Jalynn Baker

Storyteller | Photographer & Writer

Feeling Small

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School: University of Tennessee Knoxville

A father and son walk over a la...e Domboshava Caves in Zimbabwe.

A father and son walk over a large scape of rock at the Domboshava Caves in Zimbabwe.

Two travelers blend into a gree...s in San Francisco, California.

Two travelers blend into a green hillside at Sutro Baths in San Francisco, California.

A traveler walks under the tree...s in San Francisco, California.

A traveler walks under the trees at Sutro Baths in San Francisco, California.

Figures dot the horizon as they...e Domboshava Caves in Zimbabwe.

Figures dot the horizon as they approach a rock at the Domboshava Caves in Zimbabwe.

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Public Project

Feeling Small

Copyright Jalynn Baker 2024

Date of Work May 2019 - Jul 2019

Updated Jun 2022

Topics Africa, California, Christianity, Faith, Humans, Iconic places, Landscape, Nature, Photography, Spirituality, Travel, World, Yearning

Summary

A collection of travel photos comparing the frailty of humans with the grandeur of the natural world.

I hadn’t realized just how tiny my view of God was. I wasn’t aware that I have been harboring a disbelief in God’s ability (and moreover, his desire) to save the world. Why did he make two trees in the garden, if he knew he would have to come back as the hero to rescue everyone? Why does he let pain persist for so long? Like many others I am sure, I have had these questions for years and never dared to ask them. We don’t talk about doubt amongst church people very much, but I have doubted to the point of frustration and anger. When hurt and hatred and suffering in the world seem insurmountable, it’s hard to see God as good and powerful.

In the moments after avoiding and questioning God, he has sung so sweetly to me. Sometimes it's only a whispered song. "I am waiting for you. I’m here when you’re ready to talk. I never left. I am able to hold judgment and mercy equally and perfectly. When your heart breaks for the world, mine breaks even more. You may not get me completely, but you have to trust me." Moses' request to see God's glory in Exodus 33 truly resonates with me.

"'Please show me your ways that I may know you in order to find favor in your sight.' . . . And he [the Lord] said, 'I will make all my goodness pass before you and will proclaim before you my name 'The Lord.' And I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy. But,' he said, 'you cannot see my face, for man shall not see me and live.' And the Lord said, 'Behold, there is a place by me where you shall stand on the rock, and while my glory passes by I will put you in the cleft of the rock, and I will cover you with my hand until I have passed by.'"

All I have to say to you is this: God is real. And I don’t like everything he chooses to do, but he is good. When I traveled to see the other side of the United States and the world, he was there with his people, and he was in control. He showed up in ways that my mind could not comprehend, providing shelter and protection and comfort and salvation and love for people all over the world.

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