In His Will Is Our Peace

Photo: Lakefront Vibe City of Chicago - Urban Landscape Photograph Copyright 2018 Frank J Casella. From strollers to segways, people enjoy the beautiful weather in Grant Park on the lake in Chicago, Illinois.


Note: Below is from a private newsletter that I wrote in 2017, slightly edited for relevance (in some ways I think that my writing was better then, in other ways not so much).

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In His Will Is Our Peace

My wife and I have two boy's, and this is a picture [I no longer share pictures about my family online] of them from a decade ago. We at that time, more than recent, would go on walks in the city of Chicago for a day. It provides them structure in many ways, and also examples to them how to be street smart, and working together (as a family). The couple walking in the background competes the storytelling for this picture I think, because I titled it 'Peaceful'.


We live in a war torn world. Relationships, families, and marriages are struggling. The United States has the most wealth in the world, with the most resources (apart from money), has the power to lead the world towards peace. Many times, though, I find Americans with a heavy weight on their shoulders. Many of us have deep worry, yet we do not know true poverty because we have government programs to at least keep food in our stomach. Food pantry's are becoming more in need than not.


Some think we are divided about the true meaning of our Flag. I think we are more divided about how to treat others in complimentary ways. Our president loves the flag and arguably is trying to remind us of the 'rules' we have forgotten.


When I was a kid, and work needed to be done around the house, we always had neighbors who either could help with something we could not do ourselves, or the tools to get the job done. Today, it seems, we all have our own tools, and lean on Google to learn how to do something.

I don't know ....

God's will mostly is that we depend on Him. Yet I don't see us living this. We want our way more than God's way. Or rationalize that our way is God's way.


Every morning I wake up and ask God to speak to me, then open the Bible and read the page that comes to me. Here are some recent scriptures that I have received:

Ben Sira (Sirach) 23:15 - Those accustomed to using abusive language will never acquire discipline as long as they live.

Isaiah 7:19 - Unless your faith is firm you shall not be firm.

Mark 13:8 - Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquake from place to place and there will be famines. These are the beginnings of labor pains.

Ben Sira (Sirach) 30:1 - Whoever loves a son will chastise him often, that he may be his joy when he grows up.

Mark 12:29 - Jesus replied "The first is this: Hear O israel! The Lord our God is Lord alone! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.


What does all this mean?

1) Many American's are seeking structure in their lives. We have so much available to us, and so many wants, that our wants are distracting us from our needs. Parenting is about what our children deserve instead of what they need.

In other words, my wife and I to this day provide structure for our boy's, that structure is to look at the world through God's eyes and live your life as a prayer. People ask how they've accomplished so much. We say that we've never told them they couldn't. (because they lean on God for strength and guidance).

There have been some setbacks, and they've only made us all stronger.

2) Many people today are alone. They want to feel loved, respected, and have purpose.

Something interesting: I've been talking with an artist coach, he asked me what one picture do I have in my head that describes the 'why' or purpose of my photography. I said that would be two people embracing or sharing a peaceful moment with each other.

If you look at the picture above that I made a decade ago, the themes from these two points here, and the scriptures shared, its not too far off from the major events going on. This gives me a heavy heart, to make sure that what I'm doing is truly God's will.


God uses people to do His work. They key is we have to be open to His will and depend on him, not ourselves. This takes time to think, to pray ... and to mostly listen. To hear His voice.

Something more interesting: Although I target my artwork towards Catholic's living their faith, in recent months there has been a theme from people saying how they are not Catholic and my works speak to them .. and stop them.


In His will is our peace.



So now I've again gone over my seven hundred word limit that I've promised you. I will continue this very soon ...

Peace to you this day,

Frank J Casella, Art Photographer
Blogger on Fine Art America

Image reference link https://frankjcasella.pixels.com/featured/lakefront-vibe-city-of-chicago-frank-j-casella.html


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