This shoot was off the wall
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Everyday we are given countless opportunities to pause and reflect on life. These moments of pause and reflection always bring me to a place of gratitude. Today I found myself pausing as I watched this video that I was able to play a small part in. It’s a music video for black history month with the band Radkey. The video is sponsored by Vans, as they’re promoting creativity within the black community. VANS PEOPLE!!! I paused and then took a long gaze at my feet. Instantly I was taken back to 5 year old Venson at the market in Sudan getting his first pair of shoes ever. They were silver Nikes with a zipper. I remember taking them off right after I tried them on so that they wouldn’t get dirty. “Only for special occasions,” I told myself. Now fast forward 20 years. I’m 25 and have more shoes than I know what to do with, and I’m watching a campaign for one of my favorite shoe brands.
Life is crazy like that sometimes.
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Massive shout out to @natalianstalion for setting it up and letting me be involved, thank you friend! @chrisdurr_dp I had no idea what was walking into and you boosted my confidence big time! @radkeyrock we are the pretty people! @vans you’re pretty dope for having a campaign like this during black history month!
Link to the full music video: https://youtu.be/VwD09726atI
Ever struggle hearing the voice of God? I shared this note with a friend recently that has a few helpful pointers on how to hear God. It’s helped me navigate life on a number of occasions. Hope it helps you!
I Corinthians 16:7-9
"For I do not want to see you now just in passing. I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits. But I will stay in Ephesus until Pentecost, for a wide door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.'
Hearing the voice of God through open doors:
- Hold on to things loosely. Put your desires under Lord's will. Otherwise you’ll be heartbroken and maybe even bitter when God tells you to go the other way.
- Not every open door from God is easy. There's probably some resistance that you'll be met with. Satan works hard, he'll throw a couple of punches and try to knock you out, but God works harder!
How you know you have an open door:
1. You're thinking of how you can honor God and something comes to mind.
2. Upon exploration or inquiry is the door you're trying to go through feasible? Does your dream meet reality?
3. Do you have a sense of peace about walking through the door?
4. Do you feel like God would be pleased with you walking through the door? Acts I5:28 "For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us….”
5. Have you sought Godly counsel who agrees that this is an open door you should go through?
6. Do you have an enthusiasm or in your heart about walking through that door?
7. Do you sense a grace on what you are doing?
God's presence+opportunity+resources+ability = grace
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📸 @nicos_pina
Kirk said it best — I smile, I know God is working, so I smile. Watching my brother say I do to his bride last weekend! God’s been faithful. Love you guys so much!! @thekidbsmith & @ryanrosesmith
Helped King move — nothing says friendship like carrying furniture • Met a dog who decided we were all his best friends • This is community: people showing up for each other • Took time to touch grass — Colorado has too much beauty to ignore • Worship in the park made the week feel lighter • Trader Joe’s runs keep me going • Lunch with the boys — love these two • The Workmans made their way to Denver for the day • Picked up a thrift haul, because full price doesn’t make sense • My guy B landed me an ESPN Monday night football gig — still in awe of the doors God opens excited for the next game in a few weeks. • Ended with fall colors reminding me to slow down and take it all in
Grateful for friends, faith, and the small things that keep stacking up into a good life.
