16th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest People
Faith

I was shooting at the Zoo and this large male Lion started roaring loudly right up against the glass. Over and over he roared getting the attention of everyone within a mile or so. I've never seen anything like this in a Zoo as the lions are usually just laying around like they are waking up from Anesthesia. It shocked all the adults standing around and most people took several steps back in fear. In the midst of this rather scary display, a cute little girl ran over and placed her hands on the glass looked the Roaring Lion directly in the eyes and simply said, “Calm Down.” He stared her down for several seconds and then, amazingly did just as she commanded. I believe this photo tells a powerful story of Faith. According to Hebrews 11:1 Faith is the "...Confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we don't see." The little girl completely trusts the glass to protect her from this massive, angry, and scary creature even though the glass that is separating her from this creature is invisible.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 04.2018
Date Uploaded: 10.2018
Photo Location: San Antonio, Texas, United States of America
Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Copyright: © paul lynch