The Empty Cross
When I look at a protestant style cross I see it has no adornments or ornamentation. It conjures up
images of stoicism, severe or stern dispositions, sombre, grave, and disciplined faces - a severely
simple and plain life. All these images are definitions of Austere. This is, however, not how I see God
but more the manner, in which I see, the early protestants lived in accordance to their interpretaions
of the Scriptures.
Please note.
As Marianne reminded me - the Cross is the symbol of our Faith. As she says, it brings us much comfort and Hope - our very Salvation.
As Marianne reminded me - the Cross is the symbol of our Faith. As she says, it brings us much comfort and Hope - our very Salvation.
Matt 11 : 28
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Immediately, I read the theme for this weeks Picture Perfect, the above photo came to mind. I had not ever taken a photo anything like my mind had envisaged, so I ventured off to find a church with such a Cross. I live in a small coastal region with a very limited selection of Churches and, as is the case the world over, most churches lock their doors making access, for my shot, even more limiting. My intution and the fact that I was passing anyway, led me to the local Baptist Church where the Pastor was sitting in his office with his doors, open and welcoming. He too is a bit of a keen photographer so was more than happy for me to photograph the Cross on the small pulpit at the front of the church. Like most of us his time is limited for such hobbies so I thought when I send him a link to the Photo that I might invite him to join PPF - it may just suit him and give an avenue for him to enjoy his photography.
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For the rules of the competition
http://fotofriday.multiply.com/
To enter the competition
http://fotofriday.multiply.com/journal/item/506/PPF_Winter_Competition_Week_Five_Austere_
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I love the angle you took this from , Keith. Indeed it looks austere but to me, the symbol of my faith, that gives me comfort.
ReplyDeleteMatthew 11:28
Come to Me, all you who are weary (tired) and burdened (carrying a load), and I will give you rest.
Yes amen Marianne - I forgot to add something like that to my post so will add your choice in scripture - thanks my Sister from SA.
ReplyDeleteVery nicely shot, Keith!!
ReplyDeletehttp://mitchylr.multiply.com/journal/item/451/Picture_Perfect_Competition_5_AUSTERE
what a fabulous subject and a great angle! Really like this one.
ReplyDeleteNice angle and very austere... I like you invited the Pastor :)!
ReplyDeleteThanks a lot for your comment on mine.
Bravo, Keith!
ReplyDeleteYou are following your gut feeling, and that's what makes your entry even more interesting.
The cross is actually a torture instrument, austere indeed. How can anyone like a cross, whatever shape it has..?
When Christians love their symbols, it's of course because it reminds us about the sacrifice made by Jesus.
His followers have sadly made many mistakes during the centuries, whatever the churches are named.
What matters, is that God is rich enough for all of us. His love brings new life to everyone!
http://amalie2.multiply.com/journal/item/442/Picture_Perfect_Competition_5Austere
Yes, I like it too!
ReplyDeletea pleasure my friend, thank you for the chat. Sleep well. Nite Nite
ReplyDeleteme three, will be lovely if he joins us.
ReplyDeleteAmen, Amalie. Well said. Hugs.
ReplyDeletethanks Jacqui -you sure had a bit of fun last week
ReplyDeleteThanks Kia!!
ReplyDeletethank you Amalie for your words.
ReplyDeleteKeith, you created in your minds eye and created with the camera, truly inspirational for those of us that love photography.... excellent photo....
ReplyDeletehttp://msowens1.multiply.com/journal/item/843/pp_Autere_fifth_week_
Thanks so much Mo!! It looks as I saw it in my mind - even the monochrome.
ReplyDeleteYou amaze me every week...:))
ReplyDeletehttp://emotionalblondesa.multiply.com/journal/item/221/Picture_Perfect...Winter_Competition...Week_Five
wonderful entry, like your take on the theme
ReplyDeletehttp://mrsrh.multiply.com/journal/item/708
I absolutely love this! Perfect!
ReplyDeletehttp://crazykk.multiply.com/journal/item/1004/Picture_Perfect_Winter_Comp_Week_5_-_Austere
Very well shot. Love the angle that you took it with. NIce!
ReplyDeletePretty shot. The empty cross of Protestant faiths represents the living Christ...not the dead Jesus on the cross, but the risen Christ who lives among us.
ReplyDeletehttp://karen21445.multiply.com/journal/item/625/Picture_Perfect_-_AUSTERE
Amen Karen thank you for you comment and adding this!
ReplyDeleteExtremely simple and yet impressive. Great angle shot.
ReplyDeletehttp://fransformation.multiply.com/journal/item/839
This is an excellent entry for this week's theme Keith - austere in every way. :)
ReplyDeletehttp://mousepotato66.multiply.com/journal/item/642/Picture_Perfect_-_Winter_Competition_5_-_Austere
A wonderful choice, Keith! In fact I thought about using a photo of a cross, myself. Love your words, very fitting!
ReplyDeletePicture Perfect Winter Competition Week # 5 ~ Austere
Very well done! Excellent choice for this week...the cross in it's austerity. I like, too, you meeting the pastor and inviting him to join us! Fun!
ReplyDeletePicture Perfect - Competition #5 - Austere
Simple yet severe, fits the theme of austere rather nicely. Well done keith
ReplyDeleteI really, really like this! I agree with the feelings that this gives about the early church folk, and I also agree with you about not seeing God that way now. A cross symbolizes to me the sacrifice that was made for my sin, and how weighty of a load that was for Christ to bear, but it also symbolizes hope and joy, faith and comfort. I hope the Pastor that you met joins, and how wonderful it was for you to meet him and be welcomed in the church! Thanks for your comment on my photo!
ReplyDeleteWonderful shot! Very nice view of it.
ReplyDeleteEmpress S's ~Austere~"
I love this....what a perfect shot and I LOVE LOVE LOVE that you went out and shot especially for the theme. That makes me smile and then to top it off invited a new member. I hope he joins in.
ReplyDeleteCherie
I sure hope the Pastor takes the plunge and partakes of the party here at PP! We would be pleased as punch to have him! A truly austere entry and great out of the box thinking. Like Cherie, I'm tickled that you shot specifically for this instead of raiding your archives like I did! LOL
ReplyDeleteBrilliant Keith.
ReplyDeleteme too!! And thank you a good theme motivates effort!!
ReplyDeleteIt's perfect for this week !!! Great photo !!
ReplyDeletehttp://sharonl344.multiply.com/journal/item/406/Picture_Perfect_Competition_Week_5_Austere_
This is a great shot!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the visit to mine :)
"Austere" - for Picture Perfect
Congrats on this weeks HM
ReplyDeleteCherie
Congrats Keith!
ReplyDeleteI like this. A simple beautiful wooden cross, representing so much.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your HM, and I too think it's wonderful that you found an open welcoming church to allow your photograph session, and for you to invite the Pastor is awesome as well. I hope, since you mention that he dabbles in photography himself, that he does.
Congrats Keith!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your HM! :-)
ReplyDeleteFollowing the gut feeling was a right and good decision!
Congratulations , you deserved it for sure .
ReplyDeleteThanks for your visit . Here in Turkey we live all the seasons in full. Have a nice week ahead.
Fantastic perspective! Congrats on HM /:-)
ReplyDelete