Rocking the boat
I have something very serious to share with you all. I really hope that this rocks your boat, challenges you and makes you question everything you know.
There are some things in life that are trivial. Should we have this ribbon on our invites, or that ribbon? Look, who cares. There are more serious things you probably need to sort out in your life.
You might remember recently I photographed my friend Alex Pullar’s weddding. A while before that I took family photos for his family as his mother Kim had just returned from her first round of chemo and was expected to lose her hair and Kim wanted some shots before this happened.
Kim, I believe is currently in a hospital in Sydney, with her family surrounding her as the doctors have given a less than positive outlook for Kim. I go to the same church as Kim, and Kim is an amazing encouragement to everyone there. I mean everyone. She would know the names of everyone in the church, or anyone that has visited even once when she was there. She takes a real, keen, and genuine interest in people’s lives and there are hundreds of people out there who rely on her for encouragement and support. Kim has been the most amazing support to me, and to so many people who I am close to. I used to live with Alex, her son, and was so glad to have her visit.
Kim is a very strong, committed Christian. I know that it would be her prayer that you would come to know the joy and peace she knows. I think Kim knew all too well that there was a major reason that people visited churches but often didn’t go back. Because of the sucky people that are at church who can’t really help you and are just so caught up in themselves. I am one of those people, but I believe Kim isn’t. She knows how to make someone welcome, and to show them that she cares and is glad that they’re around.
Folks, people let us down. God doesn’t. He never will. He will never leave us.
My prayer for you is that you cannot stop thinking about the future, where you’re going.. what’s after this.. you know all that stuff.. and you find God at the end of it, waiting with open arms, wanting to be there for you if only you’ll open your arms too.
Please say a prayer, even if you’ve never prayed before, say a prayer for Kim and her family, but also for yourself and your longing to get to know the God of this universe.
I don’t know if I’ve really set to achieve what I intented to get across in this blog post..but I hope and pray that you have been challenged and encouraged by something in this. If anyone wants to chat, either to tell me I’m full of it, or to find out more, or to just have a chat.. my inbox and mobile are both open and both are published all over my main website (www.jamesday.com.au)
I’ll leave you with a photo from the family shoot that I did of Kim and her gorgeous family a few months back.
So true. She’s a courageous woman who lives out the truth which she knows. Thanks for the encouragement James, and for being real about what you know…in season and out. The truth hey! It’s good.
My prayers to you, sweet woman, and to your family.
Thanks James,
I love Kim so much and her whole family. It was really encouraging to read this post and I really hope it moves others too.
Good on you for speaking out to the public.
God bless,
Mick
What a gorgeous family. And what a happy one, too! I actually grew up on a property basically “next door” to these wonderful people and have known them since childhood. Many happy memories of playing “sardines” and Lego. Thanks James, for raising the seriousness of life. I know that it’s something we all think about at one point or another. I’m so glad that Kim and Neil and their family are in good hands, no matter what happens.
I also encourage your readers to have a think about life. Read the Bible. Maybe even go to church, and look past all the James’s to the God that is the author of everything that is good: the God who wants to change us and to make us completely satisfied forever - no matter what happens in this life.
Amen! Jesus Christ makes all the difference in this world. He showed us what the ultimate sacrifice of love looks like and makes everything worth living for. Thanks for being bold about your faith and encouraging others to do so as well.
What a beautiful family and a terrible shame that Kim is going through this ;( Kim sounds like a beautiful woman.
Hey James,
Amen to your prayer James. Firstly I love the pic its beautiful and secondly I love your truth you speak and your courage to post it on your blog. If everyone knew the true love of Christ the eyes they see through would be so much clearer and their hearts would be filled with a greater peace than most people would ever know. I too encourage those who read this blog to step out of their comfort zone put away your pre-conceived perceptions of the God and attend church, don’t be judgmental of the people they are never perfect but God is, so be open!
Love Ya James
My prayers go out to all the family.
James,
It is times such as these where life is really put into perspective, the frivilous pursuits, the missappropriation of concern and folly of humanity is truly exposed for the valuless waste of energy it truly is. Our thoughts and prayers are with Kim and her family at this diffcult time.
My thoughts and prayers are with Kim and her family. It should be of comfort to her to know that God, her family and friends are always with her to love her and keep her strong.
Hi everyone,
James, thanks for your blog
Mum passed away early yesterday morning, and is now with her Heavenly Father. If there was one thought or impression she would want to leave us with, I think it’d be along the lines of James’ post. Mum was always very graceul and humble, giving God the honour and glory, and would want her life to reflect His goodness, majesty and Lordship.
It brings me so much hope and peace that I know God is capable of doing good through all things. Thankfully, his plans are much bigger and better than ours, and even though we may not understand, I trust that he is faithful.
Thanks to everyone for their friendship, thoughts, prays and support. Alex
Hey James, I love your work and your thoughts, out of curiosity - which church do you attend in Armidale
Hey Mate, I just read on your facebook that Kim passed away, I’m so sorry to hear that. I hope these wonderful photos can somehow ease the pain over the passage of time for her loved ones. I’m sorry for your loss