One fun thing about being a photographer is that you get to meet different people and come together to brainstorm on ideas.  The idea behind this shoot was to see if we could mimick some of the Martial Art Katas that one commonly sees in martial arts movies.
We decided that we would meet at Crab Tree Lake because the sky, air and view of the lake make for a very serene location. Photography is a fun outlet for artistic expression and it was rewarding to see our brainstorm of an idea become a reality.
First a special thanks goes out to Kim for coordinating this special recognition for Mechelle. I also want to thank Kim for e-mailing her notes to me so that I could share with you what was spoken.
On Wednesday, August 27, 2008 North East Baptist Church honored Olympian Mechelle Lewis.  There was a strong family atmosphere and the members present showered her with love and congratulations.
(Written by Kimberle Walker)
Tonight we take the time to honor a North East family member, Mechelle Lewis, for her achievements – particularly in track and field.
Most of you are aware that Mechelle earned a spot on the 2008 U.S. Olympic Track and Field team…running in the Women’s 4 x 100 meter relay race. Mechelle represented herself, North East, her country and most of all, her Creator, in an exemplary manner.
Mechelle’s  journey to becoming an Olympian is quite compelling with many, many worthwhile lessons for both the young and old alike. Her story is about discipline, sacrifice, frustration, humbleness, success, taking risks, pursuing dreams.
So tonight, Mechelle, it is our privilege to recognize your achievements and to offer some golden ‘scriptural’ medallions to encourage you as you move forward and pursue future endeavors.
Youth and adults with medals, please come forward.
Medal 1- Psalm 119: Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, a light unto my path.
Medal 2- Proverbs 3:5-6: Trust in the Lord with all thy heart and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths.
Medal 3- Isaiah 40:31: But they that wait on the Lord shall renew their strength…they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.
Medal 4 -Acts 20:24: However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me – the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace (NIV)
Medal 5 – Hebrew 12:1: Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. (NIV)
Medal 6 – I Peter 1:7-8: That the trial of your faith being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: (NIV)
Medal 7 – I Corinthians 9:24-25: Do you know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it get a crown that will last forever. Therefore, I do not run like a man running aimlessly. I do not fight like a man beating the air. No I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. (NIV)
Medal 8 – Phillipians 3:14:  I press toward thegoal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. (NIV)
Medal 9 – I Corinhians 15:57: But thanks be to God! He gives us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (NIV)
Medal 10 -2 Timothy 4:7: I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. (NIV)
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Now, it’s important to note that Mechelle has 10 gold medals….That’s two more than Michael Phelps’ historic record in the 2008 Olympics! Symbolically, for us tonight, Mechelle’s 10 gold Olympic medals mean that all things are possible with Jesus Christ…and that Christ has many more great things in store for Mechelle and those of us who believe and who keep the faith.Â
(end of words from Kim)
After everyone had presented Mechelle with her medals she took some time to entertain questions from the congregation about her experience at the Olympics.
After all questions had been addressed the children took their group photo Minister and Estella Feaster said some final words and closed with a prayer and blessed the food.
Since this is my blog then I can say this. For those of you that are sitting back wondering… let me say this. NO! Mechelle did not drop her baton. She ran her leg of the race with determination and supported her other team mates in a Christ like manner when they experienced trouble.
