A Book Cover for Michele | Photos Edge

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Something had happened, tears were streaming down my face and into the sink. As I looked into the mirror at my piercing green eyes (they get bright emerald-green when I am really upset), Michele walked into the ladies’ room of our church.  She was a kind woman, always put together, beautiful, and somehow reminded me of my mom when I was little. You know, the mom that picks you up when you’re crying, or drinks tea with you when you don’t actually want to talk.  I was the quiet, let’s not talk about my feelings, person.  My poor mom.

Anyway, Michele reminded me of those days, sitting in the formal living room with my mom.  She came into the bathroom and smiled at me, she didn’t ask what was wrong, and it didn’t matter, especially since I don’t remember why I was so upset to begin with.  I was probably misunderstood at the time, or needed a huge miracle to pay some bill or even pay rent. Whatever the case may be, she warmed my soul with a simple hug as she handed me another tissue.

I don’t like to be touched when I am sad because I totally lose it.  Standing in that bathroom I totally lost it for a solid 60 seconds.  Then I wiped my face. She complimented my outfit and told me everything would be ok. She didn’t say it to blow me off and it wasn’t filled with fluff, she meant it.  And she was right.  Everything ended up being ok. I am sure that I was in her prayers that day, and probably that night.  I don’t think that Michele remembers because I actually think she does this for women often.  She picks up their broken hearts with love and prayer and helps them find themselves.

Marco and I saw the Davenports in church every Sunday. They sat up front closely behind the pastors, and soon our family found themselves sitting near them. I feel like those were the best days, but they clearly weren’t, I was crying in a bathroom. At that time, almost 10 years ago, we had hope. Lots of hope!

Marco and I came from nothing, for real: we moved 5 times in one year, a natural disaster, a death, a big cancer scare, and to top it off an apartment blown up.  YES.. Blown up!  So, when I say we came from nothing… I mean it.  By the time we found our church we were finally able to breathe. And things did get much better. Somehow I miss those days of making new friends and feeling like there was nowhere to go but up, because that was all there really was. It was in those years that we started our photography business. I love how things start. That’s why weddings are so huge for me, it’s the start of a love story.

Ten years ago, God put a little family in my heart. Eventually Michele’s two beautiful daughters were getting married, and Marco and I had the privilege to photograph their stories. A few weeks ago I got a phone call from Michele asking if I could help her out with images for her new book.  I was elated and thrilled for her. Marco and I spent a few hours with Michele and her husband Marty. We shared stories, coffee, and took some amazing photographs. This will be Michele’s 4th book.  She speaks all over the world and is an award-winning writer. If you have the time, check out her Faith Builders Ministries, it’s incredible.

Thank you Michele for being light in this crazy world.