Blind as a Gifted Photographer

August 27, 2008

By Scott Harrup

I heard pianist Henry Butler interviewed recently on NPR’s “All Things Considered” and read an article about him at npr.org. Butler “started playing music as a child in the New Orleans housing projects. Blind since birth, he went on to study at the Louisiana State School for the Blind, learning classical piano scores in Braille. At Southern University, he majored in voice and minored in piano. Classical, jazz and blues music all filter into his playing.”

Listening to Butler share his talent on the radio, I was awed by his musical gift. But something else about Butler intrigued me more than his piano playing — his love for photography. The NPR Web site offers examples of his art, a blind man’s finely crafted creations in a visual medium. In an audio file, Butler explains how his assistants help him set up shots and develop the film. As he listens to them describe a scene, Butler decides how to frame a picture and use his camera’s settings to best effect.

Butler’s photography got me to pondering my own life journey. My wisdom is so limited. In many respects, I might as well be blind. I need help if I’m going to make good choices. I’m thankful God offers me His help. He has no limitations. He knows “the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come” (Isaiah 46:10, NIV).

God invites us to trust Him with our life decisions, even our lives. When we do, He promises to provide for us and guide us. Jesus spoke of God this way: “Your Father knows what you need before you ask him” (Matthew 6:8).

If you’re struggling with a decision today, catch a vision of God. He’s always out in front. He’s got an eternal perspective. Let His Spirit whisper to you the real lay of the land, then move ahead in faith expecting the best possible picture of your life to emerge.

— Scott Harrup is senior associate editor of Today’s Pentecostal Evangel and blogs at Out There (sharrup.agblogger.org).