Tuesday, 25 October 2011
Guest Post: Ashley Sisk | Living a Life Of Character
I recently traveled to London and Paris with my husband.
Camera in tow, I kept my eyes, ears and mind open to whatever God might have in store for us. I spent little time preparing any sort of real plans…I was just excited for our little getaway considering it might be our last vacation before having children.
During our trip, there was one small moment in time…a moment I haven’t shared (until now) that had an incredible impact on me. Believe it or not, it has nothing to do with photography, but it has everything to do with character. In fact, the more I think about this particular occurrence, I realize that these types of events play a huge role in how I live my faith behind the lens.
Character is the desire to do what is right regardless of the consequences. Unfortunately, this world doesn’t make it very easy to be a person of character. We are constantly inundated by temptation.
I personally recognize that I am a bit addicted to anything photography related. I think part of me thinks that if I have the right equipment, that I will be able to better capture those memorable moments. Does my camera gear mean that I’m a person of character? In all likelihood, it just creates a distraction from my real desire to connect with others. I can certainly do that with my camera, but if my focus is off, I’m left trying to buy my way into an abundant life.
I’m not alone. Our world is full of opportunities to be fulfilled. Unfortunately, it’s not enough…connecting with others is at risk because of a lack of character in our society. We all seem to be more concerned with achievement and personal fulfillment, than being held accountable, serving others and doing the right thing.
Which leads me to that small moment I spoke of in the beginning of this post.
My husband and I were leaving Paris to go back to London. We thought we’d take the metro back to the train station to save time. Unfortunately, when we got to our last connection, we weren’t sure which way to go. My husband jumped on the train that was waiting to ask for directions…the doors were about to close when he realized that that was the right train. With both suitcases in hand, I ran towards the door getting one set of suitcases through the door before they started to close. Out of nowhere, a man appeared…in a superman type of fashion, he pulled back the doors so that I could jump in. When I got in and turned around, he was gone…as if he’d never been there.
I can’t tell you if this man was a guardian angel or just a man of character.
Either way, his split-second decision to hold the door open for us has really stuck with me. I’d like to believe that I practice what I preach and I’d like to believe that if I saw a person in need, that I would respond…but I can’t help but be a little shocked that there are still good people in the world willing to do the right thing without receiving anything in return.
I guess I’ve learned that when we start taking care of what really matters, everything else falls into place. The decisions we make become a reflection of our hearts and we can truly live our faith behind (and in front of) the lens.
Guest Post by Ashley Sisk
My name is Ashley Sisk. I live with my husband and cat, Kitty Paw, in North Carolina. I’m passionate about my faith, my love affair with photography, building community and sharing what I know.
You can find me at Ramblings and Photos here, www.ashleysisk.com where I do a weekly photo scavenger hunt link up on Sundays and a Good to WOW! editing linkup on Monday/Thursdays where you can show off your great shots!
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Ashley’s weekly photography prompts and challenges have changed my photography forever. Shots I would have thrown away or not even looked for, I now see, because Ashley has challenged me into finding them.
For me, one of the best ways I have found to grow as a photographer is to participate in the weekly “linky parties” at blogs such as Ashley’s where I have a chance to practice and showcase my work with other photographers.
If you have not yet joined Ashley in one of her weekly photo challenges, you absolutely must! On Sunday’s she does the Sunday Scavenger Hunt with weekly prompts to follow, and on Monday/Thursday’s she and Jill Samter team up to do Good to WOW! Click the button above for more information and to start exploring her website.
No. 1 — October 25th, 2011 at 8:18 am
What a powerful story
No. 2 — October 25th, 2011 at 8:49 am
Ashley – it's awesome to have you here at High Calling Focus! Thank you for sharing your story, and sharing this moment from your life behind your lens.
I think it's too easy for us to forget that we have a life beyond our photography. It is HARD in this professional realm to allow room for our faith and our character when the competition is so absolutely steep. The cost we pay to do what we love can be high if we don't remember what you remembered when your "guardian angel" held the door for you.
No. 3 — October 25th, 2011 at 9:18 am
A nice story. Good to see there are still people of character out there.
No. 4 — October 25th, 2011 at 9:26 am
Beautiful words, friend! You know I'm so proud of how boldy you share your faith. Hugs! XO
No. 5 — October 25th, 2011 at 10:43 am
In this day and age it is good to find someone who shows consideration for others and I've read many a story about angels too helping others out too.
When our faith comes first then every thing else will naturally fall into place.
No. 6 — October 25th, 2011 at 11:37 am
Wonderful story, Ashley. Wise words, too. Character matters no matter what we are doing. More than once I've recognized a photo op that might impress others, but there was a check in my spirit that it was a private or sensitive moment that would have only been exploitation had I captured it.
Jenny, I've been impressed by your photos in response to Ashley's challenges and been tempted to participate, as well. Hearing Ashley's heart in this story motivates me any more.
Thank you, ladies, for your wonderful inspiration.
No. 7 — October 25th, 2011 at 11:43 am
So true, Rosie – that verse from Proverbs, about acknowledging God in all our ways? I think that the more we do that, the more we will see things falling into place.
No. 8 — October 25th, 2011 at 12:02 pm
Ashley – I'm blessed to watch you grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ – sharing Him more boldly every single time you write. Beautiful post my friend. Big hugs and love!
Jenny – thank you for the shout out for our weekly challenge – new and exciting updates on it for the new year!!! :-)
No. 9 — October 25th, 2011 at 12:29 pm
Ashley, you have encouraged me on many occasions and this post is no different. Sam and I talk about just "doing the right thing" often. It is hard, but we always say, "It is best." Plus, the outcome is often much more fulfilling than anticipated.
Thank you for being real and for sharing your heart, your talents, and your life with all of us.
No. 10 — October 25th, 2011 at 12:30 pm
Ashley – so love the story that you have shared here, thank you so much for being with us at HCF!
No. 11 — October 25th, 2011 at 12:31 pm
Patricia, Ashley's challenges have taught me SO much about life, about the world around me… they have caused me to take pause and not only capture things, but then go back and "recapture" those memories later and cherish them as I review the pictures I've taken. Come join us and participate! These challenges are so much fun :)
No. 12 — October 25th, 2011 at 12:32 pm
Jill – love y'alls challenges and can't wait to see what you guys are drumming up for the new year. Have been trying to find my courage to enter the "I am Beautiful" challenge… still not there yet… but love the heart behind it :)
No. 13 — October 25th, 2011 at 1:53 pm
Great post! I love Ashley too!
No. 14 — October 25th, 2011 at 4:30 pm
Thank you again for having me and for giving me another opportunity to share my life behind the lens. Being a photographer is only one very small part of my life. If I don't live a life of character, the rest is nothing.
No. 15 — October 25th, 2011 at 5:44 pm
such a great story! love ashley and her blog too! :D
No. 16 — October 25th, 2011 at 6:05 pm
That gave me goosebumps! I love stories like that. Glad he stopped to help, whoever he was. And glad that you didn't let a moment like that pass you by!
No. 17 — October 25th, 2011 at 9:08 pm
So true, Kelly.
No. 18 — October 25th, 2011 at 10:05 pm
Great story. Ashley is great too! So very helpful for all us aspiring photogs. I love how she takes time to encourage us all personally as she can.
No. 19 — October 26th, 2011 at 2:44 am
Lovely story, Ashley, I have not only experienced the RECEIVING of "stranger angel" love (rather often, I'd say), but also of GIVING it. Both ways are powerful.
No. 20 — October 26th, 2011 at 12:46 pm
Nice post and great focus…keeping Him at the fore-front personally and professionally!
No. 21 — October 29th, 2011 at 12:17 am
So true, Ashley, and so sad that in this world, we are shocked/surprised when a stranger (whether real or an angel) does something good/nice/helpful for us. Love the fact that this stuck with you… cause you were able to really soak up the lesson, and share with us! Kinda reminds me what I was reading the other day…. character — we have it because we have the fruit of the Spirit in us — and all the fruit grow together at the same pace — you'll never have more love than you have joy, then you have kindness… and if we all acted on that fruit — wow! What a change we could see in us all!
No. 22 — November 6th, 2011 at 4:05 pm
What a beautiful post. Yes, finding people of character can be challenging, but just doing the right thing leaves such an impression. I love that he was your angel, and poof, gone. A lesson to all to be on the lookout to help those who need help.