A Still Small Voice and Other Photography
by Janelle Ryan
A Still Small Voice, by Janelle Ryan
About a year and a half ago, I was blessed with the opportunity to move to Vancouver Island and live on a mountaintop, Mount Joy. The property is owned by my brother-in-law’s family, who had built it as a place for healing and restoration. And at the time, healing and restoration were exactly what I needed.
When I read the theme for this fall journal, I was struck by how well it described my recent spiritual journey. I have known weariness—being tired of the climb and unable to see where God is in it all. I have longed for the feeling of safety, of His protection and care for me, and my heart has ached for rest.
Words fall short when trying to express my experience of God’s presence on this mountain. He has spoken in the stillness and illuminated the darkness, reminding me time and time again that He is always with me and loves me deeply.
Some of my most intimate encounters with the Lord have come at sunset. Something about that golden light—the way it bursts forth and paints the landscape with its shimmering beauty—fills me with awe. It quiets my soul and invites me to breathe deeply, reminding me He is in control and my refuge is in Him. It makes me feel like the disciples on Mt. Tabour, coming face to face with the glory of God.
These photos were taken during some of these contemplative moments. I pray that they may, in some small way, reveal the beauty, majesty, and love of our Creator: He who makes all things new.
Homeward Bound, by Janelle Ryan
Lumen Gloriae (Light of Glory), by Janelle Ryan
JANELLE RYAN
Janelle Ryan is a multidisciplinary artist from British Columbia with a B.A. in Arts, Media, and Culture. Her expertise spans from photography and fine arts to singing and songwriting.
First picking up a camera at sixteen, she went on to win her first photography award in 2020. She later began working as a wedding and family photographer.
Her missionary desire is for art and beauty to become a healing encounter—breaking through walls of pain and numbness, awakening the nostalgia of the human heart, bringing people back to themselves, and ultimately leading them home to Christ.