It's About God

I was channel surfing the other day.

I paused when I came across a program that was supposed to be about funny videos.

This segment featured a wedding video shot by a professional hired for the occasion.

The videographer along with a still photographer both decided to stand directly behind the minister.

The still photographer was using a flash and was clicking off shot after shot as the minister began to perform the ceremony.

Quite suddenly, the minister interrupted the ceremony.

He turned around to face both the videographer and photographer.

The minister informed the pair that he would not allow them to stand there.

The videographer protested stating that he just wanted to get a good shot.

The minister replied that these proceedings were not about the shot but rather about God.

The videographer continued his protest and the minister replied that he would stop the proceedings altogether if they refused to move.

A look of shock came over both the bride and groom.

This warning from the minister encouraged the pair to move.

What I find disturbing is that the producers of this program felt the minister’s reaction was funny.

The commentary from the program’s panel was equally disturbing.

They contended that the couple was more important than God.

They even discussed how much these professionals charged for their services.

Before I wrote this, I did a quick Internet search and discovered one of the major news networks featured an extended version of the video in a news report.

Their reporter inaccurately described the minister as having a meltdown.

The network also interviewed the couple by phone.

They were of the opinion that the minister overreacted.

All things considered, I have to side with the minister in this case.

I am not a professional photographer, but I have taken a number of photographs at weddings, baptisms and other services in a church setting.

I take them not only to benefit the participants, but also to document church history.

That said, there are a number of rules I imposed on myself from the beginning.

First, I would never use a flash in church.

Second, I would sit in front and take every photo from that position. I would not move around.

Third, I would try my utmost not to be a distraction.

Finally, under no circumstances would I ever consider approaching the altar for the sake of a photograph.

I have seen others do this, especially family members during baptisms, and I cringe when they do so.

The service, no matter the occasion, is about God.

God comes first and the participants second.

It is never about the photographer or the shot.

I find it sad that both the program and a major network decided to ridicule this minister.

I, for one, fully support his decision.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, July 1, 2016.

I’ll be back here on Friday, July 8, 2016