TITLE: ”Faith Personified”

Leaving the comfort of my familiar, and simply letting go, that is when this picture was taken.  I was on a journey, both physically and spiritually.

And after traveling alone, to a place where I did not know anyone, it was time to relax and hit the beach.  Although my body wanted to sit and listen to the sound of the waves, I was captivated by joy.  

The locals were selling coconuts, tourist were taking pictures - and courage stood on the heels of those who lined the beach. Joy filled the air, and children were filled with hope, as they followed the one who gracefully carried them along. This moment left me feeling relaxed, as I remembered the many times God had carried me. My heart smiled, and I was now free to relax.

After 5 minutes, I felt a great urge to get up and snap my camera. So, that is exactly what I did. With faith as my anchor, the “perfect moment” was captured. While I had no idea what the other side of the lens would reveal, I knew it was a moment that required my response.

My initial motivation for taking the photo was to demonstrate  “faith in action” - my faith. You see, I was 7 months into “The Journey” a journey of listening and moving by faith. And with each place that I traveled to, I embraced daily moments of “not knowing - yet trusting”.

Now, two months later, my perspective has shifted. It has been widened.  The photo is no longer about “my faith in action”. I now see is a beautiful depiction of genuine faith. A measure of faith that many can learn from, “child like faith” - unafraid - unashamed - and moving forward...one step at a time.

AUTHOR: Shoshanah Harvey (United States)

“Moving by Faith”, this is a quote that echos deep within my soul. It is also a term that accurately speaks to what has encouraged me to enter this competition. Whether walking my pup, singing in the rain or simply enjoying the sounds of birds chirping - many would often say to me “you are a woman of faith”. With a background in both the field of Education, and Health and Wellness, my journey in life has brought me to a year of travel, as I “move by faith.

Within my life, I have been blessed to see and experience many wonderful things, and yet I know there is much more to unfold. Therefore, as I utilize photos to document the path that I am on, my desire is to exemplify hope as the images taken encourage and inspire, just as God has done for me.

I am new to photography, and to many I would be termed a “non professional”. However, the added value to my photos are the stories they tell, the transforming power they’ve had on me and the joy they will bring to those who view them.

“To truly live” - that is one way to be described. I would love to be known as a woman who lived a life of legacy. One who experimented life with heart abandoned, and arms held high. “Abundant life” that is my guarantee, and as I let go and activate faith I am sure to receive. And yet, this desire is not simply for me, but for all those whom I will meet along the way. So today, while on this road called life, I have a choice. Today, I choose share, I choose to love and above all - I choose to “move by faith”.