More images, fewer selfies.
Over the last few years, my camera roll has shifted from hundreds of pictures of me, in selfie mode, to tons of images of what I am experiencing, whether in nature, a cool retro sign, meaningful words on objects, or every cool optical along the way. This shift wasn’t planned; in fact, it wasn’t something I noticed until recently.
I believe there is a parallel between God’s restorative work in my heart and the decrease in the vanity of wanting to be seen. When I look back over my 20s and early 30s, I see myself as a significantly depleted, double-minded young woman who wanted so desperately to stabilize her relationships and life. It’s as if, every time something happened to me, I would gather myself and take pictures, snapping away until I found the perfect selfie to post, unknowingly believing that each interaction would bring peace and calm to my raging emotions.
I knew deep down that I was broken and there truly was no hope on socials, but there was something about the notifications that provided pseudo relief. There were instances where I would learn of some news, knowing I needed to distance myself and trust God for an exit plan, instead, I would consider the images. Who is going to fill this space in my heart and my profile? I would take more photos with people, hoping that the perfect image I presented would somehow become reality.
Another evident way is that in the past, my selfies were less about me and more about how I wanted to be perceived. The light in my eyes was dim. I heard it said that you can see someone’s soul through their eyes. If there is any truth to this, then the dimness would have been an exhibit for the pain that I carried. The secrets, betrayal, insecurity, fear, and rejection that I lived with for many years.
Now that I am in a better place, there is this indescribable joy that God has given me in Him. When I walk down the road, interact with people, or receive compliments, I am grateful because those moments aren’t curated. Instead, it is the natural rhythm of confidence that the Lord has developed in me over the years to trust that I am seen and loved by Him.
If you are in a place of brokenness, and every time the memory or the pain begins to stir up your emotions. Don’t reach for your phone, or open the camera app, or locate old pictures to post for social media. Instead, lean into the Lord and ask Him to validate His love toward you. You are seen and loved.
If you love to travel like I do, stop and take in the scenery! There are so many beautiful aspects of a city that are often missed when you are not present, mentally and physically. The Bible says, “He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end. 'Ecclesiastes 3:11 KJV
PS, I still love a good selfie with the city plastered behind me or some unique statement from the city I am visiting. But nothing beats being present and observant of the sites to which I have been so blessed to visit.
Be encouraged,
