Polaroid Film--R.I.P.

Vintage Polaroid film boxes, originally uploaded by missha.

The Polaroid Corp. announced this week that it's ceasing production of its famous Polaroid instant film. Say it ain't so! Oh the humanity! Oh the instant photography!

For several decades, Polaroid cameras and instant film were a part of most American homes! At Ironbridge, we used a Polaroid camera for many years to take pictures of our new members!

Sales and profits for the Polaroid Corp. peaked in 1991, just before the dawn of digital photography. The widespread use of digital cameras in today's world has made Polaroid film all but obsolete.

I finally made the switch from a film camera to a digital in 2006 just before my trip to Africa. Now I'm hooked on digital photography. I'm really loving the Nikon digital SLR that Ironbridge gave me for my 20th anniversary. But I must say, I'm going to miss Polaroid instant film. There's just something cool about getting your picture developed right on the spot! Sigh.

Whether you're a "film" or digital photographer, the pictures we take become the record of our lives. Taking pictures is a great way to chronicle events and activities. They become a visual journal. Pictures help us remember.

Throughout God's Word, the Lord commands His people to remember. The Psalmist declared, "I shall remember the deeds of the Lord; surely I will remember Your wonders of old." (Psalm 77:11)

Whenever God's people were faithful to remember the work of the Lord, it bolstered their faith. In those times when they forgot the legacy of God's faithfulness, the people fell into unbelief, disobedience and idolatry.

Take a few moments out of your busy week to remember. Remember what God has done in your life. Get the spiritual film of your life developed, and enjoy the memories of our great God...at work in your life!

And if you're a Polaroid enthusiast, you better get to Stuff-Mart in a hurry and buy up the last remaining packs of instant film while you still can. I promise I'll leave a few packs for you.

Live the Red,

Mark