Pursuit 31: Jumping, the Duck Face & Just Doin’ It.

Photo Credit: Jenny Smith

Two years ago, I sat at my computer, scrolling through the black hole of Facebook when I noticed something: Pursuit 31.  It was the fancy font, and smiling faces that got my attention, but it was the message that kept me there.   One of my favorite photographers, Katelyn James, shared that she would be speaking at a four day retreat for photographers, but not just photographers- christian photographers.  I double clicked and kept scrolling.

A year later I felt the need to invest more into my business.  I had the basics and essentials as far as equipment was concerned.  But, I kept hitting “walls”.  Walls of doubt (insecurity, the “How am I supposed to DO this?” question), lack of knowledge (I mean does anyone just KNOW how to start and keep alive a full time photography business?), and lack of community (most people don’t understand that photography is more than taking pretty pictures and more than the number of “likes” a photo gets).

The more that I was needing, I wasn’t getting.

One of the biggest blessings that I have in Mobile is a small group of photographer friends.  I voiced my “walls” to our fearless leader- Kathleen– over coffee one afternoon and she grinned.  “I know exactly what you mean,”

There is such comfort in hearing those words- let me tell you!

She explained her story and then invited me to check out the Pursuit 31 Conference.

Thinking back to that day, I am filled with such joy.  I was already aware of the conference, but needed the extra encouragement and push to invest in business by attending.

What was holding me back?

Money.  Money and insecurity.  I believed that if I invested and attended the conference I would no longer be doing photography as “side thing” for me.   it would suddenly be something that I was more than serious about. It would be the single largest investment I’ve ever made.

My thinking face often resembles the duck face. And for weeks I swear I constantly looked like a duck. With the numbers, and the “what ifs” aside, I knew that God was calling me to the next step in my business.

I had just been hopeful that the next step would be something I could manage on my own.

But, when God calls you to have God sizes dreams, you often have to take steps that are bigger than you can manage alone.

So, before I could convince myself otherwise, I signed up for the conference, made my first payment and giggled with giddiness.

And,of course, I texted Kathleen.

Now, in just two short months, I’ll be attending the Pursuit 31 Conference. And I feel the need to celebrate that because this month, the last and final payment for the conference has been withdrawn.

I have no idea how it happened.
All I know, is that our God is faithful.

Whatever he’s calling you to….

….Just do it.

Xo
AnnaFilly