Ross Bridge at Sunset
I'll have a few final sunset shots from Ross tomorrow, but this one marks the end of our current exploration into the origins of the Ross Bridge and its astounding art. I hope that I have convinced you these carvings are NOT the work of a madman who made bizarre grotesques as mere decoration.
I realise that is the way most people have seen the Ross Bridge art, if they have even bothered to look at the bridge too closely. We all know how often the tourist experience is one viewed through the lens of a few selfies. Very often we are not actually "present" when in tourist mode. That's a tragedy in my view. I dare say quite a few locals still scratch their heads about the meaning of the bridge too.
But this work is far from meaningless. I hope I have shown that. But more than this, it is a call to recognise that no matter how dark our history may have been at times, the chance for redemption and renewal is there.
But, and this is a very important "but" that the Prophet Daniel from Ross wanted us to hear: We cannot renew ourselves as children of the light until we face our deeds as children of the darkness. There is no forgiveness without repentance if I can put it in distinctly Christian terms.
Daniel Herbert did not believe in cheap grace. His freedom was bought with a heavy price, but in the end he died a free man, a man whose conscience was clear.
"Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!" - Matthew 25:23.
Ross Bridge at Sunset
I'll have a few final sunset shots from Ross tomorrow, but this one marks the end of our current exploration into the origins of the Ross Bridge and its astounding art. I hope that I have convinced you these carvings are NOT the work of a madman who made bizarre grotesques as mere decoration.
I realise that is the way most people have seen the Ross Bridge art, if they have even bothered to look at the bridge too closely. We all know how often the tourist experience is one viewed through the lens of a few selfies. Very often we are not actually "present" when in tourist mode. That's a tragedy in my view. I dare say quite a few locals still scratch their heads about the meaning of the bridge too.
But this work is far from meaningless. I hope I have shown that. But more than this, it is a call to recognise that no matter how dark our history may have been at times, the chance for redemption and renewal is there.
But, and this is a very important "but" that the Prophet Daniel from Ross wanted us to hear: We cannot renew ourselves as children of the light until we face our deeds as children of the darkness. There is no forgiveness without repentance if I can put it in distinctly Christian terms.
Daniel Herbert did not believe in cheap grace. His freedom was bought with a heavy price, but in the end he died a free man, a man whose conscience was clear.
"Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!" - Matthew 25:23.