Meet Jessica {Be Real editor}

Hi girls! I am Jessica June and I will be running what we are calling the ‘Be Real’ section of Delight & Be! I am so excited to hear your stories, and meet you wonderful ladies!

So what will this look like? Why should I share my stories here?

I’m glad you asked ;)

My dream for this section is that as a community of Christ followers we might encourage one another through our stories, ultimately bringing others into this fight and increase God’s army. We are in a battle ladies, so let’s take the darkness away, and shine a little light. Let’s show each other we are not alone, and that their can be beauty from our brokenness.

I want to know you. I want to know your story. I want to know how you see the world, and I want to share that story, because I believe that yours is one worth telling.

So to begin, and to kind of break the ice…I am going to do what I am asking you to do, and share one of my own.

“I am the eldest of five, a pastor’s kid, sweet 17, and a photographer. I didn’t begin taking photos until around 8th-9th grade. I have always loved doing things that were artistic, be it coming up with fun clothing combos, writing, or acting. I never thought to try photography until I was given my first camera for Christmas. I loved that thing and I did everything I could to use it like a professional.

I started taking pictures because I saw stories everywhere I looked. I wanted to tell these stories desperately, and I needed others to see what I saw. It wasn’t until high school that I started to see how God had been preparing me for that moment. Every tear, scream, and smile had shaped my heart to be who I am today. Who is that? That is a girl who wear her scars proudly.

In 7th grade I was diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder caused by  the craziness of my 1st grade year. In 1st grade I was hospitalized with 4th degree burns that covered most of my right side. I can still remember the night that it happened. The way the lights were just a little too bright, and the room just a little too cold. We were watching Lady and the Tramp, and my baby sister and dad were fighting the flu.

We were boiling water on the basement stove as a humidifier, and almost all the water had evaporated. I was sent upstairs to ask my dad to change the water, and I was in a hurry to get back to the movie. In the haze of being sick my dad forgot to grab an oven mitt, and when he went to grab the pot of water, all of the contents came over me. My dad jumped to block the water from hitting me, but he couldn’t stop it all. I was rushed to the sink, where my parents administered first aid and my mom dialed 911. I remember being terrified, asking over and over “Am I going to die? Am I going to die? Am I going to die?” and my mom could only look at me and say “I don’t know.”

After a year filled with surgeries, hospital stays, and physical therapy my wounds healed and I was able to interact with my friends without the fear of getting sick from an infection. Still, I had these scars that covered both of my thighs and my right arm. It still hurts when little kids call them ugly, but God’s teaching me that they are beautiful regardless. They show his love for me. I needed to rely completely on HIM. No one else could save me, or love me as much as He did. He blessed my family with surprise checks that covered my medical bills, He brought us all closer, and He blessed my dad with the strength to do my treatments when I went home.

I wouldn’t ever want to go through the whole thing again, but I wouldn’t trade my scars for anything. I wear them proudly because they remind me of the beauty that comes with brokenness. We are so much more then what experiences we go through. I believe that scars are beautiful, and that they mark something significant. Jesus has scars too after all.”

I want to encourage you to share your story with Delight & Be, I want desperately to hear what God has done to turn your tragedy into treasure. What makes your scars beautiful? I want to hear your every prayer request and praise.

Much Love,

Jessica June
http://www.brokenframephotography.com/