<br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">What we bring to the world is simple: Ourselves.<br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">If you were paralyzed in a hospital bed, unable to take pictures or draw, or use a computer, or pick up a paintbrush; if you had no external outlet of "doing", what would you still bring to the world?<br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">As scary as this setting may sound, the things you discover about yourself in this imaginary environment are the most important elements you bring to the world: Your smile. Your heart. Your expressions. Your words. Your touch. Your gaze. Your laugh. Your dreams. Your perspective. <br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">In our world, so much worth is valued by "what we do". As artists we get caught in this trap, defining ourselves and our merit in "what we do" as artists, or "who we are" as artists, or "what we create" as artists. But the truth is this: if we can capitalize on the understanding that what we bring to the world is o.u.r.s.e.l.v.e.s. filtered through the love of God, we will fulfill our role here on earth; for that is something no one else can fulfill for us.<br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Today, heed this challenge. Don't dress up in the "artists" garb before heading out the door. Don't step into the world with your camera or pen or laptop being the first things that others see. Fulfill your calling by filtering your gifts through the love of God and being the person He has called you to be.<br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">The world will miss out if you don't.<br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span style="color: #6c6159; font-family: Helvetica, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-style: italic;">[This post is the fourth in a series of weekly posts designed to inspire and challenge through the stories and thoughts from the<a href="http://www.TheRevMediaProject.com/" style="color: #4a413a; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;"><b>Revolutionary Media</b></a>book, "Dear World".<a href="http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/540447" style="color: #4a413a; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;"><b>Dear World</b></a> is available for purchase through <a href="http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/540447" style="color: #4a413a; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;"><b>Blurb</b></a><b>,</b> and in November 2009 will be available for digital download by donation.]</span><br />
</div>Christina N Dicksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02657529641775815760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4931833095399974368.post-5203992313554265192009-10-15T09:37:00.000-07:002009-10-15T09:47:19.799-07:00Take a Dare<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqk__DmdefbzFYdV2so2B7wO22JxL4f508b2vZk7F8um5OhSTupkPgQpTkkclK5amPsi_fqo7Io3s7E9_WbS57qZX_0oopYJTk4lHOFLN5W2buzg9hE5hO2RGdP4dbX5s1eNpJSB6rCSva/s1600-h/boypage+copy2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: small;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqk__DmdefbzFYdV2so2B7wO22JxL4f508b2vZk7F8um5OhSTupkPgQpTkkclK5amPsi_fqo7Io3s7E9_WbS57qZX_0oopYJTk4lHOFLN5W2buzg9hE5hO2RGdP4dbX5s1eNpJSB6rCSva/s400/boypage+copy2.jpg" /></span></a><br />
</div><div style="font: 16.0px Trebuchet MS; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">He looks like a young Heath Ledger, before dark cares started to trouble his soul. His blond curls and clear cheeks make him appear cherubic, innocent and carefree. The rimlight plays up the effect, making a halo out of his golden crown. He shouldn't be on the street.</span></i><br />
</div><div style="font: 16.0px Trebuchet MS; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></i><br />
</div><div style="font: 16.0px Trebuchet MS; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">But he is. </span></i><br />
</div><div style="font: 16.0px Trebuchet MS; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></i><br />
</div><div style="font: 16.0px Trebuchet MS; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">I wasn't with the team when they met him. I was off in another part of the city, on another adventure, completely oblivious of the contradiction of this boy. When I saw the black and white picture of him, all I could do was stare. He shouldn't be on the street. </span></i><br />
</div><div style="font: 16.0px Trebuchet MS; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="font: normal normal normal 16px/normal Times;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><br />
</div><div style="font: 16.0px Trebuchet MS; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="font: normal normal normal 16px/normal Times;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size: small;">The population of the street is getting younger. It isn't just high-schoolers but jr. highers who are making their way downtown. Some of the newbies are as young as ten or eleven. In generations past, the homeless were older people who were down on their luck.They had lives and had somehow messed them up. In the American belief system of self-made people, it seemed like their own choice. They had had their chance at a good life and wasted it. This kid hasn't even gotten in all his permanent teeth. His life should still be rosy and he should have parents who dote on him. He's far from being an adult but his heart already bares heavy scars, a sign that he is on his way to becoming a veteran of the street. </span></span></span><br />
</div><div style="font: 16.0px Trebuchet MS; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="font: normal normal normal 16px/normal Times;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><br />
</div><div style="font: 16.0px Trebuchet MS; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font: normal normal normal 16px/normal Times;"></span></span><i><span style="font-size: small;">I don't know his story. I know that he's barely scraping the double-digits but I don't know why he finds refuge on the streets. Is home really that bad? Does his heart hurt that bad that he has to leave his family to numb the pain? In the second picture, his eyes are becoming hard. Like an older man who has seen the world and been disgusted with it. Bitter. Cynical. Innocence not only lost but ripped out and trampled on. </span></i><br />
</div><div style="font: 16.0px Trebuchet MS; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="font: normal normal normal 16px/normal Times;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><br />
</div><div style="font: 16.0px Trebuchet MS; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font: normal normal normal 16px/normal Times;"></span></span><i><span style="font-size: small;">I hate what I see. I don't want him to have a tragic ending. </span></i><br />
</div><div style="font: 16.0px Trebuchet MS; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="font: normal normal normal 16px/normal Times;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><br />
</div><div style="font: 16.0px Trebuchet MS; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font: normal normal normal 16px/normal Times;"></span></span><i><span style="font-size: small;">When God looks at people, I think He sees some of the same things. He sees</span></i><span style="font: normal normal normal 16px/normal Times;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><i><span style="font-size: small;">beautiful, troubled people in desperate need of rescuing. He sees where they are headed and wants to change their ending. He wants good to triumph and people to live, really live. He doesn't want them to have to scrape by in life, just trying to survive, but He desires people to live exuberantly. To enjoy life to the fullest. He doesn't want souls to be cast down but to live in constant hope. </span></i><br />
</div><div style="font: 16.0px Trebuchet MS; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="font: normal normal normal 16px/normal Times;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><br />
</div><div style="font: 16.0px Trebuchet MS; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font: normal normal normal 16px/normal Times;"></span></span><i><span style="font-size: small;">That is what this kid is missing. Hope. In a world where the word has become cliche, the reality of hope is long overdue. Hope for hope's sake is stupid and hollow. It's like training to swim the English Channel in your bathtub -- it's not going to get you anywhere. It just makes a mess of things. True hope, realistic hope, is different. It's knowing that God has your back, that He loves you, and that nothing you can do is going to change that. It's trusting in that and living your life around it. It alters everything. Even when the pieces of your life are crashing down you like glitter in a snow globe being kicked around, God is the constant center. He's the fixed point. He's the constant. </span></i><br />
</div><div style="font: 16.0px Trebuchet MS; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="font: normal normal normal 16px/normal Times;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><br />
</div><div style="font: 16.0px Trebuchet MS; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font: normal normal normal 16px/normal Times;"></span></span><i><span style="font-size: small;">Some things will never change in live. People will always need love. Hearts will always be breakable and lives will never be fully shatter-proof. Kids like this one will end up on the street. It's the glory and pain of being free to make choices, to choose your own destiny, and impact the lives of those around you. </span></i><br />
</div><div style="font: 16.0px Trebuchet MS; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="font: normal normal normal 16px/normal Times;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><br />
</div><div style="font: 16.0px Trebuchet MS; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font: normal normal normal 16px/normal Times;"></span></span><i><span style="font-size: small;">When I see this kid, I still see the possibility of innocence regained. I see a kid in need of a hug, but more than that, of constant, overwhelming, no-holds-barred love. Do you know what I don't see in his pictures? Other people. His life is empty. There is no one to give him that hug. No one to make him dinner. To drop him off at school. To tuck him into bed at night. No one to laugh at his jokes. To be a shoulder for him to cry on. To speak encouraging words to him. No one to hold him accountable. Tell him to make the right choices. Pick him up when he makes the wrong ones. No family. No friends. No one. </span></i><br />
</div><div style="font: 16.0px Trebuchet MS; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="font: normal normal normal 16px/normal Times;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><br />
</div><div style="font: 16.0px Trebuchet MS; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font: normal normal normal 16px/normal Times;"></span></span><i><span style="font-size: small;">See the need. Be the change. Think about it. If you don't dare, who will?</span></i><br />
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</div><div style="font: 16.0px Trebuchet MS; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: small;">- Written by RevMedia's freelance journalist, </span><span style="color: #53158e;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://caitlinmuir.wordpress.com/">Caitlin Muir </a></span></span><br />
</div>Christina N Dicksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02657529641775815760noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4931833095399974368.post-48559468256451597612009-10-12T18:11:00.000-07:002009-10-12T18:12:08.082-07:00We all Cope<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1p8S5C_ZpOVn26dY08xzYgqu-xnjM7GRX9lRtqgGWabJWNI1B7x4elGy749yeDxENDcIS0fyXchg8-tZHurr8gj3jUX0e_SaaoNgfFSGApojd3wilCgLWLvgsl7bIQ14ZgwS2ASjgSYSn/s1600-h/drugs7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1p8S5C_ZpOVn26dY08xzYgqu-xnjM7GRX9lRtqgGWabJWNI1B7x4elGy749yeDxENDcIS0fyXchg8-tZHurr8gj3jUX0e_SaaoNgfFSGApojd3wilCgLWLvgsl7bIQ14ZgwS2ASjgSYSn/s400/drugs7.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-style: italic;">"Yet we know that nothing is compared to the glory He will reveal to us later. For all creation is waiting eagerly for that future day...with eager hope, the creation looks forward to the day with it will join God's children in glorious freedom from death and decay. For we know that all creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth up to this present time..." - Romans 8:18-22</span><br />
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Let's face it.<br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Life is hard.<br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Life is really, really hard.<br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Each of us experience this challenge. Each of us face the difficulty of an imperfect humanity; a fallen creation. Each of us has to find the strength and grace to endure, even when we don't want to go on any more.<br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">The truth is, we all cope with the challenges and pain of this life. The fact of the matter is that we weren't made for overwhelming pain and hardship. And when the harsh realities of this world rear its ugly head in our face, often times we don't have the ability to handle it ourselves.<br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">We need help.<br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">This "help" comes in a variety of forms, it shows itself in different ways. Sometimes the help may be a shoulder to cry on, a friend to listen, a lover to embrace. Sometimes the help may be in a false reality, a drug, or another destructive outlet.<br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Of course, the most true and real help we can have is One who will never let us down or let us go.<br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">For many people, for those who have not discovered the joys of Christ, the grace of this Savior is an unknown comfort. Because they do not have grace, they must cope with other things, and in other ways.<br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">How do you cope when you have nothing to hope for? No expectation that things will get better? No reason to believe the change will come? How do you bear with the knowledge that you are on your own and can do absolutely nothing about your circumstances and situations? <br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">It's not easy to cope when you are lying there on the floor.<br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">We all cope in different ways.<br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Jesus gives us the grace to cope best.<br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Some people just don't know that yet.<br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">So do we believers give up on these ones? Do we disregard them because the harsh realities of their circumstances which have left them disillusioned? Perhaps a better question would be: How did Jesus respond to those who were caught in their own coping mechanisms, too distracted to open up to Him?<br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">What about the story of Thomas? This man had just lost a brother, a leader, the greatest inspiration he had ever seen. How did he cope with loosing Jesus?<br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Doubt.<br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">It was easier to say he didn't care, than to feel such deep pain and disappointment, discouragement and disillusionment. It was easier to just not let any hope in, than to embrace hope and be let down. How often do we feel that way? How often do we respond negatively to such responses from those around us?<br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Jesus had no such response.<br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">He reached out to Thomas, where he was standing with raised eyebrows and all. He gave Thomas another chance to believe.<br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Because really, we all know when we just "surviving" and not really "alive". And how many of us, like Thomas, want to stay miserable? How many of us, when we get a chance at hope, really do want to turn it down?<br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">People without hope don't want to stay there. But sometimes it takes a little bit of time for that hope reach through the skepticism and hurt.<br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Maybe Jesus can help us forget to judge the way people cope, and start helping them give hope a chance.<br />
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</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">- Christina N Dickson<br />
</div>Christina N Dicksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02657529641775815760noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4931833095399974368.post-3737660583066117712009-10-09T06:25:00.000-07:002009-10-09T06:28:17.921-07:00We are All the Same<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwFB_tZNtK6In9f2PQJfxbuggbQWOUn6Ny6FTfGtGbPYhVtm8dGW9a0trMBQSbHRSFhWIljLD9GxNHaTet5MhDeadPLXoMG2ONAk_hNPMuUgVXnCKpL06hV4ueI7LJBbAPyT9kZtIyERN3/s1600-h/night+and+urban2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwFB_tZNtK6In9f2PQJfxbuggbQWOUn6Ny6FTfGtGbPYhVtm8dGW9a0trMBQSbHRSFhWIljLD9GxNHaTet5MhDeadPLXoMG2ONAk_hNPMuUgVXnCKpL06hV4ueI7LJBbAPyT9kZtIyERN3/s400/night+and+urban2.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Not too long ago, I learned a big lesson. A hard lesson. A lesson that shook me to my core and opened my eyes to such a great flaw.<br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">After being in missions and philanthropy for so long, I had developed a syndrome. If I sat down and was honest about this syndrome, I would admit that it should be called the "respecter syndrome". You can only imagine what would mean.<br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">I started seeing people differently.<br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">I started seeing some people as more important than others. Starving orphans as more worthy of my attention than prospective clients. Girls in the sex slave as more important an investment of my time and energy than those in the church. I still can't target exactly when my perspective become so screwed and out of focus.<br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">I don't understand why I became a respecter of persons.<br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">And yet, it seems to be an age old issue. The rich prefer the rich. The poor prefer the poor. The intellectual prefer the intellectual. The artist prefers the artist. The religious prefer the religious.<br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">And suddenly, we each begin to judge.<br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Somehow, somewhere in our minds comes a whisper that life experience gives us the ability to judge someone else. We make determinations in our spirits, and ideas in our heads, that cause us to view people differently. Suddenly, some people become more important than others. And of course, some people become less important than others too.<br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Lost in the shuffle is the truth that God Himself is no respecter of persons. I think of any individual alive, He certainly has the right to do so. And yet, He doesn't. In fact, Jesus came for the poor who curses and raises a fist in His face just as much as the rich who ignores the One who blessed Him with much. He loves and set to redeem those who would ignore and deny Him, as much as those who would love and embrace Him.<br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">For artists in philanthropy, it seems that this is an issue - not to judge, but to determine how time will be best invested. Somehow, if we spend most of our time helping the misfortunate, we see ourselves as more worthy or honored. In fact, this is hardly the case.<br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">When we invest our time to love - whether the rich or poor, the intellectual or artist, the orphan or the independent rebel - the investment is worthy of God's praise.<br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">If we remember that before God, we are all the same - regardless of status or accomplishment, ability or financial state - maybe then our lives can reflect the work of an all loving God.<br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Maybe then we can start loving as Jesus loved.<br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Maybe then we can accept that we are truly all the same.<br />
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<div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i>[This post is the first in a series of weekly posts designed to inspire and challenge through the stories and thoughts from the<a href="http://www.TheRevMediaProject.com/" style="color: #4a413a; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;"><b>Revolutionary Media</b></a>book, "Dear World".<a href="http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/540447" style="color: #4a413a; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;"><b>Dear World</b></a> is available for purchase through <a href="http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/540447" style="color: #4a413a; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;"><b>Blurb</b></a><b>,</b> and by November 1st, 2009 will be available for digital download by donation.]</i><br />
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</div>Christina N Dicksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02657529641775815760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4931833095399974368.post-85022948285288094272009-10-05T10:24:00.000-07:002009-10-05T10:29:34.200-07:00Calling All Lovers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuY_4Qq0AN9nk9O_NxVcGiqEjbJ5m9o0cT8B3Cub9RM04lykvayFeHd9RDvrp5PAM3jNttvxTfgocblq6xdysjw8tCrg8IZ4t6Lnjvnf9ZLHHx1yzg7RTr6J3Y8wXMaSgXLoRyqpClAblL/s1600-h/love+one+another(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuY_4Qq0AN9nk9O_NxVcGiqEjbJ5m9o0cT8B3Cub9RM04lykvayFeHd9RDvrp5PAM3jNttvxTfgocblq6xdysjw8tCrg8IZ4t6Lnjvnf9ZLHHx1yzg7RTr6J3Y8wXMaSgXLoRyqpClAblL/s400/love+one+another(2).jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><i>[The following post is the first in a series of weekly posts designed to inspire and challenge through the stories and thoughts from the <a href="http://www.TheRevMediaProject.com/"><b>Revolutionary Media</b></a> book, "Dear World". <a href="http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/540447"><b>Dear World</b></a> is available for purchase through <a href="http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/540447"><b>Blurb</b></a><b>,</b> and by November 1st, 2009 will be available for digital download by donation.]</i><br />
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</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">As artists, we invest a great deal of time and energy to develop our skills. In fact, the majority of our time is centered around building of techniques and developing of tools to be "Successful" in our art. We hunt. We practice. We plan. We play. We collaborate.<br />
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</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">And yet sometimes, it's easy to forget the one thing that matters most. We may have talent, skills, success, and achievement, but in the end, none of those things really matter. Strip everything in life down to the most basic thing and we are left with this:<br />
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</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Love God.<br />
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</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">And love others.<br />
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</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">It's cool to be an artist. Creative opportunities. Dynamic impact. But being an artist is n.o.t. the point of your life or my life. The point of life is to be a l.o.v.e.r. A lover of God, and a lover of others. Unless your skills are tools to love God and others, your work, effort, and talents will be for naught.<br />
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</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">This may seem harsh. But the passage from I Corinthians 13 details this very clearly. If we have love, our work, our life, are for nothing.<br />
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</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Why is it so easy to forget that the core of life really is all about love? Why is it so difficult to strip everything down and focus on this for even just a little bit?<br />
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</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">What if we were to identify ourselves - not as artists, or photographers, graphic designers or portraitists....What if we identified ourselves as lovers? Lovers of God, and lovers of others?<br />
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</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">How deep would our love be? How unconditional? How true? How enduring?<br />
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</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">"Then the King will say to those on His right, COME, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food. I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison, and you came to me...then the righteous will answer, "Lord, when did we?"...And the King will answer them, "Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these...you did it to me..." Mt. 25:33-40<br />
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</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Is there any other passage that illustrates a more authentic display of love? Through grit and grime, cold and hardship, True Lovers continue to love undeterred. Clearly we shall be judged of Jesus by our love for Him and others. If this is truly the case, then we must ask ourselves a hard question, and answer honestly:<br />
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</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">How far would I go for love?<br />
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</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"> - Will I feed the hungry, the destitute, when no one else will?<br />
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</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"> - Will I hydrate those who need it, even though it is the simplest most unglamorous task anyone could do?<br />
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</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"> - Will I welcome the strangers, put your arms around those who have no friends, no family, and no home?<br />
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</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"> - Will I clothe the naked and face embarrassing situations without shame because Jesus would?<br />
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</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"> - Will I comfort the sick and risk your own health and happiness to care for the untouchables?<br />
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</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"> - Will I visit the prisoners and go to the hardest, darkest, most uncomfortable places to bring the light of Jesus?<br />
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</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;">I call on my fellow Lovers and ask: when everything else is stripped away...<br />
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</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">How far DO YOU go for love?<br />
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</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><i>[Written by RevMedia coordinator Christina N Dickson of www.BrideInspired.com]</i><br />
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4931833095399974368.post-34102549085270356662009-09-14T05:34:00.000-07:002009-09-14T05:34:26.213-07:00Vision and Action<span style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';"><span style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;">“Vision without action is merely a dream. Action without vision just passes the time. Vision with action can change the world. ”</span></span><br />
<div><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;"><span style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;"><span style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px;">Artistic World Changers are visionaries. They know what they want to go after and most of the time - they do it. But then, the vision wanes. The tasks grow longer. The excitement grows dim. And then, quite suddenly, it's possible to feel as though there is no point being at that place. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;"><span style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;"><span style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px;">Endurance during this time is really challenging. It may seem like the vision will never be finished. It may seem like the work is in vain. But when the World Changer is here, the rubber meets the road. The World Changer must discover that sometimes, it takes a number of small, continuous steps in order for the vision and action to merge and become refined. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;"><span style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;"><span style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px;">I've been learning the last few weeks that a great deal many of the journeys on the path to World Changing really are about the steps - not the end destination. It may sound cliche'd, but I truly believe that now. The story of vision merging with action - that is what creates tension, builds crescendos, and ultimately inspires the change we promote. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;"><span style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;"><span style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px;">What does your vision look like today? And how is it matching your actions? Is it sustainable for the long haul?</span></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4931833095399974368.post-15810222945367996822009-08-30T11:57:00.000-07:002009-08-30T12:22:58.935-07:00"Risk Love"<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6vYL0v6I_GQs7tnGYoo4oVRGdVSfoh0s6GnTF7-fXaeIqkoHh3Gg-mVgdQi6N6CnSNexMgBYpt_Cqidne0wI8_i5DYySjuxncy-1IDIb3jht0dMCnmmpnWfXGf9zux9U43tRQ0tpjsU6H/s1600-h/CCD_6012.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6vYL0v6I_GQs7tnGYoo4oVRGdVSfoh0s6GnTF7-fXaeIqkoHh3Gg-mVgdQi6N6CnSNexMgBYpt_Cqidne0wI8_i5DYySjuxncy-1IDIb3jht0dMCnmmpnWfXGf9zux9U43tRQ0tpjsU6H/s400/CCD_6012.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375839484398262642" border="0" /></a><br />Back in March, Jocelyn Edlin and myself banded together and began working on a piece on foster adoption for Christian Family Adoptions of Oregon and Washington. We were really excited about the piece. We knew it could make a tangible difference for the lives of children in our own communities - if we could build a piece that inspired adults to open their hearts and <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3O0hCmTG_Cg">"Risk Love".</a><br /><br />We had no idea when we began this journey that it would take us 6 months to complete.<br /><br />Now, "Risk Love" is a piece that we hope inspires and challenges everyone who views it. Whether you can adopt or whether you are a philanthropic artist, the message is the same. It's hard to "Risk Love" but it is a.l.w.a.y.s. worth it.<br /><br />Special thanks to everyone who was involved in this piece, and who supported it. The Edlin family, Camilla, Jocelyn, Aaron Dodson, Christian Family Adoptions, and especially Joannie Shrader.<br /><br />May we all continually "Risk Love" just as Jesus has done for us.<br /><br />Watch <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3O0hCmTG_Cg">"Risk Love" NOW on Youtube.<br /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4931833095399974368.post-74017692832632581222009-08-12T19:50:00.001-07:002009-08-12T19:50:37.381-07:00A Week OffHello everyone! It's summer and what happens in summer? Breaks! Rest! We think everyone needs a little solstace now and then. Just wanted to let you know that the writers here at RevMedia are taking the week off! <br /><br />After the successful completion of our adoption piece 'Risk Love', we'll be working on a premier for September; brainstorming ideas are taking place for the release of Dear World; and several members are either on vacation or on the middle of 'move week'. <br /><br />That said, RevMedia will be taking a week off. But don't worry. We promise to keep building toward a weekly broadcast schedule to start in September. And until then, stay tuned for updates and articles on artistic philanthropy!<br /><br />Blessings to you this week in your journeying!<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4931833095399974368.post-86978823798031989842009-08-06T09:00:00.000-07:002009-08-06T09:00:03.613-07:00Artistic WorldChangers: A ManifestoArtistic World Changers.<br /><br />These are the ones who understand that every life has the potential to change the world. That every person on earth affects someone, who in turn affects someone else. They realize that our lives are like the sparks of a chain reaction whose existence is certain but it's affects are not always so.<br /><br />The question Artistic World Changers seek to answer is not if we are capable of changing the world but rather to what degree we take the opportunity to change the world.<br /><br />Visual artists have the gift of sight. This is a gift that must be harnessed, a gift that must be directed and developed, and a gift that ought to be capitalized upon. The gift of sight is one that revolutionizes the life of it's holder, but more so than even this. With the gift of sight, Artist World Changers have power in the multiplier affect: Others are drastically affected as their sight is opened and they can never see the same way they did before.<br /><br />Artistic World Changers know that their identity is the core center for their impact. Their sight spiritually and physically affects their perspectives; their perspectives affect their spiritual and physical sight.<br /><br />These individuals dare say that those who believe in the Heroic Rescue of humanity by Jesus Christ are those who have the power and obligation to Change the World in the most dynamic way possible. By His death, burial, and resurrection, we are given the gift of new life, and with it, a new way of seeing, of existing, and of affecting.<br /><br />Artistic World Changers are those who hold this truth to be self evident. And it is the passion which fuels the creation of their art.<br /><br />Artistic World Changers must not be perfect. But they must be committed to the Rescue of Humanity. They must relentlessly pursue truth. They must passionately hold fast to a better way. They must never give in to apathy. These attributes color all they are, all they see, and all they do.<br /><br />As such, Artistic World Changers must band together and take part in a revolution. This revolution is not for the glorifying of their own art, nor the guilt provoking that rages rampant within visual communication today. This revolution is one that will harness the multimedia tools of our day and combine them with social media networking to produce a dynamic and lasting social change.<br /><br />We are Philanthropic Artists.<br /><br />And we change the world.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4931833095399974368.post-83297050365595876742009-08-03T12:19:00.000-07:002009-08-03T12:57:00.835-07:00H.o.p.e. for Foster Kids<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmtTA2zbwe8N0sLXauOA-IkbQo7w-AlbSivND1gpGrQsDhZgziKDmmMOzNl39RhB04iHlmQGNfMyTUSj4HsEyEKLYfLTynD_YiClzyXdLRHLTZHODAivD0NJYioZVykq2bfq82ZksbaALP/s1600-h/CCD_5188.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmtTA2zbwe8N0sLXauOA-IkbQo7w-AlbSivND1gpGrQsDhZgziKDmmMOzNl39RhB04iHlmQGNfMyTUSj4HsEyEKLYfLTynD_YiClzyXdLRHLTZHODAivD0NJYioZVykq2bfq82ZksbaALP/s400/CCD_5188.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365820785954831282" border="0" /></a>Sometimes, the "real world" makes it very clear that you can't rely on ideals. When everything you are hoping for doesn't work out; when you are forced to constantly re-evaluate your direction, your goals, your plans. In those times, you feel a dynamic tension between what you want, and what you think will really come about.<br /><br />Hope is a funny thing. Delicate. Fragile. Powerful. Igniting. I once read from Brennan Mannings book "Ruthless Trust" that hope is the marriage of faith and trust. Faith that believes not everything is as its seen. Trust that God will indeed work out all things for our good. Hope comes about as we practically live these beliefs.<br /><br />And hope is the most powerful force of endurance known to mankind.<br /><br />Jocelyn and I have been working together on the project "Risk Love" - a multimedia piece promoting Adoption from the Foster System. Originally, we "hoped" to complete the piece in 6 weeks. We worked tirelessly with multiple meetings, shoots with children, and long phone brainstorm sessions. While extreemly busy personally, the piece was a priority.<br /><br />But sometimes, you can do everything possible to complete something, and find that there are many factors outside your control.<br /><br />The piece came to a halt. We waited for photos and contacts. Health issues and communications. Two months passed without the means or opportunity of finishing.<br /><br />During this time, we never believed the piece wouldn't be finished. In fact, the opposite was true.<br /><br />We knew we had to finish it.<br /><br />In the US, there are 114,000 children who are ready for adoption. Any child who spends a single night in Foster Care is labeled "special needs". This definition is not what we automatically may think. The "special need" of these kids is complex, but the bottom line is this:<br /><br />They need a mommy and daddy.<br /><br />The kids in Foster Care understand the conflict of hope. They hope that someone will choose them. Love them. Want them. They live every day with the hope that "this will be the day". The live every day with this hope disappointed.<br /><br />Hope is resilient because it rests on the belief that what is to come will be better.<br /><br />RevMedia wants to help these kids.<br /><br />For we believe in hope.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4931833095399974368.post-46923476286141553292009-07-31T11:33:00.000-07:002009-07-31T11:37:49.361-07:00Question of the Week:“The most important key to achieving great success is to decide upon your goal and launch, get started, take action, move." —Brian Tracy<br /><br />Revolutionary Media is in process of revamping. We appreciate all the support you have given us throughout the last year and a half. It's time we return the favor.<br /><br />Our question of the week for you: How can Revolutionary Media best give support in y.o.u.r. personal artistic philanthropy?<br /><br />Answer by commenting, or send us an email.<br /><br />Please. Let us help you. We really do care.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4931833095399974368.post-20274497976425134952009-07-28T09:12:00.000-07:002009-07-28T09:21:44.467-07:00Path of a World Changer: Joshua Seale<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht7SNaLR-7u0egQ1Hke7mt3CfEliH4nODCCC8FhVEIKTXh5A2R4ptl9XbWVst72fGXvJq8_xatkLzIXPicF4J0115nx0vBX5ryz41Lnn2b6XL_s0LrUElJw-ENDUT1aOrJW5k-ftnJoBib/s1600-h/shapeimage_1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 199px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht7SNaLR-7u0egQ1Hke7mt3CfEliH4nODCCC8FhVEIKTXh5A2R4ptl9XbWVst72fGXvJq8_xatkLzIXPicF4J0115nx0vBX5ryz41Lnn2b6XL_s0LrUElJw-ENDUT1aOrJW5k-ftnJoBib/s400/shapeimage_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363546891458591586" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">"So just a quick blog post before I leave. With 17 cameras (2 of them my professional SLR’s), a laptop, two mics, two hard drives, and two 50lb. bags (exactly) I am packed. I leave in for the airport in under 5 hours, and am ready for some sleep. I shot a wedding all this morning and this afternoon and have backed up those images. What a day and what a three weeks. It was three weeks ago Sunday, that I decided to step forward in going on this trip, and it has been one of the wildest rides I have ever been on. I am so excited about this trip and all that God has promised to do. " </span> - Joshua Seale, on July 26th, 2009<br /><br />On June 30th, 2009 I had the honor of meeting photographer Joshua Seale at Dane Sanders Fast Track Workshop in Portland Oregon. By the end of the day, it became obvious that this man was a fellow Philanthropic Artist - and a really awesome one at that. The more I was able to chat with Joshua, the more I discovered that sometimes, you find the most kindred of spirits in the most unusual places.<br /><br />Like many fellow artists, Joshua first endeavored to live a life that counts. Graduating from Biola with a major in Theology with an emphasis in Missions, he ran the Student Missions Department during his Junior and Senior year. During that time he also was involved with short term missions to 22 countries around the world. He loved missions, but it seemed that there was something missing from his work.<br /><br />Fast forward 4 years and you would see Joshua working actively in his church, saving on the salary of a Peets Coffee barista, and diving whole heartedly into the world of photography. On Sunday, July 26th, Joshua left the US for a trip to the war torn African country of Congo for 6 weeks. His mission: working with a local NGO and holding a photography workshop for Congolese children.<br /><br />Joshua's goal is to come away with images from the Congolese children as a visual narrative of their lives. Coupled with imagery he will shoot of the children and their families, Joshua hopes to pull together a book that will raise support for the NGO.<br /><br />Oftentimes it's easy to think that the seeming glamorous work of a Philanthropic Artist "just happens." Joshua would tell you different. For four years after graduating, God took him on a journey that seemed to be wrought with disappointment. He was not living the life he dreamed of, the life he knew he was capable of. But it was during those times that God stripped Joshua from who he thought he was, to the person God wanted him to be.<br /><br />Now, that person looks like a Philanthropic Artist. A photographer who loves photographing weddings just as much as he loves visual storytelling for a cause.<br /><br />Even still, the path is a challenging one. Exactly 3 weeks from the day he stepped on the plane bound for Africa, Joshua made the decision to go. He spent 3 weeks raising funds, writing about the upcoming trip, picking up donated digital cameras, and thinking through everything involved with a Philanthropic Art trip.<br /><br />On his departure date, he missed his connection to London due to a previously delayed flight. He had to book a hotel, and work with a hesitant airline to re-issue another ticket to Kenya. In the middle of all this, I asked Joshua how he was doing. His response: "I am totally exhausted, but feel God's presence, and can rest."<br /><br />Pray for Joshua. That God will grant him strength, and grace; inspiration and joy. If you want to hear about his adventures, be sure to check out his <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.joshua-seale.com/Congo/Congo/Congo.html">blog</a>, or find him on <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://twitter.com/joshuaseale">twitter</a>.<br /><br />Every World Changing Philanthropic Artist living out this call of God on their life will face a difficult and challenging path. But in the end, we realize that God's purpose is not the art, and it is not the philanthropy. It is for our development and our relationship with Him. And the best road for those purposes, is the one in which all glory goes to Him.<br /><br />Every World Changing Philanthropic Artist living out this call of God on their life will face this.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">"I feel in such a deep way that I am journeying with God. I feel as though the Father has orchestrated every aspect of this trip and I am excited to see what he is going to do. It is really a mystery to me, but I am excited to walk and experience this adventure with him. "</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4931833095399974368.post-37013116710021663452009-07-21T16:34:00.000-07:002009-07-21T16:40:58.020-07:00World Changer for Kenya: Sarah Danaher<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixtfpNDg4SzYpcpnEUtI0hBnLNk8uAk2-TALIha6Cvh6oT4u1jAl-JYvFuo_mCp0jH-ISf5clPZJInIfq3p2g90wvwzp7Fai5R4YUiS0Qu-fGe_26ka6_M5qYvvLpcik2jyf4mBJrLeOmR/s1600-h/sarah.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixtfpNDg4SzYpcpnEUtI0hBnLNk8uAk2-TALIha6Cvh6oT4u1jAl-JYvFuo_mCp0jH-ISf5clPZJInIfq3p2g90wvwzp7Fai5R4YUiS0Qu-fGe_26ka6_M5qYvvLpcik2jyf4mBJrLeOmR/s400/sarah.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361062349809913330" border="0" /></a><br />What if you knew that a camera could change the world?<br /><br />What if you knew that a picture could change a life?<br /><br />What if you knew that affecting change meant reaching outside your comfort zone?<br /><br />What if you knew that changing the world first meant you had to be changed yourself?<br /><br />Many of you remember Sarah Danaher, a young woman involved with the Restoring Grace Thailand project. Once again, this portrait photojournalist is embarking on a mission to help those in need of a hand.<br /><br />Today, Sarah is leaving for Kenya with two women from her church. Together, the women seek to gather photo's and information regarding a Kenyan orphanage/school that needs support. Formerly just a school, this organization began taking children displaced and orphaned by the 2007 Kenyan conflicts. Now a school and orphanage, this facility needs sponsors for it's orphans and generous donors who are willing to support an expansion project. Sarah's assignment is to profile the school in every aspect of it's existence, and also take portraits of the children in need of sponsorship. Her fellow travelors will be gathering other materials to start a foundation for the sponsorship program.<br /><br />RM: What are you most looking forward to on your trip?<br />Sarah: "The big brown eyes of the African people - and learning to love people in a new way."<br /><br />RM: What are you going to do on the flight over?<br />Sarah: "Sleep. Watch movies and listen to my ipod. I'm also going to work through questions regarding my photography business, and journal about the unknown."<br /><br />RM: What packing essential should you have left home but just h.a.d. to bring?<br />Sarah [with a laugh]: "Lara bars. And a sad little collection of instant caffinated beverage powder. I can't go anywhere without those two things."<br /><br />RM: What do you think will be the greatest challenge of your trip?<br />Sarah: "We don't really know what we're going into, so flexibility is going to be the biggest challenge. Knowing when and how to step in with my camera or without my camera."<br /><br />RM: What is the first step of this trip?<br />Sarah: "We are flying into Nairobi. After spending the night at a Christian hostel, we will be taking a 6 hour bus ride into Mombasa."<br /><br />RM: What is your personal assignment on this trip?<br />Sarah: "Loving people and taking portraits of the children who need sponsorship."<br /><br />RM: When you took your first photography class with IPS, did you ever see yourself at this place?<br />Sarah: "I hoped for it, but I didn't expect it. I never thought I would be going to Kenya. God's plans for me involve supporting people who are building His kingdom around the world. Location doesn't really matter."<br /><br />RM: What is your biggest prayer request?<br />Sarah: "I am going to Kenya with two prayers. The first is that I would love God more so that I can see and love people the way He does. The second prayer is that I would walk away from this trip with a clearer understanding of what it means to be and live as a Christian."<br /><br />RevMedia will be praying for Sarah as her 19 days in Kenya are underway. We don't know about you, but we certainly look forward to hearing the stories of God's working when she returns.<br /><br />Sarah hopes to update her <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://girlfullyalive.blogspot.com/">personal blog</a> every now and then while out of country. You can follow her adventures there, or find her on <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://twitter.com/scdanaher">Twitter</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4931833095399974368.post-52472329202124585492009-06-23T09:48:00.001-07:002009-06-23T09:53:37.071-07:00Campaign Thanks<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3FiLN_TEEtwOgtrAQP2caoYZZ_GH6CuNgU8ShBF_2iCpczXNshVlOuyt0s85BtkRLgNNQoy8IqLQX3KeMQeEmVXyTw91RQCIafvcwTzVvF08GGG3iANN5MLuir-shZuuJLs2XA_mF-7Nx/s1600-h/Restoration.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3FiLN_TEEtwOgtrAQP2caoYZZ_GH6CuNgU8ShBF_2iCpczXNshVlOuyt0s85BtkRLgNNQoy8IqLQX3KeMQeEmVXyTw91RQCIafvcwTzVvF08GGG3iANN5MLuir-shZuuJLs2XA_mF-7Nx/s400/Restoration.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350567025907416322" border="0" /></a><br />Hello everyone! RevMedia wants to say "Thanks!" to all of you who participated in the Campaign! May each one of you continue to "See the Need, Be the Change" in your own lives!!!<br /><br />To download the commemorative wallpaper, please click <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://files.getdropbox.com/u/1376505/Restoration.jpg">here</a>:Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0