Today is an exciting day, as I get to share with you a new look and a new logo for this blog. But before I do, I have a short story to share about how this came about.
Since I started the blog March 1st of this year, I’ve had a vision in my head of not only what I hoped to accomplish with this ministry, but also what else I could do to develop it into something richer and more diverse than just my writing. In order to do so, I felt I needed to take the time to make this uniquely mine and to me, that seemed to start with some very special, unique imprint.
I spent some time researching how best to get a logo designed. Many years ago, when a couple colleagues and I started a small consulting business, we had a logo made by an aspiring graphic designer. As I recall, it cost us about $200 back then and we honestly loved it. It was simple, yet creative and spoke to our business name in a very professional way. To be honest, I was hesitant to spend that money again, and was blessed to find a website^ that enlightened me how things like this can be done (in this day and age). This website links you up with hundreds of independent designers who offer their services. I spent hours combing through the various samples and exploring the costs. I was very pleased to learn it would cost significantly less (in most cases) from what we had paid years before.
I came across one designer that I liked and to my surprise he was one of the least expensive. I will be transparent and tell you it was only $35. Yep, that’s not a typo. Thirty-five dollars! In full disclosure, it seemed almost too good to be true, so I thought about it for a week or so before I decided to go for it. This specific designer offered a unique design, with multiple revisions to include all the electronic files one would need. Perfect. Well… not so fast.
I waited with anticipation for the first design to arrive. It was ok, but nothing that spoke to me. I requested a second revision, and even a third. They were different, yet I still felt it was something I could have done with PowerPoint graphics. With some hesitation, I reached out to the designer, and in all sincerity apologized for not being able to explain well enough what I envisioned. I took a bold step and ask him if he’d be willing to check out my blog in hopes he’d get a better idea. I went so far as to try and explain how important the cross is to Christians, but as important, is what followed – the resurrection. I wanted both to be represented. Then it dawned on me…
Looking back at the website and seeing the designers profile, I saw he was from Sri Lanka. So, with another heartfelt apology I tried to explain my thoughts to him and asked him to please read a blog post or two this time. I also took one more step and told him that what I felt was missing was the creativity that a professional graphic designer should bring. Something that I couldn’t create myself. Then I waited…
Several days later I saw another email and it said “please review the latest design – it will be the last one”. I had considered that I had tested this guy’s patience more than once and that he felt I had already used up my $35 and then some (and I couldn’t argue at this point). I waited a few minutes to open the file as I was preparing myself to be disappointed. I wasn’t sure what I’d do next. But when I finally opened it… I LOVED IT!! I was so excited. I believe the final design tells the story visually of what I am striving to do and it is something that I believe I can do so much with. Ok, I won’t keep you in suspense any longer! Here it is!
So, what do you think?? What I see is a creative depiction of the cross by using the “T” in the word ‘the’ as a tree, and then showing that out of Christ’s death on the cross, new life is given (the leaves)! And the very best part!?! No, not the minimal cost. That was truly a gift. It’s that a guy I’ve never met, in a country about 9,000 miles from where I live, that is likely Buddist (70% of Sri Lanka is), created this for me! (And you). And he got it. He got the story! (HUGE SMILE!)
There’s a story some of you may have heard that speaks to the importance of being bold enough to share what you believe. You arrive in heaven and a stranger walks up to you with a warm, endearing smile… he reaches for your hand and introduces himself. You look at him not recalling who he is. He says, we didn’t have the opportunity to meet in person while we were on earth, but I just had to tell you, I’m here in heaven because you shared Jesus with me!
I’m not saying this will be me and the graphic designer from Sri Lanka… but what if… what if??
Today’s song is “Victorious”, by Mandisa. It says,
With You on my side, I am victorious, With You on my side, I’ve got nothing to fear
So I can walk through this valley with confidence, Knowing You will deliver me
Yes, we can walk through this valley with confidence! Be Bold! Go for it!
^if you would like to know more about this website, please let me know and I’ll send you the information.