Dramatic Conversions: From Darkness to Light
My 14-year-old son is currently taking a Photography 101 class at our homeschool co-op. He is learning multiple aspects of the subject including the basic parts of a camera, the fundamentals of taking pictures, the elements of composition, and the different styles and art forms of photography. He has been enjoying dabbling with the horizontal line and “Rule of Thirds” which help to give his photographs more interest and character. He has been identifying differences in light exposure and finding his own style.
I’m glad he is learning these basics as most of us carry around cameras in our back pockets but don’t know a whole lot about actual photography. But, do we have to? Rarely are we without our smartphones that enable us to take pictures and videos in an instant. And these devices also allow us to edit our photos with just a few clicks. We can easily alter a photo from full color to black and white with a simple press of a button.
There is a place in this world for black and white images. But, while a black and white contrast may be stunning and dramatic, in my opinion it appears stark and lifeless…unless color is brought in. To me, color awakens the mind, bringing vibrancy, energy, and visual excitement.
For those folks who prefer the “old” methods, pictures can still be made using film. Yes, that’s right, not digitally. Can you believe it?! Once a roll of film is shot, it needs to be developed, and this takes place in a darkroom. No light is allowed in the darkroom or the film will be ruined. The process has to be done in complete darkness….complete and total darkness. No light allowed.
This reminds me of Saul.
Saul chose to be in complete darkness. He didn’t allow the light to come into his heart. He seemed to have seen the world in black and white - a person should either be a fully devoted Jew or be brutally persecuted. There was no room for anything else according to Saul. No room for gray….no room for grace.
But, Jesus! Once he met Christ, his world was entirely changed. It was brought into color!
He observed the shades of objection as he tried to courageously convert.
He noticed the tone of transcendence through the hues of humanity.
He was FREED to focus on others in the same way Jesus did: with love, compassion, concern, and an intention to bring everyone into spiritual resolution.
Saul was now Paul, a changed man. He was very aware of the darkness and how it was erased when light broke through. As John 1:5 says, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” Light exposes darkness and evil plans are ruined, just like a roll of film.
Paul’s mission was to spread the Light everywhere he could. And, if he couldn’t physically be the Light-bearer, he would reach the churches through letters. In writing to Ephesus, for example, he reminded the people, “…at one time you were in darkness, but now you are the light in the Lord. Walk as children of the light…Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.” (Ephesians 5:8, 11)
Should we be satisfied living in a black and white world…In a darkroom waiting to be developed? Or, should we open the door, letting in the Light, embracing freedom, and sharing with others all the glorious nuances of the Lord’s love?!
Maybe film needs darkness to develop, but we don’t! We need the Light!
Jesus himself said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness.” (John 8:12)
Let’s remember that we have the freedom to walk in the Light!
~ Tara Dye is a longtime member of LIFE Fellowship. She and her husband Paul have three children.