The Man He Has Become…
I walked into the courthouse and through security. I made my way to the courtroom, where the morning proceeding was to take place. I walked in, and as always, it felt imposing – as courtrooms do. The gravity of the occasion was permeating the chamber. A gavel brought the courtroom to order. I took my seat, and eventually, tears fell on my cheeks.
I know what you are thinking, and no…I was not there for traffic court…or anything else resulting in penalties for my own social deviance! Actually, I was there for a full circle moment as both a sociology/psychology professor and as a photographer. I was humbled that Michael Chaney, a former student and Campbell Law School graduate, invited me to join his family in attendance at the commemoration of his swearing-in to the North Carolina Bar Association. After getting to know the Chaney family after having taught Michael and two of his brothers (with one more to go), I was honored that they included me in this momentous occasion. But what got Michael here?
In sociology, an important construct is related to the family as an agent of socialization. The photographs memorializing the celebration of Michael’s achievement are so very symbolic of this idea – that the family is so very instrumental in “making us who we are”. On the evening of his graduation from Campbell, Michael penned an eloquent tribute to his family. He started with his heavenly Father and traced his blessings in life back to His divine providence. Knowing this family’s firm foundation on Christian values, I purposefully composed the photos with “In God We Trust” prominently featured. Michael continued his tribute by honoring his parents. He thanked his father for working so hard to provide for his education and for being a role model for character, values, ethics, and morality. He honored his mother’s commitment to homeschooling and said it provided the educational foundation that made his legal education possible. He also honored the special relationship that they have shared and the counsel and friendship that she has provided. Michael honored his brothers, explaining how they remind him what is most important, to laugh at himself, and to remain humble. In more symbolism, some of the photographs also included the family sheltered by a tree - a metaphor for the values that root this family, the trunk representing their strength, and the branches representing their growth. Finally, Michael shared his desire to use his law degree for the advancement of the Kingdom of God, and in so doing, he revealed the man he has become.
There is a quote that often adorns wall art. It offers the sentiment, “Our family is a circle of strength, founded in faith, joined in love, and kept by God”. I know this to be true for the Chaney family. I have been a witness to this as I have had the privilege to teach three of the young Chaney men at Piedmont Community College and to get to know their parents, as their sons achieved milestones in their lives.
Now you know the reason for the…happy…tears…
Blessings ~
Lisa