Although the Thanksgiving/Christmas season is a time when love and charity are paid special attention, we can’t afford to cease helping others simply because there are no more holidays to justify ‘peace’ and ‘goodwill’. An attitude of selflessness is essential throughout the year to provide hope for the weak and guidance to the lost. It’s easy to fall right back into our self-focused routine, reverting to business, school, or activities to apply our talents. Not to say that these are at all bad, the world has to keep moving, but our devotion to them shouldn’t overshadow our service to God or His children. Imagine what 2010 could be if each of us headed into the new year with a sense of responsibility that reached farther than our immediate lifestyle. Who can you impact in the next month, in the next year, or even decade? A lifetime of service can easily make a “world of difference”.
To round out the ‘Tis the Season series we’d like to highlight an organization that began in 2009, and is heading for a lasting impact in 2010. Just as the last post focused on a deed that benefited elderly citizens, this is an organization that aids children in their pursuit of a better life. Our World in Pictures (OWIP) is a photography mentoring program for at-risk and underprivileged kids who are given a chance to speak to the world through photography rather than through violence, vandalism, or abuse. Armed with a camera, participants are given a chance to help change the world by creating peace through perspective. OWIP was the brainchild of photographers Jeff and Christina Gora who combined their love for photography with their passion to teach, help, and serve others in need. It stands as a perfect example of using one’s gifts for purposes beyond business or pleasure, nurturing and teaching.
“The students complete month-long workshops, and display their work in Lexington gallery-hops at art galleries. The organization just received a five-thousand dollar grant to write a children’s book about helping their community, and they’re achieving official non-profit status this month. Once they become a non-profit, they will combine OWIP groups from the U.S. with international groups, utilizing satellite technology and photo pen pal programs. The kids of OWIP are today’s movers and shakers spreading peace throughout the world. Positive encouragement from their photography mentors has enabled these kids to see their true potential in life and the results of this program are incredible. The kids are totally changing their lives around for the better and even changing other people’s lives.”
Below is a short promo containing footage from the workshops and some samples of the kid’s artwork. OWIP is always open for resources and aid, if you’d like to find out more visit: http://www.ourworldinpictures.org/
http://www.vimeo.com/8192732