Christa Black

I love recognizing heroes.  They’re all around us carrying out their heroic deeds every single day, but seldom are they recognized for their sacrifices. Heroes don’t parade about for recognition, in fact, it’s the furthest thing from their minds as they simply live out who they are.  They do what they do because it’s right. They do what they do because it brings life and then extends that life to the people around them.

There are two heroes that I want to recognize today. One of them I know, and the other is a total stranger.

I met Kelly Moore as a fan of her photography work, and upon having the opportunity to shoot with her earlier this year, I jumped at the chance. Not only did she make me feel more comfortable than any photographer ever had before, the pictures that came
out were beyond what I could have ever hoped for or expected. I kept thinking, “Is that really me?” while scrolling through the proofs.  (In fact, the picture at the top of the page is one of Kelly’s shots!)

http://kellymoorephotography.com/

She’s a total genius.

On top of being a full-time mom, wife, with a booming photography career, she decided to develop a line of stylish-yet-functional camera bags that have expanded their purpose and now serve as diaper bags or just stylish accessories for fashionistas whose idea of snapping a picture is popping out an iPhone.  (I’m one of those fashionistas who happens to rock the Posey and the Mimi all the time.  There’s a pocket in there for everything!)

http://kellymoorebag.com/

Her talents and accomplishments pale beside her and her husband Kelly’s latest achievement as adoptive parents.  (That’s right…they are Mr. and Mrs. Kelly boy and Kelly girl).

When a drifting train-jumper named Candice became pregnant on her journey through the world, she knew she wasn’t in the position to properly care for a baby. She could have taken the fast road. She could have taken the convenient route and the easy way out, but she didn’t.  She knew that the life inside of her was just that…a life. She knew that the growing baby was already a person, a human being, a soul that deserved a chance to live and breathe and laugh and love, and be loved.  Candice is a hero for her decision to give birth, as are Kelly boy and Kelly girl who stepped up to the plate by adopting her beautiful child.

And this child is beautiful.

You watched the heart-felt testimony of the precious life Kelly is now privileged to care for. You saw her tears, her joy, and the grateful words that will never be enough to properly describe the gift she’s been given.

There’s nothing more fragile than a human life. There’s nothing more precious in this entire world.                                                     

Way to go Kelly boy, Kelly girl, and Candice. Way to value life.