shedding insecurity, embracing creative authority

As I've pursued photography and blogging, I've been reluctant to say with confidence, "I'm a photographer," or "I'm a writer."  Jeremy recently stumbled upon a post from Donald Miller's blog titled A Creator Must Believe He Has the Authority to Create.  In the post he talks a lot about the movie, The King's Speech, starring Colin Firth.  Although I haven't seen the movie, I know a bit of what's it about.  These three lines of his post really spoke to me, "The King could not be King until he himself believed he was fit for the role. The throne meant nothing unless it meant something to the King. The people would not follow the King unless the King stepped into the authority they had given him."

Why am I reluctant to label myself photographer or writer?  It's not because I dislike labels.  No, it's rooted in that ugly thing called insecurity.  But you know what?  I AM a writer.  I AM a photographer.  And the exciting part is that I am constantly growing in these loves of mine.

Speaking of growth, this photographer has been participating in a very fun e-course, The Joy of Love (it's rolling admission so you can still sign up if you want).  Every day you receive an assignment and a tip via email.  It's been lots of fun!  My assignments and photos so far...

what they do : homework

and what they do: they eat

how they look : our linus

then and now : my guitar playing husband

The last one was tricky because I don't have many photos with me and certainly not old ones.  My first thought, though, when I thought of then and now was when I first met Jeremy to now, married 11 years, and how his love, talent, and heart for worship and song writing has grown.  It reminds me of the fabulous journey of growth that happens with time.  I'll be sharing more assignments and photos with you next week!  Have a great weekend and don't forget to enter the love{ly} Valentine's Day giveaway!