I Was Blinded by the Sun

Thursday, January 29, 2009

I was blinded by the sun only to see how much I've grown...

While I was shooting in Anguilla I sat on the beach for two mornings to watch the sun rise. On one of those mornings I was reminded of being thankful in the presence of my own shadow.


The clouds were thick and the sky was beautiful. I sat on the beach and the sand was almost cold to touch. The tide was coming in and the water reached closer and closer to my feet by the second. I started photographing items on the beach because the lighting was so perfect.


Then it happened...

In the blink of an eye I felt warmth on my shirtless back and I was temporarily blinded by the bright light reflected from the sand. I had lost track of time. The clouds had parted and now the sun revealed its strength. My eyes adjusted once I opened them and I tried to recompose my earlier shot. Everything looked totally different. The contrast, the texture, the depth, the shadow - all different.


I lay on the sand, chest to the ground, and continued shooting. Its like my subject had grown and I was photographing its past. This gave me an idea. I thought about my past and my future as I so often ponder the correlation between the two. I lifted myself from the earth beneath me and I felt the warmth growing in the sand between my fingers. I turned around and what did I see?? Me! Much taller and better looking though...


So many of us doubt ourselves. I know I do sometimes. We doubt our intelligence, our decisions, our spirituality, our talents, our gifts, and even our physical appearance. The truth of the matter is this: If you will gather the courage to stand and turn around, you will see your growth and be thankful for that. Some of us have bad memories that we would rather not recount, however, you must be thankful for the obstacles you have already overcome.

I believe this message is more for me than it is for you but I felt inclined to share my thoughts with you today.

Blog you later!

- KNIGHT
Ross Oscar Knight
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17 comments:

T.A.G said...

Ross,

You never fail to disappoint. I thought, as I clinked on the link that would take me to your website, "Please Ross, have something that speaks to me today. I need it".


Your words hits home for me on so many levels. I went after my dreams yesterday. All day, I weaved between doubt and belief, trust in God and fear of his will. It was hard. t was hard and I found myself weaving between doubt and belief, trust in God and fear of his will. Yet on some level, I know that God is totally in control. It is only his will that will happen in my life, and though it pains me to think that this particular dream might not come to be in the form that I want it, this knowledge keeps me going.

Keep doing what you do. You have a gift.

An avid reader/viewer of your blog.

Saadia Me'Chel said...

I know you said this blog was more for you than others but its funny how you happen to read something or perhaps you hear the pastor's sermon at church and you feel like its completely directed at you. I have recently been struggling with myself and things that have happened in the past. The thing I realized a few days ago while thinking back on younger days, is that I am certainly not the person that I use to be. That being said I praise God for letting me experience those things so I now know where I need to be and I know who I am. Seems as if this blog post was a reaffrimation of what I already know. I have grown immensely! Even though these words may have not been meant for me... I thank you for them a million time over!

eyesforyou said...

TRUE
THANK YOU

QuitaShay said...

This message was right on time! I thank you for sharing.

David N. Beasley Jr. said...

I am right there with you Ross concerning this post. Sometimes you do have to look back to see where you've come from and that you've overcome. We've made it through so much, grown taller and wiser as a result and need to use and pay these experiences forward. I am glad I was able to take advantage of your gifts at your workshop, while we shot together in Chicago and how you've been there to answer questions for me about the business.

Thanks and God Bless..

Anonymous said...

ross! you keep the good stuff coming! this month has been quite fulfilling - with family, friends, and friendly faces (millions of them all around us just last week)! i'm looking forward to what He has in store for us and truly taking the time to reflect...it's rewarding and really a source of rejuvenation. continue to capture it all! whether in words or your photos, you do it so well! thanks ross and welcome back!!!!

kp

Anonymous said...

You hit the nail on the head. Like everyone else here, I come to get inspired and I was truly inspired by your post today as I am always. Your life continues to inspire me. Thanks for sharing.

Anonymous said...

2009 is the year of moving forward. We are at the "Point of No Return". No going back to the old. I'm excited when people-or myself- realize a good change and share it with others.Its encouragement. I rejoice with you, for the great things God has done for you and your family. Stay Bless- because God knows what's best.


Natasha from NY.

Angel said...

Ross,
Your post always inspire me. I frequently have doubts in myself, my talents, and my gifts. Your post always make me reflect on myself, and my past. Through reflecting on this I am able to rebuild that confidence.

fyahbun said...

Ross, Thank you. I need those words!

MissAudrey said...

All I could do was lift my hands in praise when I saw this>>>So many of us doubt ourselves. I know I do sometimes. We doubt our intelligence, our decisions, our spirituality, our talents, our gifts, and even our physical appearance. The truth of the matter is this: If you will gather the courage to stand and turn around, you will see your growth and be thankful for that. Some of us have bad memories that we would rather not recount, however, you must be thankful for the obstacles you have already overcome.<<<

Thanks for sharing. Have you ever thought about being a writer?

Anonymous said...

Ross, Thank you for sharing.Your words encouraged me more than you could ever know. This coming Saturday February 7, I will be sitting down to take the Lsat exam,which is going to determine my educational future and path in Law .For a brief moment I began to allow my fears to get the best of me. Your words have reassured me to know that when you have the favor of God on your life.You must keep moving forward knowing he will not fail you nor leave.

Again,I thank god for your life and his blessing upon you and your family.
God Bless you!!
Serena, Nashville,TN

Deewonda said...

Again your words have been a balm to my soul! You are so right! When I look back I DO see how much I've grown especially during my valley-times for which I am thankful.

I'm better, faster, stronger!

Thank you, Ross!

SDAComposer said...

I came across your site purely by chance. A friend chatting online was looking for wedding songs, and sent me link to your photo site. Then I clicked on blog. Thanks for sharing.
Diana

brran1 said...

I appreciate the quote at the end of this blog. You always come with something positive and uplifting to say which, as a result,makes a person think!

And as always, great shots!

What type of lense did you use for the first one?

clo said...

Nuff said!

My Natural Write said...

Thanks for sharing! It does help on the journey.