Less Is More
September 27th, 2007Yesterday I was with my friend Talitha outside school on Elliott Avenue. We decided to head down to Pike Place Market to get a sandwich for lunch. It was raining a little so I asked her if I could throw my bag in her car, which was parked right outside the school’s front door. I tossed it in the front seat, she locked it, and we left to walk the 10 minutes down a few blocks to Pike Place.
Lunch was delicious. I had some local chocolate milk. Happiness in a small bottle.
Talitha and I left the market and started walking back to school. When we got to the corner of Elliott and Wall we were met by Molly, who works for the school and is, in my own opinion, the Secretary of Keeping It Real. This title is not all inclusive, but I believe it fits her well.
As we were walking Molly asked “Do either of you own a Volvo parked out front with Texas plates?”
I thought to myself No. Thank goodness. That is never a good question to be asked.
“Yes. I do,” Talitha replied.
“Someone broke into your car.”
———————————-
I ran down to her car to discover a smashed window and a lack of my backpack in the front seat. The backpack included my MacBook Pro (with all of my school papers, photograph files, music files, etc.), Nikon D80, iPod, film, two text books, bible, checkbook, credit card information, and a photograph of my mother that I always carry with me.
I fell down to the ground angry; angry at myself for stupidly leaving it in plain sight in the front seat, and angry at I don’t know what. Maybe God. Maybe the thief. Maybe injustice. Who knows. I was at a loss.
———————————-
As I tried to process everything that happened, everything that was stolen, I found myself at a frustrating crossroads. I am always talking about how having less is having more, and the fact that the most content people I’ve ever met always have the least amount of physical possessions. And now here I find myself with a lot less than I had yesterday. I am down to my car and my clothes and the room I have just begun to rent here in Seattle.
It’s frustrating. Do I adhere to my own convictions and proclamations?
Yesterday I lost physical possessions, which I suppose were never really mine. But I would say that yesterday I gained more than I lost.
I’ll unpack that statement.
-My wonderful friends Jarrod and Taran told me that they have a computer I could borrow and a camera (the exact camera I had) I could use to fulfill a few freelance photography projects I have. Their gift was a sacrifice on their part. I couldn’t believe it.
-I got numerous emails from Mars Hill staff and students, including from the president of our school, who has much more important things to do rather than be emailing students (but, as it were, his priorities have been made known), and they have all offered to help however they could. My hermeneutics professor, Dwight, was incredibly gracious.
-Molly, who I mentioned earlier, cared for me like a mother would and had tremendous compassion. She could have said It’s only stuff or something along those lines, but she only knelt down with me and whispered I am so, so sorry. She also helped with getting me phone numbers to call and actions to take with the police. I am indebted to her.
-So many of my new friends here at school came around me. No one tried to minimize the loss. They were all so compassionate. I barely know these people and yet they care for me as if I am family.
I am in the right place. If being in Seattle at Mars Hill means losing all my things then so be it. I have gained more than I have lost. I believe that it is true that less is more. To lose is to gain.
I am wrestling with the need of a computer and a camera because they contribute to writing papers for school and income from my freelance photography work. All in all I lost about $5,000 in gear.
There’s a possibility that I may have a small site built to sell photographs for maybe $10 a piece. Hopefully I can make enough to purchase another computer and camera so I can continue to take photographs. But if that doesn’t happen then so it is. Tomorrow will still come.
I have shelter, food, and clothing. I have community. I have what I need.
———————————-
Last night I was walking home from the bus stop on the top of Capital Hill. I was praying to God and I said that if I could have anything back out of that backpack that I’d want the photograph of my mother. The other items in the bag are replaceable, but the photograph was not, and it is priceless to me. It’s the only thing I asked to have back.
This morning I opened my Moleskine journal and the photograph fell out. I don’t remember taking it out of my bible and putting it in the journal, but apparently I did at some point. I wept I was so glad.
I am convinced that it is true. The less you have, the better off you are.
Tags: less is more, typhoid
that sucks. it really does. i know how you feel. last january my truck got broken into and stuff got stolen. my biggest loss was my first slr. i wrestled with knowing the things i lost were just things, but at the same time some of it had value beyond the money it cost.
in the end everything worked out. i got a new camera. everything was regained somehow. i definitely know how you feel though. and i definitely believe the less you have, the better off you are also. everything will be good. it seems you’re already on the path to figuring that out.
It is a privilege to have you in the midst of Mars Hill. You have truly been a blessing to me and to many others.
i’m so glad that you found the photograph… so glad.
oh, josh ..
So sorry! If you’re selling pictures, I’ll buy one. I don’t know anyone else who takes pictures of feet, sets the self-timer and runs away, and gets shots of kids holding Polaroids of themselves. I figure I need to support that kind of thing.
Joshua, That is awful! I know what it’s like to have a backpack stolen and it makes one feel so vulnerable, even if it’s not your car. Thank you for reminding me that living the belief is more important than having the belief. I’ll buy a picture or two. Peace, BS.
i am so sorry - i’ve had something similar happen but i know the photograph was the most cherished. im so glad you found it. this may be obvious but check ebay and craigslist for the next couple of days to see if your stuff pops up, then get the police involved if you think you’ve found it.
I’m really sorry. I would buy pictures, too.
“There are two things in this life that we can be sure of. That we can not make it through this life on our own, and that we will be betrayed by someone” I am sorry, my friend, as well.
Sorry to hear about your loss, I will be praying for you. I had a somewhat similar experience a few years ago when my apartment was broken into. I actually walked in on the guy (who had to say I have a gun and will shoot you if you move, not fun . . . he just needs Jesus). If I would have realized he took my laptop at that split second, that felt like eternity, I probably would have been like, “Dude just give me my final papers back so I could graduate”. I, like you also had one little item that I wanted back and cared less about writing all my final papers again. And as weird as it is it showed up in the most random place at the time I needed it the most. God works in mysterious ways.
God Bless!
ps. I would Love to buy some of your photographs, they are amazing!
I’m so sorry to hear about your frustrating loss, and I’m impressed by your attitude. Hurry up and get that site up with your photographs - I’ll buy lots!
This made me weep this morning. You, my friend, are so very wise and I am very glad that I know you (even if it’s through the internet world).
Josh, I know you have no idea who I am, but that was inspiring. I’m sorry you had to lose your stuff. Thanks abundantly however for your honesty. Coming back from India this summer I asked myself why the children (orphans I might add) were so incredibly happy and joyful when the children I babysit for here (and others) in the States are not. I kept coming back to this thought, in various forms. “The less you have, the better off you are”. You verbalized it so well. Again, I’m sorry for your loss, but thanks.
God seriously has His hand on your life. And you never know, God could have placed that photo in your journal the moment you prayed :] I’m SO glad you got that back.
..I have a few photos in mind to purchase. :]
my heart sank when i read that you lost all your things. i think it’s the feeling of loss more than the loss of the things themselves.
but i am glad that you have found that you are rich in other things, things that we don’t see when there are too many tangible things filling up our lives. and that you found the photo.
Tears in my eyes…definitely. My heart is sad for you, but also relieved to know you have community around you that is so caring and exemplifying the church. Being robbed is a horrible feeling…it’s a sad reality of humanity at its worst. But it’s so dynamic to realize that, even in the midst of material possessions and even livelihood being stripped or threatened, you are right where you need to be.
I pray perfect peace for you, Josh–the type of shalom that penetrates every part of you. Nothing missing. Nothing broken. Nothing lacking. Let me know if there is anything I can do for you, friend.
wow. i don’t even know what to say. i am so very glad you have your mom’s picture… and wonderful community to support you right now.
You’re an inspiration, man. Especially in these times when you place it directly in front - what you’re thinking/feeling and Who is getting you through it. May God continue to bless you.
(And, to continue the trend, sign me up for some picture-buying)
Josh.
Thanks for being honest. I was so bummed for you when I heard this and then reading your blog made me almost cry (but I didn’t b/c I’m a man… and I’m in public… and well… ok, i did a little).
I think you should sell your photo’s man. Everyone will buy them… it’s like field of dreams man.
Oh… and I think any picture with me in it is worth double the rest… maybe triple. So dig through your files and price those babies at $30!
Let me echo…I am so sorry for your loss. I am also really glad that you have people around you that will not minimize your loss, but will support you. It is so important. If you get the picture site up, I too would love some prints. My thoughts are with you
The image of that picture falling from your journal has brought me to tears this morning.
Perhaps it was the prayer class this weekend, perhaps it is my own frequent “prayers of need”, but I was reminded this morning that God cares so deeply for the things of our heart.
Hugs and kisses.
J
[...] days ago, a few of his most treasured possessions — including his camera and computer — were stolen from a friend’s car in Seattle. A rough start to a new season in his life. (Josh is also a frequent contributor to [...]
Josh, I will buy a photo or two. I need good stuff for my walls anyways.
I know you know this, but God will provide, whether its in your most ideal way or not. Thanks for being real.
dude that sucks… i really admire your attitude to all this…
yeah, that’s awful. i’m glad you still have the photo of your mother though. like you said, everything else can be replaced. i’ll buy some pictures too!
i don’t know what to say, except that i’m glad you still have the photograph with you, and for letting us see not just the loss, but the gain that could be had (and had), trust and much more than that.
joshua, i’m sorry to hear about your loss, at the same time it’s encouraging to read your words and hear your heart through them. please keep us posted about your photo site, i’d love to buy some of your pictures, anything to help.
You got the picture of your mom back! That was brilliant on God’s behalf. I’m happy that you found it…very happy!
Josh, I am so sorry for your loss. really I am. But I’m so thankful that you found your picture. That was definitely a God thing. Praying for you my friend.
Scan it. Scan the picture of your mom RIGHT NOW. :-)
My heart hurts for you.
Oh my, oh my, oh my.
My first thought on reading what was stolen from you was that everything can be replaced expect that photo of your mother. That would be a horrible thing to lose.
God is good beyond comprehension, sometimes in the strangest of ways …
josh,
dang, i’m sorry for that! it’s a sucky thing to have happen.
what i like about your blog writing - you share your experiences and thoughts on them. you do not preach.
i also like that you use moleskine notebooks. and i bet you even pronounce it the italian way…
they story is still being written.
I as well would totally buy a photo, especially to help you get some of that stuff back. I think about how much of what I call “life” is stored on my Mac, and I shudder at the thought of something happening to it. And it frightens me that that is what would stir me and make me shudder. Lord help me. And how awesome is God that He would ensure that the picture of your mother remained in your possession, and what a lesson in priorities He has given all who end up reading this blog entry (now, if only you found your Bible too!).
Joshua,
I usually don’t like writing when 30 people have already posted the same things I want to say, but as I was reading, bascially the only thing that concerned me was loosing the picture of your mom. I almost cried for you right then. I’m glad I kept reading. God is so good to us and it sounds like you’re learning through this tough situation. I hope you do set up a site with pics to buy. I’m in.
Michelle
Love wins.
Wow…that’s really all I can say. Your picture ending up safe is so great, and I must say that you reacted better than I would have if someone ran off with my “gear”. Thanks for sharing this.
josh,
so sorry to hear about the ache of loss you’ve experienced.
being one who also carries this type of equipment and sentimental things with her, i can somewhat relate to what you must be feeling.
i had tears in my eyes reading your post. first, because it hurt me that you lost all those things. second because of how God clearly provided for you.
i learn so much for this page.
may God continue to bless!!!
josh, so sorry to hear this…i’ll by pictures! do you take sterling?!
i really admire how you see the good in things, even when from the outside they really suck. keep it up.
what a blessing to share this burden and to rejoice with you in the finding your mother’s photograph- praise the Lord.
may the Lord bless you and keep you in this time- knowing that He will do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine.
if you have a stationary address, please let me know.
~grace and peace~
josh.
you have such great perspective about life, especially in this particular situation. such great loses, but i am very happy to read that you still have your mother’s photo. priceless possesions are the hardest to loose, for they are irreplaceable.
and who knows, maybe the police will do a fantastic job and you will get some of it back, and if not you will be fine.
i’m praying for you, friend.
~gwynne
Josh… I’m sorry dude. Man I’d buy your photos as well. Do this for me… click my email and send me your address. I would like to send you some money to help with the cost to replace your stuff, I don’t have much but I feel God has put it on my heart. If I lost my MacBook Pro or my Rebel XTi I would be crushed.
my heart sunk when you said you had lost your mothers photo…and it brought tears to my eyes when God gave the photo back to you. :)
He truly knows your heart.
wow, my heart broke for you while I was reading this; I’m so, so glad you have the picture of your mom. Also, if you ever want to shoot with film, I have a 1987 Nikon FG in great condition that you are more than welcome to use as much as you need to!
Moving story. Thanks for sharing, you are awesome! I have access to a lot of Nikon Accessories at my new job (batteries, cables, etc…) Let me know if I can send anything to you! (for freeee)
Living in the city (atlanta), I’ve had my car broken into several times, been robbed, dropped valuable camera gear and laptops…
So I finally got insurance a few years ago. It is called a Personal Article’s Policy from State Farm. Costs less then 8 bucks a month and covers just about everything. The stolen car stuff, the dropped cameras… No deductibles, and they send you a check within a day or two after you file a claim. And check out http://www.mozy.com for cheap computer backup.
Yes, less is more. But it is also important to be smart about the things that we do choose to spend our money on.
Josh-
I’m so sorry to hear of the theft—I know how much of your life and heart you put into your pictures. It sucks—I’m praying for you and was so happy to hear that you still have the photo of your mother.
God is great.
I would totally buy a photo or two if you were to make them available to purchase.
Roommates forever.
Josh- It’s hard to admit this because I don’t cry much but your story, humility and those around there is Seattle is amazing. I’m sorry for your loss and hope insurance can help you recover some of it. I look forward to that site if you put it together but most of all in your loss I think we all gained so much more from your story. love you brother-Dan
http://www.xanga.com/bfwhite88
i would like to purchase that picture of will, you, lauren, and me. i’m thinking 5X7… or larger?
so people always say this…but never really live it. you’re one of the only people i know that really believes this. thanks.
I actually talked to kelly today (my friend who you met tues i think) and my heart sunk after she told me what happened to you.
…but I knew you’d be taken care of (remember when you asked us all for polaroid pictures for africa?…remember the rediculous amount of packages you got?) well I have a feeling your going to be selling A LOT of photography. more than your going to expect probably, and i will be one. Longbrake photography is going to be everywhere. everywhere.
plus, I have all your pictures from czech. I’ll send those to you, since you ever so nicely let me steal them. (since my camera was stolen at the time…)
ps. your mom is proud of you right now my friend.
just thought you should know.
Josh, i’m really sorry about your loss. but i rejoice with you in your gain, of an outpouring of so much love from your community, and from God. i’m really glad your mom’s picture is still with you. :) i pray you’ll continue to experience an abundance of priceless blessings.
Josh,
Hey man, you don’t know me, but I was led to your blog through Blaine. I am so sorry for your loss and the thought of going through the violation of life. However, I am so thankful for your revelations that have come as a result. The community that you have experienced is what I now long to find and am so glad to have found your thoughts. You are in my prayers and thoughts through this tough moment of life.
Trevor DeVage
I somehow stumbled across your blog (through relevantmagazine.com, actually) and i experienced a very similar loss about a month ago (computer, Bible, journal, ipod, etc…) Thank you for your encouraging reminder as I am battling the feelings of anger and gratitude. I am grateful because I know every trial has purpose but angry mainly because of the Bible and journal which contain many personal things that I often used as reminders of lessons learned…
“I grew this heart into a drifter
I never felt the roots I bare
I sold my sight, oh brother, sister
For a mountain of fool’s gold, it’s gone
Only God knows, God knows where
My soul was restless for redemption
My feet were looking for a place to stand
Well, I ain’t got no life
And you know I ain’t got no money
Just the faith of an empty hand
Amazing grace, I feel you coming up slowly now
Like the sun is rising, heat on my face
Oh love that keeps on shining, don’t let the shadow come
Ya know I gotta feel your healing rays”
-Amazing Grace, Jars of Clay
As stated above I would definitely buy a photo from you if you were to sell them. It’s so easy to say things, harder to live, but so much more meaningfull. I’m also finding that life is more rough than comfortable but for some reason it makes sense that way.
oh josh, I’m so sorry but I’m so happy that you still have the picture of your mom because I know how much that means to you. God really is a gracious God.
josh…. sooo grateful that God answered your prayers for your mom’s pict. Sometimes he gives us just what we need, when we least expect it.. I thank Him with you!
I think you’ve already learned more in your three weeks in Seattle than I have learned in three years.
I moved here in 2004 hoping to create for myself the kind of community that you seem to stumble upon everywhere you go.
I will try not to be jealous of the active and gracious hand of God on your life. I will chose to be grateful that there are people whose writing and photography can be used help me understand what a relationship with Jesus can be.
I’m so sorry this happened!! I am glad for you that you didn’t lose your mother’s photo, though. Yay for hidden blessings in a crisis.
Definitely follow through and sell some of your prints. You could be well on your way to replacement value quickly.
Man, that’s awesome how you found your mom’s photograph. Our God is many things to those who love him, including the God of lost and found. My mother-in-law has several stories, and I have a few too. Your story of your mom’s picture is similar to a time I lost my Bible. I looked everywhere I thought it was but couldn’t find it. Then when we were beginning a Bible study that was held at my house, we prayed about me finding it, and my wife felt she should look in her purse. I already checked there, but it wasn’t there. But this time it was : ) God bless you man.
whoa. really sorry to hear about the bag, but very thankful to hear about your community there & that you found the pic. finding the theme of the care package I sent you a little too ironic…
…GOD is Good. i cried when i read:
“This morning I opened my Moleskine journal and the photograph fell out. I don’t remember taking it out of my bible and putting it in the journal, but apparently I did at some point. I wept I was so glad.”
…GOD is good.
thank you for the wallpaper.
hugs,
- l