Suffering and Sacrifice

Good Friday

It seemed appropriate that it was overcast and raining the day I captured this image. After all, it portrays Jesus being put to death on a cross. This crucifix is located in Cedar Hill cemetery in Vicksburg, Mississippi. The monument is surrounded by cross shaped tombstones where Catholic nuns from the local order Sisters of Mercy are buried. Some of these nuns cared for sick and wounded soldiers during the Civil War. However, much of the care was not for gunshot wounds or wartime injuries. Most of the deaths from that period were a result of disease. The dates on the tombstones indicate that the majority of the nuns that died during the Civil War period were only in their twenties at the time of their death. It is likely that they contracted illnesses from the soldiers in their care.

Over a million people around the world have contracted a terrible disease from the current pandemic. Many more have been asked to make sacrifices for the better good. Doctors, nurses and first responders are putting themselves at risk everyday. This may be remembered as a period of suffering and sacrifice. However, we are currently living this story and the story is not over. We are not certain what the final chapter will be.

A message of hope

Today is Good Friday. Good Friday is a Christian holiday commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus and his death at Calvary. A day in which Jesus suffered on the cross as a sacrifice for the sin of mankind. Christians celebrate Good Friday because they believe a message of hope arose from the suffering and sacrifice. The image of the cross above was taken in front of Christ United Methodist Church in Jackson, Mississippi. It is the belief of Christians that the story did not end with suffering and sacrifice. The story continued with a message of hope, forgiveness and love. What is the final chapter of our current story? Maybe it has already been written. Maybe, just maybe, we win in the end.

Focus on what you love

Occasionally, I have the opportunity to work on a project with my two sons Matt and Josh. The recent Red Bluff cycling event was one of those occasions that we were able to work and spend some time together. Matt and Josh operate Hinkle Productions among many other things.

Matt is a firefighter, teacher, pilot, videographer, business owner and a long list of other things. He keeps a very busy schedule juggling all the things in his life. Josh is a technical director, director, graphic designer, website builder, videographer, and his list keeps going as well. I think you get the point. They both have busy lives and anytime I have the chance to be with them is a real pleasure.

I usually keep family images separate from my business photographs, but this week I needed to make an exception. The challenges that the world is facing right now are difficult, to say the least. Many of us have concerns about how long it might take to return to normal life. I must admit that my anxiety level has been quite high in the past few days. Then, I found that reflecting on the things that I love about my life helped me to escape my anxious thoughts. My faith, my family and my friends will get me through anything this world can throw at me. If your struggling with the current situation, try focusing your thoughts and maybe your camera on what you love about your life. It might just help and It certainly can’t hurt!