A Dream Birthed

I wanted to put my feet up and was about to watch an epic movie when Kristen, a photographer dormmate in PBC, suggested we watched a multi-award winning documentary movie entitled, "Born into Brothels." It was an amazing story, an antidote for griping spirits and ungrateful poor-me's. The protagonist of this inspiring real-life story, Zana, visited India in 1998 hoping to shoot photos on women's issues for a book compilation. She begun her journey by visiting the brothels in Calcutta's Red Light District to get a deeper understanding of the lives of the prostitutes there but found herself drawn into the lives of the children there. Upon their innocent, inquisitive requests to let them take pictures of her, Zana began to teach them the basics of photography. She bought them each a cheap camera and encouraged them to explore capturing life on films. Their pictures revealed the painful life in the brothels through the eyes of these 9 children, their untapped genius and their persistent cry to be let out of the cage of their present fate. The story goes on to tell of Zana's tenacious effort to put the children into school and advertise the children's photographs in as many galeries as possible. Their stunning, excellent photographs became world famous and was even made into Amnesty International calendar for the year 2005. What is most touching is witnessing the obvious positive change in the children's lives and character, where they could not see hope in their future but now have escaped the agony of living in such destitution.

My heart was moved in a deep way I hope will be life changing. I want to live in such a way that lives will be impacted. If possible I want to be the rope God uses to draw children out of their misery and impact their lives so that they are not trapped in their present confusion. I want to see lives changed. An idea that's been stewing for some time now suddenly makes sense again. I could by God's grace and help, teach a group of needy children music - the basics of piano, guitar, bass, drums (somewhat similar to Rhythm Techniques). Then I want to encourage them to write songs. Hopefully we get to present them in places around the world and even teach them dance. Lord, help me, guide me and help me not to be a coward. But to reach out and keep trying. Give me a strong passion that does not come from a brilliant idea. But one that comes when I meet these children you have prepared and convict me with the love You have for them. I want to bless them Lord. NOt just do some good in this world, but to make use of my talents, mediocre or average, who cares!? If I don't know enough, I can always ask someone else for help to teach the kids. I need You to build my character Lord. Make me secure in myself and help me understand the workings of the real world. Completely drench me with a huge whollop of common sense and an understanding of respecting every living thing. Make me like you Lord. The sinners were comfortable with you and went away, their lives changed. Duplicate that in me Lord, please.

Thank you for helping me see the pain and the trap prostitutes are in as shown in the movie. I have always resented the fact that you showed so much favour to the prostitutes, Rahab and Mary Magdelene. But You love them and they loved you so completely. A self-righteous prude is like garbage stench to Your nostrils. Burn this in me Lord, Burn a love for the people and for You in me Lord. Help me HOly Spirit, so that my life will not go to waste. I love you Lord. Help me in my weaknesses and strengths. Thank You for Your grace and mercy. Without You I am nothing. Lord, may it be that YOu increase and I decrease as the friend of the Bridegroom.