Proverbs: Chapter 11:

Chapter 11: False Balance:

Garden of the Gods | Colorado Springs, Colorado

If we pretend to be upright and only exude happiness and joy, never showing or admitting to any errors in our way, we are not following the plan of God. He wants us to share in our suffering with brothers and sisters in Christ. Do not pretend to be perfect, it is pointless. No one is perfect and all you will do is show yourself as a fool. Utilize integrity and seek meekness, pride is the root of all evil, the enemy longs to have us see ourselves as better than everyone else. The enemy wants us to see other’s short-comings and whisper to us: "You're better than that person." This is crookedness and will destroy you. Dishonesty and creating an image of yourself that isn't true to who you are will only bring pain. There is no comfort in never being known by anyone. Yes, hurt can come from being known. However, if you are never known to anyone, you will never find comfort and joy. Imagine this: You continually never show who you truly are for years and years, you act differently than who you truly are towards some person, now they thoroughly enjoy who you seem to be too them, somewhere in your mind you will see that they enjoy who you’ve pretended to be and now you realize they don’t love who you truly are, they just like the person you have pretended to be. That is a very lonely place to be and it is not walking in line with the Gospel. We should be seeking righteousness during our time on earth and one of the ways to do that is to remain humble. One of the keys to humility is admitting when you are wrong. You can only admit to being wrong if you are being true to who you are and don't merely project who you are to others. Does this make sense to you? This is important! You must be who you are, regardless of how messy that may be currently, to be known and have restoration. We are all broken, we all fall short constantly. One of the best ways to seek healing is to go before those you love and confess, seek help, find a counselor, speak to your pastor. A lot of our pet sins never get addressed because no one knows about them. This bondage of sin will gut you and you'll never be able to overcome it on your own. Be free!

  

Those who walk in freedom will be delivered from trouble, those who are wicked will walk right into trouble without a flinch. (This does not mean you won't experience trouble in life, it means you will live in eternity with no troubles, only perfection) Introspection and perspective are very key to seeking righteousness. We must be able to see the sin in our hearts and lives and able to address it in humility. Or, allow others to see the sin in our lives and call us out in love for that sin. We need to learn how to ask for help instead of saying we are perfectly fine while we are on fire. Humble yourself before God and cry out for help, humble yourself before friends and share your pain, humble yourself before your spouse and share your struggles with him/her, in these situations, there is healing, even though it is painful. We are to be trustworthy people and this comes through respecting their secrets and sins. If someone confesses to you, do not betray them by sharing that with others. Do not hint at any of it. Keep your trap shut! Surely your sin far outweighs theirs, thus you need to continue to grow and learn to be humble in these scenarios. No one enjoys a babbling brook of smugness.  

  

We should long to be pure in our hearts. This has been one of my biggest obstacles in life. I struggle to have a pure heart and mind. I strive to be a Godly man who loves the Lord but I stumble daily. I seek that which pleases me instantly and gratifies my need to satisfy myself, not God. I seek out those who will build me up through compliments and easy conversation, I must put effort into ensuring I surround myself with those who will truly love me through questions and placing things into perspective.  I cannot trust myself to know what is best for me, if I knew what was best for me, I would never make mistakes and I would be perfect. Clearly, I don’t know what is best for me. 

Dear lord, it is evident that I do not know what is best for me in life. You are the one I should seek with all of my energy and effort, but I don't do this a lot of the time. You know what is best for me, you see all things, you are not bound to time and you are wisdom. Draw me towards you in all things and allow my heart to be open and honest with others. Let me be free from pride and sin. Amen. 

All images © 2015 - 2021 Jordan Tackett

Proverbs: Chapter 10:

Chapter 10: The Proverbs of Solomon:

Garden of the Gods | Colorado Springs, Colorado 

If we want to make our parents glad about us we should show them that we have learned wisdom and exhibit it through our lives. Do you long to bring sorrow or gladness to your parents? Regardless of your upbringing, your parents did the best they could with where they were, that idea sounds strange until you put into perspective that some parents are psychotic human beings. We are all sinners. We all fall short. Some of us are given grace (?) and the darkest parts of our thoughts and hearts never come to light (sometimes, this is grace.) and then there are those who seem to be completely evil because they don't even try to contain their inner dark thoughts and they have a warped idea of believing they aren't doing anything wrong. This is sin, same as you and I sin. However, it is received much differently, and we constantly tell ourselves we're better than that. Actually, we aren't better than that behavior, we are just saved by grace through faith in Christ and the Holy Spirit is working within us to draw us away from sinful behavior. We need to forget the irrational idea that we are better than other people based on a false sense of pride we have within us. Paul reminds us constantly that we didn't choose God | Galatians 4:9 "But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, …" Ephesians 1:4 "… even as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, …" or as Timothy says in 2 Timothy 1:9 "… (God) who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which He gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, …" | we are not who we are because of us, it is because of God. We did not become Christians on our own merit, God worked in us.

Solomon's thesis of Chapter 10 is focusing on the idea that whoever walks in a way that is Holy and honor before God, will be blessed. Perhaps they won't be blessed with great wealth or physical abilities on earth, perhaps they won't be successful from a human perspective, they might even be termed a failure in many regards, however, those who give their lives to Christ and accept Him as Lord and savior will find all their joy met the day they are called home to Heaven. The person who does not begin with honoring God for who He is and accepting Christ into their heart as their Lord and savior will have a different ending point. Someone may be extremely successful, wealthy, powerful, physically impeccable, yet all these things will do is decrease their chances of crying out to God in pain asking for Him to save them. You can do everything 'right' from our societal view and live a life that everyone envies yet leave behind the wisdom to seek God first and His kingdom, this is the ultimate decision within life.

It is my belief that Solomon writes these because he wants us to be able to apply them directly to our personal lives and see where we may have folly or where we are exercising wisdom in life. The contrast between wisdom and folly can be hard to decipher at times and these examples help create a lot of clarity for me personally. Where do we see these examples in our own lives? I know for me that I struggle with receiving commandments and following them. I know they are for my good and I think I know that things will be better if I follow them. I understand it from an academic viewpoint, but I struggle to see it in my own life and seek that kind of commitment to some commandments. Scripture is far more than just a book, it is alive and speaks to us in ways nothing else can. It is divine, Holy, and true. Unfortunately, I want what I want, and I usually don't think twice about doing it. This is an area where I must analyze my deep yearnings and dissect why I believe my desires are better than what God has in store for me? I believe I am better than God, that is the logical explanation. I think that I know what is best for me and I won't be convinced otherwise until I do it, it doesn't bring joy, and then I crawl back in tears crying out to God to help me through the pain. When we do wrong and come back to God in a humble manner and seek His face, that is beautiful. However, the fool laughs when he is on fire and doing wrong. He doesn't seek out redemption nor does he feel conviction for his sins. This is the worst possible place you can be in life, seeking out that which is sinful and not feeling any remorse or guilt for your actions. How will you know what is right and true? Convict us for our sin and show us our evil ways, that is grace, Lord. The wicked will not endure, but the righteous will live forever.

Dear Lord, I am a sinner saved by grace who cannot see you for the perfection that you are. I am stunned, I place barriers between myself and you to try and avoid being seen, I attempt to hide my sins from you which is absurd. Show me your glory evermore and draw out the sin in my life and ensure I cannot hide my face. Please be with me and give me your strength during this time and show me the grace that I know you will. Amen. 

All images © 2015 - 2018 Jordan Tackett

Proverbs: Chapter 9:

Quandary Mountain | Summit County, Colorado

Chapter 9: The Way of Wisdom:

Wisdom is calling out to all of us. It is right before our very eyes, yet we don't have the wits to see it. The house of wisdom is built with a firm and strong foundation, it has pillars that are placed into that foundation, no storms can tear down the house of wisdom. It is impermeable. Wisdom has prepared a magnificent meal for us within this house and has set the table, open for all who will hear the call. We often attempt to be wise in our ways, but it isn't through listening, it is through speaking. This is a false sense of wisdom, usually. We gain wisdom not through talking to someone but by listening to those who are wiser than ourselves. She (wisdom) meets us where we are in life and tells us all about the wondrous meal she has prepared for those who have an appetite for wisdom. The call to wisdom is the call to be more than just a simple person, it is a call to find the Joy of the Lord and seek His understanding. He is Wisdom. You cannot truly live until you've found wisdom in the Lord, you will always be stunted if you don't accept Christ into your life and allow the Holy Spirit to work through you. Learning to fail and knowing that God has a plan for you is the most freeing thing you can learn. Do not try to correct others on how they are living but love them (love is flexible, if you are very close with someone love may look like calling them out in love, it depends on your relationship.) The fool does not accept recommendations or suggestions, don't waste your breath. However, love them regardless of their actions. Remember, without Christ dwelling in you, you're no different than the fool. It isn't by actions you performed that Christ saved you. The wise man will hear your suggestions and recommendations, understanding that perspective is a key to life and everyone can share their life stories. The wise will grow in wisdom because they choose to listen to those who are wise. Don't be a fool, listen and understand that which you are told.

Where does Wisdom begin? It must begin with a healthy fear of the Lord. There is no other option. We must grow in our knowledge of God, He is the Alpha and Omega, the Holy One, Perfection. He created all things with his words and through Him, all things are bound together in harmony. If you want to live a full life, you must seek wisdom, knowledge, and understanding.

The Way of Folly:

The opposite end of the spectrum is the woman (this goes the same for men) who does not seek wisdom, she prefers a life of folly. She seduces others and has no knowledge of the ramifications of her actions. She sits in front of her house and seeks attention from men. She calls out to those who pass by and seeks simple men who do not think. She does not want someone who is wise, she wants someone who will indulge in her sin with her. She is a married woman seeking to live in sin with no accountability for her actions and has no feeling of guilt within her. She will cry out that secret sex that is forbidden, because she is married, only bring happiness. She wants to be lusted after and taken into her chambers to be pleasured without any connection outside of the physical. She longs to be ravished by men she doesn't know. (Does this sound like something we have in our current society?) Unfortunately, this is rampant throughout our culture. Women do not care about their bodies, much less their souls, because they have been told they aren't worth as much as men. This is false. Women were created in the image of God and are daughters of the creator of the universe. How dare we degrade them. We are not worthy of degrading anyone! Anytime we watch pornography or abuse a woman in any other way, we are degrading them by saying: "You are worth nothing to me." Why does it take us (myself included) a lifetime to understand this? Some of us never come to the realization. Men have become blame-shifters and cowards, we cannot admit when we have done something wrong, we hide it. True humility is understanding we are broken sinners in need of a savior, we will make mistakes, but we cannot hide them in secret sin - there is no wisdom or growth there.

Dear Lord, I am filled with folly. Draw it from me, through pain if necessary, and increase my wisdom and knowledge of you. You are the reason for life and all existence, show me that you are always seeking to increase my joy, show me that you love me, I believe in everything you are, but I fall short of you in every way and sometimes it is hard to see myself as you see me. Thank you for the cross. Amen. 

All images © 2015 - 2021 Jordan Tackett

Proverbs: Chapter 8:

Chapter 8: The Blessings of Wisdom:

Garden of the Gods | Colorado Springs, Colorado

Wisdom is calling out to us, pleading with us, standing in the middle of everything, attempting to show us that we must act in wisdom and understanding to achieve ultimate joy in life. Everywhere we wander, wisdom is there hoping to be chosen over folly. I am seeking everyone, especially those who are young, to listen to me and act through wisdom and choose to live in a way that is glorifying to God. Be cautious in your thoughts and actions, do not react emotionally, think about your actions prior to making them. I will only speak the truth to you, therefore you need to listen. If you seek me out, I will share only wisdom from my lips, I cannot be wicked, it is an abomination to me. If you understand what I am saying to you, my words are pure. If you misconstrue what I am saying, you will be lost on a path that is not marked by wisdom but by folly. Do not be blinded by greed and money, do not forsake wisdom for trinkets and toys, wisdom will bring you more joy than any other jewel, prize, or possession. Regardless of how many amazing things you desire, nothing compares to wisdom. [Remember, this is Solomon writing, son of David, the wisest man who ever lived. Oh, and if you haven't read the Ecclesiastes series, by far the richest man in the history of mankind. | Solomon was asked by God: "Ask what I shall give you." Solomon responded: "You have shown great and steadfast love to David my father and have made me king in his place … Give me now wisdom and knowledge to go out and come in before this people, for who can govern these people of yours, which is so great?" 2 Chronicles 1:7,8,10 | God gave him wisdom because he was seeking wisdom from God. He didn't ask for the temporary gifts that God could bless him with. What would you say to God if he came to you and said: "Ask what I shall give you."]

We should all have a healthy fear of the Lord, this despises evil. If we are always remembering God in His omnipotent power, we will stay away from evil at every turn we can. However, we are foolish and forget who God is. I know that I struggle immensely with turning away from all evil, I rationalize, justify, and twist things to make them look good. Unfortunately, this is only to my demise and pushes God away from me. I consider myself more intelligent than most around me and it creates pride in me which is a false sense of power. I think I am better, but I am not. I believe I know the answers, but I don't. I believe I can exist and thrive without God, but I cannot. There are no exceptions to this. God offers us freedom in life to be who we are supposed to be and enjoy His creation. This doesn't mean we will live without pain, we will have pain and sorrow, but God is the author of all things. He will allow things to happen in our lives that will break us down and shatter our lives that we cherish so much, He will allow our idols to tear us apart and He will lift us back up in the end. He will teach us to trust His way through the pain and sorrow we live through. He knows our pain, He knows our suffering, He knows sin, He will restore us in Him in the end and we will be much better for it all. God tells us if we seek the wisdom that we will find it. Wisdom is found in Him and we can dwell in the richness of life if we seek wisdom and understanding. Those who hate wisdom and despise it love death. Life is found only in our creator, nowhere else. Regardless of wealth, fame, power, possessions, money, etc. without God, life is meaningless. Vanity of vanities.

Dear Lord, I pray that you will grant me wisdom to overcome my folly. I hope that I am able to draw closer to you through wisdom and not be caught in the trap of believing I am wise when I am a fool. Show me your grace and understanding and teach me to learn wisdom. Continue to place in my life wise men and women who can show me the truth of your Word and Gospel. Give me ears to hear. Amen. 

All images © 2015 - 2021 Jordan Tackett

Proverbs: Chapter 7:

Chapter 7: Warning Against the Adulteress:

Ica Oasis | Ica, Peru 

This is where I need you to focus on wisdom and fight off the evil thoughts within your mind. Do not be led astray by a mere thought that takes your focus from the truth within a situation. Don't allow your glances to be acted on or your imagination to run away from you, reality will set in quickly if you allow your thoughts to press on. Cut them off before they become more than a thought, do not give in to the question in your mind. Be wise and seek wisdom as if she were your sister and grow close to insight. All of this I tell you so that you will stay away from a married woman. Do not lack common sense, she is married, do not betray the covenant of marriage, it will harm you more than you know. Be wary of the night and what it can bring, the light of day shines and shows our actions for what they are, all is seen by day. But, at night, we veil ourselves in the shadows and can give into temptations because we believe they are not seen, even though they are. Seeking out a woman of the night is akin to walking blindly through a forest, you believe you can avoid being seen and no one will know you are there, but there is always evidence of shame (broken twigs, the sound of rustling leaves, animals that are spooked by you) and these will show in the coming day.

Don't Follow Her:

She knows how to tempt you, she knows what you will like, and she will seduce you. She is a temptress and she is prepared. She will seek you out, regardless of where you are, and invite you to her home. She will seize you and kiss you, knowing what it will do to your mind as your body is filled with a rush of blood and excitement. She is plotting to get you into a quiet place, draw you into her home, then her job is complete. She will prepare the way by setting the mood with pleasant talk and showering compliments on you, she will tease you with garments of lace and cover herself in perfume that will be inhaled through your body and entice you to be closer to her. She will arouse you with comfort and touching that will surely make you give in to her. She will tell you her husband is gone and won't be back for a long time and share a story about how he doesn't satisfy her love, but you can. She will speak of her bed and how it is prepared for you, covered with the finest and softest linens, this is all a part of the game she plays. She will tell you that she has confessed all her sins and she is wiped clean, but you will not see her seduction tactic, she's saying that she can be forgiven regardless of what she does, it only takes her providing sacrifices the next day. She will use seductive speech and persuade you to lay with her, even though you know it is wrong, it won't seem wrong to you in that moment. Unfortunately, you will more than likely give in and be led to the slaughter and sleep with this woman. This doesn't happen in an instant. It is a step-by-step slow process that starts with merely a thought of insecurity, which is then overridden by her eyes being drawn towards you, that gives you confidence in yourself and engages your eyes to look at her in lust or love. Even though you find out she is married, you might seek to get one small thing about how her husband doesn't treat her well, that is all the justification you will need, your mind will run with that and turn the husband into a monster and then you will justify your sleeping with her as an act of love for a woman who is unloved. "If only he treated her the way she should be treated" you will say, and the adulteress will continue the fantasy by saying: "if only my husband looked at me the way you do" and then you are already stuck and in a place that will cause pain. Do not allow your heart to be drawn towards such women, it will only lead you down to the chambers of death. 

I cannot speak to having an affair from personal experience, I know that I prepare my heart in hopes that I would never do such a thing. But, I am only a few thoughts, perhaps a week of depression, a few moments of weakness, and not trusting in the Lord from having something like this happen. Just as anything great is possible through Christ, anything terrible is possible when I choose to rely on my own strength in life. We are all capable of terrible and unimaginable things if we don't put our focus on Christ, this is the reality of a fallen world. Anytime we stray from the Lord and attempt to go out into the world on our own, we are bound to fall. I know that I fall every day with different things and I am striving to be closer to Christ! Be on your guard and don't believe the lie that "it is just a thought, nothing more" or "it is just porn, nothing serious." It is serious! We are molding our minds and bending our hearts towards lust and we need to try to fight these things as best we can through relying on Christ to direct us and taking tangible steps of recovery. Do not be prideful in these things, be vulnerable. Do not allow the grip of sin to rule over your life. You are forgiven and free! 

Dear Lord, I pray that you would keep me from the seductress woman and shield my eyes from lust. Do not allow me to be tempted by her. Allow me to be free in you and seek only things that will stir my affection for you. Break me free from the chains of lusting after women and allow me to have renewed eyes through your love. Save me from me. Amen. 

All images © 2015 - 2021 Jordan Tackett

Proverbs: Chapter 6:

Chapter 6: Practical Warnings:

Sky Ranch Horn Creek | Westcliffe, Colorado

Do not fall prey to the idea that you cannot seek assistance from those you have aided in the past. Do not allow pride to keep you from admitting you are in need and seek out those who may be able to help. Are we not all needy before God? (Or, we should be but don't admit it?) Save yourself from death by seeking help. If you are drowning, cry out for help! Do not ponder whether you should do it, you are only ensuring your demise. A lazy man sits and waits for things to happen, be a man of action! Consider one of the smallest creatures that creep along the ground, the ant. They do not sit and wait, they do not lie down when there is working to be done, they are not curling up for a nice nap, they toil night and day until they need to rest. If you find comfort in being lazy and seek to do nothing with your days, you will lose your self-worth and be consumed by seeking ultimate comfort.

The wicked will use their words to break down others, they will look at them with judgment and walk away from those they shun behind their backs. Their heart is cold and only brings discord amongst people. (When I consider my own actions surrounding my words, facial expressions, etc. I know that I have a lot to learn and work towards. I certainly use tones and inflections that derive from disrespect or sarcasm towards others, I break others down through jokes or within my head through thoughts, I have ammunition ready should someone call me out [whether in love or hate] about my sin. I hope that I’m able to grow in this area. Conscious actions towards goals of giving my heart over to Christ more and more.) You can become so broken that healing is almost impossible, so misguided, and in such a place of pride that there is little hope for you, thankfully, God can step in and save us (as he has saved all Christians who love the Lord) regardless of our brokenness.

Our Lord Hates:

• Haughty Eyes - Don't look down on others in pride.
• Lying Tongue - Keep your words pure and forthright.
• Hands that Shed Innocent Blood - Don't throw others into the fire.
• Heart of Wickedness - Do not devise evil towards others in hate.
• A False Witness - Don't make things up or create absurd accusations.
• Sower of Discord - Don't seek out innocent, vulnerable hearts and take advantage of them.

See these things and implement them into your heart, mind, and soul. Dwell on them and see how God will work through you.

Warnings Against Adultery:

Prepare yourself prior to marriage by learning to control your thoughts, emotions, and pride. Do not allow yourself to walk down the path of adultery, which doesn't start when you begin to engage in activity with another woman other than your wife, it starts with lust in your mind and heart. Be captivated by your wife, not by others. Practice complimenting your wife, not other women. Discover how she feels loved and does those things, regardless of whether you enjoy doing them! (Anything that brings joy to your wife, you should want to do for her sake, not yours.) It isn't about you, it is about loving your wife the way she feels loved. (Obviously, review Scripture to ensure things she desires are not out-of-step with the Gospel. However, the odds of that are extremely slim. Don't attempt to use it as an excuse.) Avoid speaking to the silver-tongued woman who will attempt to lure you into a bed filled with regret. There is punishment for any man who sleeps with another man’s wife and there will be punishment for the man who betrays his covenant with the Lord. It is nonsensical to have an affair, it rips apart the very foundation that marriage is created upon, don't do it, there will be no joy nor happiness found in the end, only death. Choose to love your wife again, put down the distractions (phone, TV, sports, computer, iPad, gym, kids, food, whatever your vice is) and seek her beauty with passion and show her you love her more than anything else around you. Be direct in your words and do not let your eyes stray from hers. Captivate your wife with your love for her through actions that Christ places within our hearts. Love her as Christ loved the church and give yourself up for her every day. 

All images © 2015 - 2021 Jordan Tackett

Proverbs: Chapter 5:

Chapter 5: Warning Against Adultery:

Take a seat. For the 5th time, listen to me. I am beyond an expert in women and I have indulged beyond anyone else before my time, during my time, and throughout the test of time. I have tasted and enjoyed every want man could ever seek from the body of a woman and relished in sex. I didn't want for size, color, curvature, hair color, eye color, etc. I had all my desires quenched through my journey of sexual indulgences.

Women have a lure to them that is unlike anything else you will experience in life. They will draw you towards them with their feminine wiles and seek to devour you. Their lips will continue to bring you back to them and their words will only increase your desires within you. Yet, you will be left feeling bitter and broken inside if you give into her sultry ways. (I am not speaking of all women, I am speaking of those who long to only feel sexual pleasures, not meaningful soul-to-soul connection. They yearn for passion, but an only temporary passion. They want commitment, but only for a short time. They want to feel loved, but only if they must merely expose their bodies, not their heart, mind, thoughts, and soul. They want to captivate you for a short time and then be gone, this leaves the suspense of the unknown.) This type of woman is not following a path that leads to life, it only leads to death. Do not give in to her! Yes, she will be stunningly sexy, she will tempt you with many wondrous offers, but it won't be worth it in the end. (It is easy to fall jump into this trap and seek first the physical and put aside the deep conversations. Quick intimacy is something I have certainly struggled with within my life and I found value in it, but it was nothing but a curse. There is no eternal found in purely physical indulgences. It is only temporary satisfaction.) She isn't aware of what she is doing, she is lost in a forest of sexual sin and cannot escape it. She has found her purpose in pleasing others through sexual acts and that is where she finds her identity. Listen to me! (For the 6th time). Stay away from these women! They will bring nothing to you that is of value. If they seek your body before they seek your heart and soul, flee from them and don't turn back. You will be taken away from many if you choose to enter her door and she will take your honor from you. Strangers will mock you behind your back and your livelihood will be lost in her chambers. You will look back on these moments as vanity and realize they only brought you pain. She will alter how you see other women, don't give into her. Don't allow your mind to be corrupted by the evil that comes from the sultry women. She will consume your thoughts if you allow her to. Son, I never found a woman whom I truly loved, I was consumed by lust. Listen to me.

Become a man who is ready to be married and then find one woman to marry. One woman to love, cherish, desire, enjoy and be intoxicated by her. Seek to enjoy one another and be joyous! She is a graceful woman created in the image of God who longs to be shown the love of a man, show her love. Allow yourself to be satisfied by her and her you. Drink the joy of sex between a husband and wife and don't seek out forbidden women. Do not compare your wife to other women, ever. She is yours and you are hers. Do not stray from the path of your wife, cultivate within each other a love for God and grow together while you chase joy. Happiness is fleeting, seek joy. Thrilling sex will come and go, seek a soul-to-soul connection. Physical beauty is temporary, love your spouse for who they are. God sees all things we do and knows our thoughts, if we are not disciplined in Christ, we will die from a lack of wisdom. We will come and go like the wind and be miserable in our death. Folly is the path to death. Wisdom is the path to life.

Dear Lord, as I continue to try and give my heart over to you I struggle with lust. At times I struggle with destroying the beauty of your creation by belittling women to nothing but a physical being within my mind. I create a false beauty and steal the beauty that is found within them and cheat myself of truly knowing them. Destroy the sin within me that I have brought upon myself and create in me a new heart. Bless me with the gift of loving, adoring, and cherishing one woman's heart and soul for everything you created her to be. Amen.

All images © 2015 - 2021 Jordan Tackett