“Capturing Belief: A Snapshot of Place, Memory, and Emotion”

IT IS SAID THAT A picture holds a thousand narratives. Recently, while sifting through photographs, I was reminded of my time as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1991 to 1993 in Bordeaux, France.

As I examined each image, recollections surged back — the individuals I spent time with, the locations where I volunteered, the occurrences during my mission, the obstacles I encountered, and the happiness I felt.

Above all, I nostalgically recalled the affection I held for the individuals we taught in France.

Each image evoked distinct recollections. Much of this understanding could not be derived from the photo itself without my insights. However, one clear aspect visible in my eyes is that I was joyful.

Now, over 30 years later, as I contemplate my mission, I possess insights that I lacked back then. I had no inkling of how transformative my mission would become for me.

I couldn’t predict the struggles and hurdles I would later encounter or the joy that awaited me as I continued to serve in the Church in various capacities. I was unaware of the happiness I would find as I would go on to wed my wife and raise six wonderful children. Life would bring extraordinary highs and devastating lows.

The young Jason Bringhurst in those snapshots was oblivious to any of this. We gain from wisdom and experience as we reflect on our past.

I still enjoy capturing images, and much to my children’s dismay, I take numerous photos during family trips, celebrations, or whenever I spot a prime opportunity to seize a moment — whether of them alone or all of us together.

I utilize Facebook as a digital scrapbook of my journey. I cherish revisiting memories. Unfortunately, we don’t print as many photographs as we once did. Many of the events in my life over the past 18 years are recorded on Facebook rather than in physical photo albums.

As we embark on a new year, one objective might be to organize our photographs and narrate our own stories — whether online or in print. We might also assist a parent or grandparent in doing the same.

If you’re my age or older, you understand that our childhoods were significantly different from those of today’s youngsters. What may seem mundane to us could be captivating to future generations.

While a picture might portray a thousand words, adding context elevates it even more. Luckily, alongside photography, I have a passion for writing and sharing my experiences.

One aspect I am particularly thankful for is my testimony of Jesus Christ. As a young boy, the seed of faith was established in me. I learned about another young boy, Joseph Smith, who also had inquiries about faith. In the spring of 1820, near his family’s farm in Palmyra, N.Y., he knelt in a grove of trees and had a miraculous experience — he beheld God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.

I have dedicated ample time to prayer and study throughout my life to know through the Holy Ghost that this experience was genuine. The heavens are not closed, and God continues to communicate with prophets today, just as He did in ancient times.

My faith journey didn’t transpire overnight. That seed of faith was planted years ago and has been nurtured over the years by studying The Book of Mormon and The Bible, through sincere prayer and a commitment to serving the Lord. Even now, I experience the same joy that was in my eyes as a young missionary in France as I dedicate time to the Lord and serve Him.

I am eagerly anticipating the year 2025.

I intend to nostalgically reflect on treasured memories through old photographs, capturing many more images and drawing nearer to Jesus Christ through devout prayer and scripture study.

The Lord has richly blessed us, and photographs often serve as poignant reminders of His abundant blessings.

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Issues of Faith is a rotating column by religious leaders on the North Olympic Peninsula. Bishop Jason Bringhurst is the leader of the Mount Pleasant Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Port Angeles. His email is [email protected].