David Bahn – Reflections

Light from the Word and through the lens

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In 1968 Jerry Snell opened a door in the hallway outside our first hour chemistry class. He invited me into what I discovered was a darkroom. Soon I was on the school newspaper and annual staff as a photographer. Later I learned that Jerry was a Lutheran who was planning to become a pastor. A few years later I was not only a Lutheran, but I was heading off to seminary to become a Lutheran pastor, too. Jerry followed a year later and served as a pastor in Missouri until his untimely heart attack and death. I thank God for Jerry and enjoy photography still today – not to mention rejoicing in having served as a Lutheran pastor in congregations in Utah, Colorado, Arkansas and Texas. I’ve retired now and serve part time as a Congregational Support Specialist for the Texas District of the LCMS. I also provide coaching and leadership training through various PLI cohorts and with individual congregations and organizations. David Bahn is a follower of Jesus Christ, husband to Diane, father and grandfather. He is an avid amateur photographer. His photo website is “Flowers by God Photos by David” He also publishes a devotional blog DavidBahn-Reflections.com. He and Diane live in Cypress Texas and enjoy visiting their grandchildren who live in the United States and Germany. He graduated from Concordia Theological Seminary in 1979, and earned a Doctor of Ministry degree from Fuller Theological Seminary in 1991. Diane, his wife, is now retired from PLI (PLIleadership.org). They have offered presentations on Marriage and Ministry Partnership, Leadership, Changing Your Congregation’s Culture, and Missional Living. They look are working with PLI International training pastors and wives of the ELVD Diocese of the Lutheran Church of Tanzania. David’s personal mission statement is “Leading people to realize Jesus’ calling and plans for their lives.”

A Better Approach than Protesting

O Lord, I am oppressed; be my security! Isaiah 38:14

The Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words. Romans 8:26

20160924-kleb-woods-9733-2
This old, rusty bush hog caught my eye when the Northwest Houston Photo Club visited Kleb Woods on a recent outing. (Check out a different iteration of this photo below. Which do you like?)

The LGBT movement is in full Chicken Little mode these days, protesting the election of Donald Trump as President of the United States. They claim that he will crush their movement by his heavy-handed tactics, anti-gay policies, and hate-inspired rhetoric. The movement may fail, but it is likely not to be caused by the Trump presidency. It is more likely to fail because the LGBT agenda has succeeded in its efforts to such an extent that there will be nothing more to protest. Because the movement is a protest movement. There will likely be nothing to protest in the very near future – Trump or not.

Followers of Jesus, however, are decidedly not on the winning side of many of the culture wars today. Whether it is a baker in Northern Ireland who is fined the equivalent of $600 USD for refusing to bake a cake that included the words, “Support Gay Marriage”, to the ban on the display of manger scenes on public property, the cause of Christian morals and godliness is challenged regularly.

The Christian faith is not a protest movement – nor should it ever be one. Those who are followers of Jesus may take to the streets. But our agenda is to witness, bless, and serve. When we are oppressed, we may seek justice at the hands of human authorities, but we know our ultimate protection is from God. When we are persecuted, we may well sigh and groan. But these expressions of anguish are turned to prayers by the Holy Spirit, for our help, refuge, security, and hope is found in God.

I am not certain how to love our LGBT friends and neighbors. But I am certain we are to love them. I’m not clear on how to mend the ills of our culture, but I know we are to pray for the peace of the cities in which we live.I am not settled on my conclusions about a Trump presidency, but I am convinced that we are to pray for our leaders and those in authority. And if I am persecuted, oppressed, or challenged because of my faith and convictions, I know that I am to turn to God.

O God, help me to do so daily!

20160924-kleb-woods-9733
Protected tips of a bush hog long abandoned at Kleb farm from a recent NWHPC outing. See the same photo – processed differently – above. Which of the two do you prefer?

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2 responses to “A Better Approach than Protesting”

  1. Sondra Garrett Avatar
    Sondra Garrett

    First things first: I like the gold tones in the second photo that seem to illuminate the rust and spark tangent thoughts regarding it’s very presence … passage of time, a good tool not used, or more so, I think a good tool not maintained with proper care … sounds a bit like a complacent soul or maybe one who’s exhausted and needs the restoration that only comes from bathing in HIS Word. … or maybe it’s just a great couple of photos 🙂 Thanks for asking your readers/listeners! 

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  2. Martha Warnasch Avatar
    Martha Warnasch

    Top one. Tells it like it is!

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