There’s more to this photo than our fancy pants and runway make-up. There’s more to this photo than the Desert Botanical Garden cactus garden glowing at golden hour.
Ten years ago I would never in a million years (let alone, only ten) have pictured myself married to someone so tall, bald and handsome such as Ryan Fiske…because I was married to someone else.
I’ve never felt so compelled to share my story so publicly as I do now. I’ve always known that it was an experience that was meant to be shared with others in order to bring hope to what feels like a completely empty and hopeless season. Before I dive into details (which will be shared throughout a few different blog posts) I want to share with you that healing does come. Joy is restored. Hope is found.
We’ve had our family photos taken before, this wasn’t the first time by any means, but there was something about this session, that made everything sink in for me. If I wouldn’t have walked that long broken road of divorce, this photo wouldn’t exist. No Desert Botanical Garden location. No Pink Blush dress. No tall, bald and handsome husband who adores me. No blonde haired, blue-eyed boys who keep me swimming in Legos and coffee.
As I was going through that season in my life, there was one chapter in Psalm that became my chapter. I went back to it over and over again, I read, I underlined, I hid the words in my heart. You know those times where there is a verse or a phrase that speaks to a season of life you’re in and it becomes your motto, your mission statement? Well this was mine.
The Israelites were heading out of captivity from the Babylonians and were heading towards Zion. They were in that in between stage where they could still feel the effects of the bondage they had just incurred but at the same time, could look ahead and for the first time they could see their promised land.
Psalm 126:
1 When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion,
we were like those who dreamed.
2 Our mouths were filled with laughter,
our tongues with songs of joy.
Then it was said among the nations,
“The Lord has done great things for them.”
3 The Lord has done great things for us,
and we are filled with joy.
4 Restore our fortunes, Lord,
like streams in the Negev.
5 Those who sow with tears
will reap with songs of joy.
6 Those who go out weeping,
carrying seed to sow,
will return with songs of joy,
carrying sheaves with them.
I read this over and over again knowing full well that my tears of pain and sorrow would turn into tears of joy. Slowly, people who watched me go through that time would comment and encourage me reminding me that God has done a mighty work in my life.
And now,
I can no longer just see my promise on the horizon. I wake up next to him every morning. I tuck them in bed every night.
No, these aren’t just family photos, they are a promise, fulfilled.
Thank you Brenna Heater for our beautiful, priceless family session.
Oh my goodness M E L O D E E I love your story! I love how faithful God is and I love that your beautiful family has grown! Thank you for sharing this!💋
My heart ❤️ I love this
So gorgeous! This post made me cry! Such a beautiful family and so much to be grateful for! I’m so happy for you and how it’s all turned out for you!