A Visual Journey through Lent: A Collaborative Photography Project (Week 1): Christen Bordenkircher

           Whether or not we acknowledge it, all of us have rituals and traditions – sometimes these come from our families, our religious beliefs, our cultural background or personal convictions. While there is a temptation to write off traditions as silly or outdated, I find that meaning and beauty can be found in even the most simple of these traditions. On this blog, I sometimes waiver on the side of being completely ‘neutral’ in sharing my faith and practice of its traditions. I do this from a desire to avoid offending the friends I have been blessed with from all different perspectives and walks of life. But it is true that even my non-Christian friends have told me that they enjoy learning more about who I am and what it is I believe.

Lent is a Christian liturgical tradition that starts on Ash Wednesday (today) and ends on Easter Sunday. The Lenten season is a very important time for those who follow Jesus because it remembers the time leading up to His death and resurrection. This year, I felt inspired to create a visual Lenten devotional for those who are stirred by images and words. I reached out to some of my professional photographer friends as well as those who simply have a deep appreciation for theology and art. In reaching out and collaborating, I have collected and am still in the process of collecting images that I will share on here throughout the Lenten season. Although this first year might hit some snags, I am also hoping to create it ahead of time for those who may want to follow along next year. But let’s keep first things first: Lent 2012. I hope that if you are not a Christian, you will stick around, feel safe to learn, and still be inspired by the photographs of people from all over the country and world. If you are a follower of Jesus, I hope that you will draw closer to Jesus through these images. I hope you can take a few moments to sit with each image and think about what that particular word/image stirs up in you.

Some of the words, associated with Lent, that prompted this series of photographs include: preparation, suffering, sacrifice, repentance, serving others, grace, and resurrection.

Today’s photograph: Preparation

Location: Istanbul, Turkey

Photographer: Christen Bordenkircher

Website: christenBphotography