Selfie

photograph

Of the tens of thousands of photographs on my hard drive, I can count on my fingers how many actually include my face. I prefer to stay behind the camera asking people to stand a certain way or give me a certain look – keeping my own flaws and failings somewhat hidden. This week, as Jesus asks us to first pay attention to the “plank in our own eye,” I thought about what happens if I turn the camera around.

I become vulnerable and uncomfortable – deeply aware of my faults and imperfections. Daily I photograph others, forgetting how important it is to for me to intentionally recognize who I truly am, to turn the camera around and first look inward deep within my sinful soul. Only then, with the Lord’s help, can I walk alongside others in their journey.

It’s me, it’s me, O Lord
Standin’ in the need of prayer
It’s me, it’s me, O Lord
Standin’ in the need of prayer

Not my brother or my sister, but it’s me, O Lord
Standin’ in the need of prayer
Not my brother or my sister, but it’s me, O Lord
Standin; in the need of prayer

So, here it is. A “selfie”.

Sarah Swanson,
Community Covenant, Minneapolis
Snappy Apple Photography