Resistance and Resilience: Birds

Photo credit (c) Turner Matthews

August 3, 2025

“Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?” Matthew 6:26

Since the beginning of time, humans have turned to nature to find silence, centering, rejuvenation, healing, and their very selves. I turn to nature, and the birds, to be reminded of hope. If God cares for these birds down to the very shape of their talons, surely God cares intimately for us, as well. These photos give me hope, and I am grateful to Turner Matthews for sharing them.

(c) Turner Matthews

“And God said, “Let the water teem with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the vault of the sky.”” Genesis 1:10

Turner lives within a few miles of Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge, so access to bird photography is readily available, yet when I reflect on his bird photos, I see more than just a photo op. I see life, emotion, and love of Creation and the Creator.

Baby martins (c) Turner Matthews

According to Turner, “Photography involves both art and the analytical set up of a photo. And I am intrigued by both.” Since this recent blog series has showcased art as a form of resistance and resilience in these trying times, Turner’s birds, to my eye, reflect both: art as resistance to darkness and resilience in the birds’ very acts of living and in the desire of the photographer to capture (or ‘receive’) them.

(c) Turner Matthews

The art of photography requires that both the photographer and the viewer slow down and pay attention, which is itself a form of resistance to the non-stop news-noise. These photos invite us to slow down and pay attention, to be nourished by what brings joy, gratitude, even amusement.

(c) Turner Matthews

“The birds of the sky nest by the waters; they sing among the branches.” Psalm 104:12

What kind of feelings stir in you, and how might you use Turner’s art to inspire your own?

(c) Turner Matthews

“Praise him, wild animals and cattle, creeping things and flying birds!” Psalm 148:10

Resisting with you,

Rosemary

Mr. Turner Matthews is a retired Monsanto and Calpine Engineering Manager as well as a Registered Professional Electrical Engineer. Much of his career has involved operating large industrial power systems. He has been interested in photography since his first Kodak camera at about 8 years old. While he enjoys birds, he also has a keen eye for landscape photography when traveling and is gratified when others enjoy his photos. He resides in Decatur, Alabama, along with his wife, children, and grandchildren.

All photos (c) Turner Matthews