Smile

Many people sit back, regularly, and think about the hard times they once endured. I do that regularly as well. And that is a good thing at times. It allows one the opportunity to grow from a struggle. Frederick Douglass said it best, "Without struggle, there is no progress."

I want to reflect a bit differently now. Today I want you do something with me. Think about all the times that you've smiled. It could've been anything to trigger your facial muscles to stretch from ear to ear. Reflect on things like the day you gave your life to Christ, winning awards, getting married, bringing a child into this world, graduating from an institution or anything that resembles positivity in your life.

When i reflected on things that made me smile I came up with quite a few. It almost surprised me. I had to, however, go through photos that spanned the last six to fifteen years to do it. Do whatever it takes. But going through my photos helped me come up with about three of the more prominent happy times I can remember. The first one is all the times I get to photograph my family members followed by my experience in Iraq and last, but not least, my first year of college.

I absolutely love photographing my siblings and their children. Malik, Gabriel, Joseph and Jonna are the most adorable children I've ever seen. And it helps that they love their uncle... lol. Everytime I need some extra "umph" I go to my album of pictures of them. Their smiles in each photo tell a story to me and I immediately laugh or smile. These times make living in a war torn country bearable.

That brings me to my next point... Yes, being in Iraq is difficult. It is, however, an opportunity more than anything else. Many troops look at what I'm doing as a deployment. Some tell me that they feel sorry for me. I smile occasionally just for being here. I have the opportunity to do something different most will never have the chance to do. I'm documenting a country in Asia. The things I see on a regular basis can be described sometimes as nothing short of amazing. Those are the days I thank God for the ability to see and the ability to know.

Lastly, I will never ever forget my first year of college. I came back from Iraq in December 2005 and enrolled at Thomas Nelson Community College a week or two later at the age of 21. I discovered what my professional love was during my first year of college... photographing people. For many years before actually enrolling I didn't think I would have the opportunity to get a college education. Now I'm less than 30 credits away from my bachelor's degree. The blessings will continue to flow in if you believe and take the first step. That first year of college kept a smile on my face and also opened many doors for me. I got to do what I loved to do in photography and met many interesting and talented individuals.

Step out on faith. Continue to reflect on things that have put a smile on your face. Be positive at all times. Blessings come to us all. Try this on for size... Continue to smile, be positive and believe in God and watch how your perception of life changes. People around you will change their perception of you as well. Everything around you will change... for the better.

The Kids

I forget that I'm in a war zone on a regular basis. Many are probably thinking, "How?!!!" It's easy. After spending so much time in one place, doing the same thing, everything becomes the regular. Carrying a 9mm pistol is like carrying my state license. Dining facilities becomes kitchens and dining rooms. Port-O-Potties becomes restrooms. War zone becomes home.

Reality sets in whenever I leave the "wire." Whenever I see the children who are suffering through the tough times of this country I praise God for what He blessed my family with. Everytime I see an Iraqi child, I want to give them whatever I've got... well not my 9mm. That's mine... lol. But I makes sure to bring Pop Tarts, IceBreakers gum and all kinds of treats to give to them.

Some of these children have the things they need and many of them go without daily. They don't complain... just deal with it because they know no different. Sometimes it gets so hot here that I think Satan is sitting next to me and I'll see some of the children walking around without shoes. I saw a bath tub the children used to clean themselves and it looked as if there were a few tires sitting at the bottom of the filled tub because of the filth in it.

I could go on and on about all that I see. All I'll say is this... Thank God for what you and your children have been blessed with. It may be very little. It may not be as much as you desire but thank him anyway. Things could always be worse.