Let go, let God

Having the love for words, yet an eye for photography, I have decided to begin a project: 101 Strangers with Stories. The purpose of this project is not only to challenge myself artistically and mentally, but to embrace the world of stories also. Everyone has a story, whether it's detailed and descriptive, or short and sweet. Whether it's love and emotion, or action and adventure. Whether it's childish memories, or adult fears. It's a story. My goal, is to unlock these stories that lay unidentified worldwide, by captivating words and intriguing photographs. As pictures and stories unfold, I wish to share them with the world through compiling everything into one book, maybe someday to be published. Joshua 1:9 says "Have I not commanded thee? Be thou strong and of good courage, be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed, for the Lord thy God is with thee, withersoever thou goest." Looking into the near future, it's hard to just let go, let God. In my case, heading to Mexico in just a few short days is bringing many thoughts to my mind. The first step on an airplane, two weeks staying with people I barely know, different food and surroundings, being half way around the world! There are many reasons to be scared and afraid of what may come, but God says he is with us wherever we go. He says that since He is always with us, we need to be strong and courageous, fearless of what the future may bring us, trusting that God has already gone before us. When I was younger, I remember that whenever I would get scared at night in my bed, I would recite this verse many times over, usually until I fell asleep. But now, Joshua 1:9 has a new meaning in my mind. Collage, travelling, military, and family have become the common talk among my friends that are nearing this new stage of our lives. My little circle of friends and I are growing up, and we will soon be going our own ways. It's one thing to trust God with our own lives, our own futures, and our own plans, but sometimes it's hard to have faith that God knows whats best for our friends too. I'm an adventurist, I yearn to discover, captivate, and visually see the world. It's easy for me to see myself leaving my home...just not yet. But having lifetime friends go off to collage and the military, it's hard not to question God. However, God wants our trust and our faith, and He will give us the strength and the courage to triumph over every fear in our lives. We just have to let go, let God. In conclusion, my challenge both to you and myself, find other people's stories. Share whether you have just begun yours, in the middle, or have finally finished a chapter. Encourage the struggling, uplift the downtrodden, and congratulate the ends.