ART & INSPIRATION FROM PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

This painting is one that doesn’t really scream PAUL T. BOECHER. Paul’s mind often went outside the box with his art. This unique style probably came from his years of being in the advertising industry. It’s difficult to determine the species of bird, so I’m just going to assume it’s the mythical Phoenix who was supposedly consumed by flames and then rose up again from the ashes. A story of perseverance, staying the course, pushing on in spite of all obstacles.

When I see this bird, I have thoughts of the 911 tragedy and how the people rose up out of the ashes and came together as a strong nation, to fight those who would terrorize our country, I think about all the wars we have been involved in, which often are nothing more than politics as usual. Lives were lost, changed and destroyed by those who fought for the cause. The battlegrounds which were once institutions of learning, having become places to vent a deranged mind.

There are so many of these stories within the last century of life in America. Being the cockeyed optimist I have almost always been, I will continue to believe that the people of this country are basically good and the tide will eventually turn. Out of the ashes of wars, hate, anger and unrest, we will see new life rising. Young lives that will come to the rescue. Hope that this will not become so normal that it becomes the new normal.

For those who believe in Christ and the work He came to do on earth, there is hope. He was crushed by his peers. He suffered humiliation. He was wounded with the scourge and whip. He was hung on a deadly cross to die. He breathed His last. He was laid in a tomb. Death would not defeat Him. His body was restored to its original form. Only a few scars remained to prove it was Him – truly returned from death to life and risen to eternity. That incident would change the world forever, because through it, we too have the promise of a renewed life and spirit after death.

Mythical creatures like the Phoenix are limited. They are not gods, but visions concocted by man that have no merit. We are blessed with a living God who will never die. He is, was and always will be the only One to direct the path of every life here on earth.