Invocation for the Henderson County Genealogical and Historical Society Meeting, April 11, 2015; Ann Greenleaf Wirtz
Program: Unlocking the Hidden Treasures of the Baker Barber Photo Collection; Presenter, Ron Partin
Give me an old photograph, any day,
Life captured in black and white;
The lines, the edges, and curves
Clearly defined by the dark and the light:
The natural world a seeming silhouette, simple and pure, wild and epic;
The structure a declarative statement, sturdy and bold, grand and poor;
The people a reflective study, somber and joyful, family and stranger;
Our curiosity taking hold,
We pause to contemplate:
What was life like back then?
How were challenges met?
Did faith make the difference, as now for some?
Our imagination is set to wondering,
For color gives clues and color gives facts,
But black and white is a mystery waiting to be told.
Dear Father, Life has many mysteries that arouse our curiosity. When we contemplate the past through the old photograph, through the old writing, through the old keepsake, we are struck by the scope of time and by all that has happened...and by all that has changed. We are grateful that You alone are unchanging, Your love ever constant as events unfold, and time marches on, and mysteries mount. Thank You for clues, for memories, for faith that protects and saves in the darkest hour. Thank You for life abundant through the ages, the thread of life that has overcome war and famine and disease. As we contemplate the past, we pray for Your continued guidance and mercy on the future.
In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.
Program: Unlocking the Hidden Treasures of the Baker Barber Photo Collection; Presenter, Ron Partin
Give me an old photograph, any day,
Life captured in black and white;
The lines, the edges, and curves
Clearly defined by the dark and the light:
The natural world a seeming silhouette, simple and pure, wild and epic;
The structure a declarative statement, sturdy and bold, grand and poor;
The people a reflective study, somber and joyful, family and stranger;
Our curiosity taking hold,
We pause to contemplate:
What was life like back then?
How were challenges met?
Did faith make the difference, as now for some?
Our imagination is set to wondering,
For color gives clues and color gives facts,
But black and white is a mystery waiting to be told.
Dear Father, Life has many mysteries that arouse our curiosity. When we contemplate the past through the old photograph, through the old writing, through the old keepsake, we are struck by the scope of time and by all that has happened...and by all that has changed. We are grateful that You alone are unchanging, Your love ever constant as events unfold, and time marches on, and mysteries mount. Thank You for clues, for memories, for faith that protects and saves in the darkest hour. Thank You for life abundant through the ages, the thread of life that has overcome war and famine and disease. As we contemplate the past, we pray for Your continued guidance and mercy on the future.
In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.
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