Imagine If There Weren't....

Imagine if we didn't have photography. Even 100 years ago when photography was new and rarely used. Imagine if we didn't have that.

Our sermon this morning was talking about Romans 8 and the distinction of our decaying bodies and our spiritual body. An illustration was used of a photographer who has taken an annual picture of his wife and three sisters since 1975. And watching the aging process in these women. It's a fascinating process to watch.

On the way to church, the husband and I discussed politics, like we do often. We discussed the "image" of two candidates running. He made a great point. Think to 100 years ago, if the entire electorate elected based upon the shallow "looks" of a candidate, Lincoln would have lost. He was not an attractive man! Husband makes a great point.

Add caption

So as I am listening to this sermon, my mind wandered. Yes, I know, I'm a heathen. But even in our own lives, think back 20 years. Can you remember what your middle school math teacher looked like? Exactly? Could you pick them out of a line up today? I would have to honestly say no. As I have lived with my husband for 20+ years, and I have watched him age before my eyes, would I recognize him from 20 years ago if I had no pictures of him? Gotta think no.

So imagine what life was like before the discovery of photography. I almost think it might have been an unknown luxury. I would not remember what I looked like, and maybe there might be less bemoaning and comparing my looks to younger years. Instead of bemoaning what I, or anyone else in my life looked like, it would almost force me to live more in the moment. People in front of me, in all their glory, is all we had to go by. That is a game changer, especially for those we have known for a long time. Sketchy memories would be all I had to compare to.

Would you recognize the husband and I from 1991?

I also would do a lot of things differently. Voting is a great example. I dare everyone to take their voter's guide when they receive it, and have their kids cut out all the pictures first before reading it. Vote completely based upon what is written, not by the picture. Interesting idea.

I can't do it this time around because I do know what everyone looks like. And that brings up another point, we almost cannot decide the merits of a person, candidate, issue, idea, etc without having the image of a person attached to it. It would be almost impossible to choose the voting idea I mentioned because we are thrust pictures of candidates in all kinds of media.

There are benefits to having photography, I am not saying let's get rid of it. But this morning's discussion and sermon gave me pause for thought. It's been interesting to consider.