Prayer for the Prodigal

Gallery: POP PhotosPosted February 11, 2012200 views12 comments

This is my favorite photo of my father. It was taken in the church in our home town that he helped build. In 1997 when this was taken I had been a spiritual prodigal for 20 years. The only time I went to church was when I visited him. He on the other hand was the most faithful person I ever knew. He came to this spot every day unless he was sick or disabled. He had seven hip operations over the last 20 years of his life (note the cane hanging on the pew next to him) but they would not keep him down for long. On this morning I took the camera along so I could shoot the stained glass windows. He put up with my impiety. Knowing what I know now I have no doubt he was praying for me. Shortly after this the Lord brought me out of my slumber and my life has not been the same since. Today is the 11th anniversary of his passing, thus this tribute. Thanks Dad, prayer is powerful and it works. >=))>

Comments

12 comments

Comment posted by Chris Grabski on February 12, 2012 at 10:27 AM

Bill, thank you for sharing such a personal account. The photo is fantastic, but with the story behind it it becomes a testimony that great things happen.

Registered on April 29, 2011, 122 Posts, 431 Comments

Comment posted by Carol Nichols on February 12, 2012 at 11:04 AM

The light shining through the stained glass window onto your father and the pews is amazing. Apparently the light also shined on you. A very moving image and story. Wonderful that you were able to capture this moment.

Registered on November 7, 2007, 161 Posts, 1420 Comments

Comment posted by Anil Rao on February 12, 2012 at 3:32 PM

A beautiful and moving scene, Bill, made all the more special by the accompanying text. Thanks for sharing this special moment with us.

Registered on November 15, 2003, 234 Posts, 4923 Comments

Comment posted by Morris McClung on February 12, 2012 at 3:43 PM

A great portrait and tribute to your father, Bill. And yes and Amen on the power of prayer.

Registered on May 7, 2007, 670 Posts, 19650 Comments

Comment posted by Richard Teller on February 12, 2012 at 6:54 PM

I really like the mood you have created here, Bill.

Registered on August 23, 2010, 1162 Posts, 6692 Comments

Comment posted by Kent Staubus on February 12, 2012 at 8:56 PM

Very nice capture. You made the light work well here. Probably most parents have said a few prayers for their kids, and fortunately most kids turn out a lot better than we fear.

Kent in SD

Registered on November 11, 2003, 121 Posts, 2098 Comments

Comment posted by Harley Goldman on February 13, 2012 at 9:40 AM

Great tribute and excellent image, very powerful.

Registered on November 19, 2003, 586 Posts, 11271 Comments

Comment posted by Karthick Ramachand on February 16, 2012 at 11:42 AM

Thank you for sharing this Bill. The picture is as beautiful as your words here.

Registered on December 24, 2011, 17 Posts, 59 Comments

Comment posted by Vance Gese on February 16, 2012 at 12:13 PM

Love the delicate light and beautiful color. Wonderful testimony, Bill, both visually and in the written word.

Registered on November 13, 2008, 298 Posts, 6629 Comments

Comment posted by Robert Dayton on February 17, 2012 at 8:50 PM

Very moving, Bill. Thanks for sharing something very personal. This is an excellent
example of the saying, "A picture is worth a thousand words."

Registered on November 11, 2008, 281 Posts, 3958 Comments

Comment posted by Patricia Brundage on February 20, 2012 at 7:57 AM

Powerful image! Thanks for giving me hope.

Registered on March 23, 2006, 1111 Posts, 6531 Comments

Comment posted by Catherine Reilly on February 27, 2012 at 2:56 AM

Prayer IS powerful, and it DOES work! And this is one powerful, compelling image about prayer. What a tribute to your dear father.

About the photography part: the reflections of light onto the pews from the stained glass, as the main lighting, casts a colorful, otherworldly glow, that complements the scene wonderfully. Really love this Bill. Makes me think of my newly found quotation from the Latin that seems to pertain to both spiritual journey and to photography: "Ad lucem quam inhabitas." Translated: "To the light wherein Thou doest dwell."

Registered on August 16, 2006, 603 Posts, 9192 Comments