Hello. My Name Is …

Have you ever been in a group of people where you had to wear a name tag, one of those pieces of paper with adhesive on one side? I have to I confess I’m not a big fan of these id devices. For starters, putting one on so it is straight is clearly not an ability I was blessed with. And for some reason, the edges of most of the ones I’ve tried to wear seem to curl up, as if they’re embarrassed that I’m wearing them.

Norman at Bear Lake at Sunrise  -  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado.  Photograph by Jean Nokleby.

Thankfully, when I’m out photographing nature, I don’t wear a name tag. However, on my back is a large red pack in which I carry my equipment. I also hand-carry a three-section carbon fiber tripod on top of which is mounted a ball head with a quick-release mount. So, it should be obvious to folks I encounter I am a nature photographer.

But how do other people know I am a follower of Jesus Christ? I could wear a light blue T-shirt which has my church’s name emblazoned on it. Another possibility is to carry my Bible around with me everywhere I go. Or, I could make a sign that says “I am a Christian” and put it on a lanyard around my neck.

I think the answer is found in the words Jesus spoke to his disciples at the Last Supper:

Let me give you a new command: Love one another.
In the same way I loved you, you love one another.
This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples –
when they see the love you have for each other
.”

– John 13:34-35 (The Message)