The Story Behind the Photo

Perfect Love 1 John 4:18
Perfect Love Casts Out All Fear…

This photo was taken in Fresno, California, during the construction of CA Highway 168, just before the Ashlan Avenue exit on the east side of the highway in a large open field.

At the time, I was simply trying to capture a shot of a cross formed by a telephone pole. But a wire sticking out from the side disrupted the composition. Determined to get the image I had in mind, I laid down on my stomach in the field, adjusting my angle to use nearby branches to hide the wire.

Then, through the lens of my camera¦ something incredible appeared. This powerful image invites viewers to look beyond the surface.

One of the branches wasn’t just covering the wire it had formed the shape of a heart.

I smiled and took several shots, unaware of just how powerful the image would become.

I went to a one-hour photo lab. But when I picked up the prints, I saw far more than I had ever expected.

What Others Have Seen in This Photo:

• A cross

• A heart

• A broken heart

• Jesus with a crown of thorns facing both upward and downward

• A scorpion

• A serpent

• A sinister-looking claw, reaching forward

• On the right side of the heart branch: a skull, and what appears to be the crowned head of a king.

These are subtle and visual hints of challenge; symbols of fear, struggle, and the things that test us. And yet, they’re all facing a central force: Love.

I was in complete awe.

I prayed and asked God, what is the title of this photo? I waited, and soon I was led to 1 John 4:18:

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear.

And just like that, I knew the name.

“Perfect Love”

1 John 4:18

Let this image serve as a visual reminder of the strength that comes from love, and the peace that comes from faith. Let it speak to your heart—wherever you are on your path

“ ON PURPOSE”