I didn't know when I started writing what the cover of this book would look like. Covers of books are important. I understood that. But where to begin had me stumped, stopped dead in my tracks. Initially I thought the cover would just be words, but as the journey of writing continued, the God-desires of my heart began to unfold and my heart longed for a photograph to grace it's cover.
I wanted something that portrayed the message of "just being" and in the course of my writings and research I had stumbled upon this beautiful picture. I found it on a free picture website called Pexels. My husband, being the graphic designer that he is, asked me to use this site as a resource. Thus, we began crafting this God-inspired table reader together.
When he asked me what picture I would like to use on the cover, I remember being a bit apprehensive. It was such a big decision. "There's this one picture in the book that really speaks to me," I said, "I don't know if it's the right picture, but it constantly brings me back to just being."
The care-free nature of childhood. The simple trust and faith-like hope a child carries. The ability to enjoy the journey and make the most of any situation or setting. The gift to imagine beyond what you see with your eyes into a world that is far bigger than yourself.
The safety and assurance you carry knowing your are fully cared for by your Father. That He has your best interest at heart. Just Be.
When I saw the photograph on the cover, with the design, I cried. Tears of joy, mind you. What God had placed on my heart was vividly portrayed on the cover and it was beyond beautiful. Creating a book that was filled with special visual and written moments with Jesus and built on the truth of His word.
I didn't know the man who took the picture. I didn't even know where he was from. But when I got my first few copies I found the photographer on instagram and direct messaged him a picture of the book. Turns out he was from Brazil and is a well-known photographer there. His name is Matheus Bertelli. I asked for his address and happily sent him a free copy of the book. I wrote to him, shared my heart and thanked him for the God-given gift of his photography.
"I received your book," he direct messaged me, "I love it so much. Thank you." He went on for a considerable amount of time speaking in Portuguese on social media about the book and how much it meant to him.
Thank you doesn't even describe the excitement lost in translation. My husband had to whip out his pocket translator and hold it up to my phone as we rewatched the video he sent to translate it's full meaning. "It has always been a dream of mine for one of my photographs to be on a book cover. When I got your book my dream came true," he said with warmth and passion.
It was in that moment that God reminded me of one of the beautiful treasures found in obedience: your act of obedience can lead to the dreams of others being fulfilled.
Obedience is about you trusting and believing God, then responding fully to Him. It makes His name known throughout this earth and draws others into the love of a heavenly Father who cares more about them than they could possibly imagine. It is about you, and it does have the purpose of glorifying God, yet at the same time it has so much to do with others.
Your obedience to God affects the lives of others.
Your obedience could be an answer to prayer for another. Your obedience could put into motion the purposes God has for their lives. God could use your obedience as a catalyst of courage for someone who is teetering on the fence of indecision. You obedience blesses, encourages and grants strength to those weary of heart.
And maybe, like me, your obedience will stretch across a nation and a world, leaving a rippling effect of God's love in the lives of those you least expected.
Lives like Matheus - and as I've come to find out, this beautiful girl who graces the cover, Kathleen. These are some of the endless treasures found in obedience. You never know whose life your obedience to God will impact for eternity. My prayer is that obedience becomes a part of the character God is molding and shaping within you (and me too).
"I will hurry, without delay, to obey your commands." Psalm 119:60
Photo Credit: Matheus Bertelli from Pexels
Comments