This past Saturday I had the blessing and opportunity to craft Lucy’s life celebration using stills I scanned and produced in a video for her wonderful daughter Mary. I also recorded the service and reception following, which I will produce and publish at a later date. Thank you Lord for my dear sister Lucy, the life she lived, the volunteer work she did so faithfully and her kindness and constant smile.
I was on this photo shoot project for a Cub Scout Crossing Over Ceremony and as I looked through my lens at these boys being promoted to the next level in their growth as a scout, ascending to a new level of experience and training, it took me back 25 years when my boys were in scouting and I was a scout leader.
The time and effort to support a child in a scout program is not really much, I thought initially, however, there are specific codes to follow, ceremonies, new traditions introduced, equipment to purchase and time off from working some weekends. Then there is the example my children are being taught in scouts and the example seeing me live by at home. It was teaching me, testing my actions and my new challenges. I saw quickly there must be continuity between them both if I am to be a successful leader and father. So in my effort to capture a memory for an important event for this scout troop, I also brought back some pleasant ones of time passed which brought me peace, hope and Love.
Peace, because I remember being consistent in my participation and commitment to my children’s program and their happiness. Hope, because of the activities, motto’s and traditions which helped my children gain respect for themselves and the person standing next to them, stood to be as tools to guide them in the years to come. Love, because I watched my boys compete at first but slowly learning about selflessness, sharing and collaborating to reach a goal as an individual and as a team. I knew this was something I could look forward to seeing in them as they became adults. No matter how far they go off the path of right things or compromise what they know to be correct and true, these things they learned while they were young would always be a part of who they are and be that voice from within when I am no longer there to guide them.
~webholyman
Rewind and playback, I believe it is an understatement to say Saturday’s woman’s march was a success. From the moment I entered the freeway it felt more like a weekday, with freeway congestion all the way from the east side, Bellevue, to Seattle across Lake WA. It was more congested than when the Huskies have a playoff or either of the ball club stadiums downtown.
On the slow moving exit to the park where it all was scheduled to begin, the view of a makeshift homelessness camp taking over the entire area of the exit. You get a 360 view of the camp and feel the sorrow of yet another societal need still prevalent.
Men, women and children jumping out of their cars at the base of the exit, so the driver is left to struggle finding a place to park alone. There is a steady stream of march participants making their way up the long path to the park raising above the traffic.
As I made my way to the park area it was clear I would never be successful finding a place to park and unload my camera gear. so I headed beyond to the first corner of the march where it will turn and head for downtown, Jackson Street & 23rd Ave S. There I found a spot to park at a Starbucks Coffee store.
Once setup I began my witness of the demographics, the mood and tempo of this event. I felt as if I were at a big family BBQ making my way to the feast. Just about every group I can name was represented here. The young and old, families together with their small children participating in an event where it was not rude to express yourself and your thoughts. Our legacy and future are our children and they were very present at this event, participating in exercising free will and true Democracy at its core. Many of the signage carried by the young ones displayed a message they themselves crafted.
I felt the consistent pulse of the crowd as peaceful, their mood one of support and unity for each other, the man, women, child or elderly, shoulder to shoulder, front and back, next to you. This went on and on for over an hour before I packed up and went on my way. I believe this march was truly a successful one and I felt the collaborative spirit of a united people come out to share the day, with one voice, together.
I recently lost a church friend of mine.
She was always involved in something at church, a member of several groups and on a few boards. I never saw her sitting at the table with others at events, without first seeing her helping in the kitchen, making ready the meal and various offerings for the meal and side dishes. During most church services she was either playing bells, singing in the choir, passing out bulletins, leading worship, serving communion, or any number of duties requiring assistance.
My friend was to me, one of the best examples of selflessness, long suffering, goodness and a desire to worship the Lord with all she was and will ever be. She made me push forward at times when I was frustrated with many things in life, not related to church, just social injustice and the brevity of a good man’s work and life story. I don’t see many rushing in to take her place, albeit there will be one who will.
In dedication to my friend, I produced a video, sharing little portals of her life and her work, a small fraction of the many duties and service she gave to God and us all. I will not forget her nor the mark on my heart for which her role played in my life, the example I want to follow in without measure, with the same long suffering.
Join me in remembering….
I am convinced it is only through the many eyes of those who suffer, telling their compelling story which moves us to compassion, however, it is through music and artistic imagery that takes us to that next step, actively looking for the path to real “change” and then following it! Peace does not come without suffering and struggle, but taking that journey together with others of like minds, removing the borders of belief and custom, to become a powerful force to follow…
Take that journey with me. Go to the link provided below:
Today I was assisting one of my senior clients in the Wells Fargo Bank on Pacific Ave, when I saw the motorcycle officer stop at the street corner just outside the bank. I grabbed my camera and was able to catch a few stills and moments of the quiet somber passing of police cars. My heart goes out for the families involved and I pray for comfort and healing.
We read about these happenings going on before our eyes, we have a choice; we can accept them and be as sheep following our new shepherd blindly, or we can hold up the standard of excellence and truth via social media as a mirror to show the way that is correct and honest and fair.
Without making a choice we are without a voice and we become a victim to whatever comes. We lose our right to complain if we do nothing. Standing up and sharing our thoughts helps each person reading to decide for themselves a path to follow.
How will each person know which to chose and how to decide?
Truth and Morality are all about how we respond to Facts and Distinction. The FACT(s) shows us the Truth. Leaders with corrupt vision and blind followers chose to spin and twist that truth or information to suit their own ambitious goals. We each pull out our scales and weigh the damage to our conscience if we chose to follow the twisted truth and become a blind justified follower. When we stay on point and follow Truth, the path that sets us apart from the majority, we become a light and represent conviction and help steer the ones on the fence to rightly decide. When we hold up the standard of Fact and Truth, we become directly involved, go to community meetings where we can ask the questions and participate in steering leaders in the direction of Truth and Fact.
We also become a target for ridicule and criticism for staying on point but that does not matter if you focus on the reason why God put us here on this rock, to make a difference, share His love and be a light that shines in the darkness.
Do we want to chose to help the leaders in power which we love or hate, to feel the pressure of the Fact and Truth or do we stay in the darkness allowing the seeds of corruption to take deep roots. Each one of us, weak or strong we must make a choice! When we do nothing we chose to be the blind follower and we reap the harvest of darkness. When we lift up our voice and share our feelings about the Fact and Truth we see twisted we become that light which causes people to rightly decide and Leaders to listen.
Nothing that is good or right or fair and honest happens quickly, it comes by a labor of conscience and steadfastness. I hope to be a bolder in the stream of life, steadfast in the way of Fact and Truth, causing the water in the stream to split, casting my light in the path to follow. This is my mission: Ask the questions; What choice(s) do I make today? How can I make a difference?
~webholyman
Today I share a link to some images of last Friday, Veterans Day.
My sweet bride works for Dignity Memorial and is based out of Sunset Hills, making it an easy task of coordinating my camera intrusion in recording this event. The one significant thing to note, having an almost 3 yr. old myself, is not one young boy or girl was fidgeting or talking or unruly during the hour of the service. This was inside a packed building with standing room only. Everyone was respectful and mindful of the task at hand, honoring those who serve, both past and present. There were a few who stood in the gap for those who could not be present. I was moved by the honor and commitment shown by all who attended.
I have been thinking of Mom’s last days and how well her last days were documented…..
As a reminder I am posting the video link produced by Francine Orr.
Every year now she is one year older and the experiences are all new and exciting. Selah’s excitement with the life we show her invigorates our lives and there is an excitement and looking forward to new blessings.
Thank you Father God for our baby girl Selah and the richness of your Love and grace.
https://corsiniproductions.smugmug.com/Photography-Projects/2016-Summer-in-Spokane/
A pay-it-forward message, in memory of our son Tommy who died at birth on October 16, 2009. Rather than a new year commitment, this is a simple reminder of the need for continued support for our children.
http://thinkfirst.org/civicrm/contribute/transact?reset=1&id=3
I can’t donate or contribute any amount of money to bring back our boy Tommy, however if there is one organization I can give my money toward saving a child and ‘Injury Prevention’ for our daughter Selah, this is that organization and the best message to give the children we cherish.
~webholyman
The little things that come as a blessing. I received an email notice that one of my dear friends had posted something meaningful on Facebook. So in following the link I found it was a blessing in the short testimony by President Jimmy Carter during his Sunday school time. Here is the link: https://www.facebook.com/NBCNews/videos/1257820064238021/
Driving home from working all day in my Seattle office, a good sight of support from our city, standing tall in the night skyline.
G. Tomas Corsini Sr.
Remembering our son Tommy.
Amy, Selah and I are taking this weekend to honor him and celebrate as a family….together.
Blessings….
~webholyman
Hello my friend,
I am writing you tonight to tell you that you are one answer to many questions on my mind daily. At times the question cries out in my spirit, “Am I the only one who sees?”
I found your site tonight and it made me smile. Your work is inspiring and your manner a blessing.
https://sevenbillionones.squarespace.com/
I want to share with you a vision I had. A vision and a message of purpose and hope.
Not something that is too deep to make out or understand, it is a constant vision of a reality where there are truly others in this world that care what is happening to humans all around us every day. “Holymen”, “Holywomen” I call them, “Angels” wearing human bodies.
In my vision I watch as people are walking to and from their busy lives with an almost emotionless indifference towards the sick and suffering they walk past on their daily journey. I sometimes see myself as that person doing likewise. This is where I find again, that purposeful reminder of what I must do.
I find my purpose each time I advocate any work or energy spent in being a voice which brings awareness and resolve to the needs staring me in the face, every stare a waiting anxious plea for answers, mostly just for a kind word or a nod acknowledging existence, some are looking through me as if I am not there or they are deep in a depressive state. My goal, to bring awareness, to record the plight of these poor souls, to become their voice where they have none. My mission is to bring awareness, to tell their story!
One life experience lends to another and so on and so forth. I see each life as a canvas or a clay pot with writings and symbols deeply engraved in the fabric of their essence. Many lifetimes of travelled roads past, heaps of blessings and curses, tears, and sweat, feast and famine. Each life a living fresco waiting to share its journey with the world, like undiscovered lonely minerals just under the surface, mingled with the dust of the earth, barely visible yet shimmering all the same. Another question about these souls, where can I be the answer, how can I sustain them? My answer is not in my pocket or my wallet, although that at times is exactly where I find myself reaching. The answer comes again, ‘awareness’, of these works of creation, albeit rough and weathered, spirit filled bodies who breathe all the same, souls brought into this world, people who matter.
You present the avenue which does help make that difference in a world grown very dark with corruption and greed, single-mindedness, selfish ambition and indifference. You are a fresh reminder there is not only darkness but lights of hope still out there, an Angel with a mission, a “Holyman”.
I pray your way remains clear to you. May the Lord watch over the work you do and each voice you hear. May your hearing paint each story accurately and with a clarity, a focus on brevity separating perception and judgement, leading the way to compassion, understanding and Love.
Blessings my friend…
~webholyman
I have not been actively updating this page in a while until now. As of today I will re-engage in my journal efforts with my compassionate journey details.
This year, on September 18th is the United Way sponsored Day of Caring, in which my goal is to organize at least one, if not more, volunteer teams. The deadline for submitting a project is July 18th. Until that date in July, I will be actively discussing the opportunity with my church, TNC in Seattle, and a few other worthy non-profit entities that may need the services of a volunteer team.
Repeat my life commitment statement:
I currently am freelancing in Digital Art: Photography, Digital Storytelling, Videography, Graphics, Web design.
I also work part-time as an Independent Living Specialist / Advocate / Assistive Technology Coordinator
My personal skills and life-hobby, if you will, is photojournalism and story telling.
My self-respect, My-Faith, My-Family, Volunteerism, Caring for the disabled, Feeding the Hungry, Sheltering the Homeless, Documenting and Telling their Stories to All Who Will Listen for As Long As Life is Present. Social responsibility, Social Justice and Advocacy, These are my priorities put in order, I share with others their importance to me. I believe through sharing my faith, my hope, and my love, I show acknowledgment, I share my compassion, and my time with those who lack the same, then I set an example for my life circle for all to see.
Daily as I encounter people bound by negativity, doubt and fear all around me, I remind myself I am a dim lit candle in the darkness, I help to bring light to the lost in the dark and draw them to the light that directs me, by inviting them to be the love and hope and value, sharing life with others is truly what makes us free. Then finding solutions together, removes fear and doubt, renews hope, builds confidence and seeks new direction.
I believe my circle of life and energy is bonded with the invisible chain of other circles, connected to each other by the same spirit. The spirit of community, peace and love our mission, we believe it, live it, we breathe it.
As each step is taken to Give of one’s self, two things happen.
#1 a sense of fulfillment and purpose is achieved, almost like the feeling of being complete, or as a piece of a one’s life puzzle is found.
#2 a witness to others in a person’s life circle is present.
This is a non-verbal testimony of purpose with clarity and focus.
Sharing that purpose and direction with others verbally is the key to spreading the message of hope and the tug on a fellow man’s heart towards commitment to others in need.
True satisfaction in life comes from taking steps towards a life with real purpose, and a focus on someone or something greater than one’s self.
G. Tomas Corsini Sr. aka – Webholyman
http://www.webholyman.com
webholyman@gmail.com
Sharing the witness from participants in my church’s missions project, “Homes of Hope”, specific to the Ensenada area, helping build housing for the poor. I recorded the two morning services for the families who wanted to share it with other family members. My church is St. Luke’s Lutheran Church Bellevue, WA.
8:30 am service
11:00 am service
It is becoming more Inescapable, seeing people who are suffering, living on the street, holding a cardboard sign by an intersection or freeway entrance, etc.
Some of us might give a few bucks to that person in need, but many more of us are giving in a different way, a way that is more visibly helping and where we can see our efforts do some real good. This last week I donated 4 hours of my life in taking pictures of a fashion show for an organization that helps low income families with food and clothing as well as sponsored events to strengthen or encourage these families. The event was a fashion show intended to be a mother daughter time for sharing and making each one feel special.I stood behind my lens and captured their time of fun and family. I am thankful I was able to give of my time and help capture some smiles and positive memories.
http://corsiniproductions.smugmug.com/Photography-Projects/05-06-15-Jubilee-Reach-Fashion/
It is becoming more Inescapable, seeing people who are suffering, living on the street, holding a cardboard sign by an intersection or freeway entrance, etc.
Some of us might give a few bucks to that person in need, but many more of us are giving in a different way, a way that is more visibly helping and where we can see our efforts do some real good. This last week I donated 4 hours of my life in taking pictures of a fashion show for an organization that helps low income families with food and clothing as well as sponsored events to strengthen or encourage these families. The event was a fashion show intended to be a mother daughter time for sharing and making each one feel special.I stood behind my lens and captured their time of fun and family.
I am thankful I was able to give of my time and help capture some smiles and positive memories.
Saturday I was on the film crew for this shoot. After helping the crew with setup, I shot some images with my own camera.
http://corsiniproductions.smugmug.com/Corsini-Videography/Bellevue-Youth-Theatre-BYT/
I just completed a short video advertising the happenings specific to St Patrick’s Day.
This is a celebration of several things but primarily of faith and hope coming to Ireland. (Christianity)
St Patrick used the shamrock as a reminder of the Holy Trinity. (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit)
http://corsiniproductions.smugmug.com/Corsini-Videography/St-Patricks-Day-2015/
Last week I attended the Wintergrass Festival, held at the Bellevue Hyatt Regency.
The event was running from Thursday 02/26 through Sunday 03/01.
I was able to capture many great images and I met various artists, vendors and even bumped into a few people from my church. It was enjoyable seeing the various hallway groups practice their music and song throughout the hotel at any given time. It gave a family atmosphere and filled the air with live music. The song and laughter was a welcome and refreshing change to the normal business like operating ambiance of the hotel.
I am sharing a link below to my photo album of my time spent at this event.
http://corsiniproductions.smugmug.com/Public-EVENTS/Wintergrass-Festival-at-Hyatt/
For all those souls who can relate, reliving my past in my mind daily has brought me away from my faith and into a lonely wandering. I had felt the love from my family and friends but something has been missing. I begin each week to think I am going to be OK again because of the rise in my spirit and countenance each Sunday at church, but then as the days go on I fall back into that rut and sense of loss and loneliness.
I want to reach out for help but feel my arms are just not long enough. At times my journey is so long I feel like stopping where I am, lying down and giving up.
It feels like every time I read the news there is another story like mine without hope or recourse. As terrible as I feel, my heart reaches out to that other person but my throat is dry.
When I think about helping others using my story, my mouth runs dry and my legs go weak. I find myself looking for a place to curl up and hide until it passes. The fear and guilt I live with.
I wonder if there are others like me looking for a way out, a leg up, a trusting hand to reach out to. Who will help me out of this bottomless pit of suffering I have living inside of me?
I Praise God I found a light and hope for my life. It just came to me when I was in my darkest hour. While surrounded with feelings of inadequacy, guilt and emotional grief, right when I felt a weight upon my chest so heavy I struggled to breathe, He came to me.
I can’t put my finger on it, but I didn’t cry out any magical words like a spell or chant.
I was in my thoughts meditating while in my suffering, searching for some peace, and I heard a faint voice, but it was not an audible one, more like one I heard as if in a dream, if that makes sense.
The voice at first was not something I could make out but then as I drew my focus away from my suffering the words became clear to me. There were three words that kept calling out softly, “believe in me.”
I didn’t think it was God at first, maybe my own thoughts deep inside, the good and strong persona trying to get out of the penalty box, telling me to believe in myself.
The more I went in that direction I felt I was falling backwards or slipping away from the seemingly audible voice and it became faint again.
I decided to try reading my bible to see if that would bring me comfort and help the words become clear again, especially since over the years reading the bible over and again, I always walk away with a sense of peace from reading it.
I found comfort in Romans chapter 8, and it was more specifically a good reminder to me, verse 15 “for you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” and also verse 26, “Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.”
I am discovering my faith has been lacking for the reason of my separation from God, rather than any specific sin or evil set upon me. Regardless of my regular attendance at my church, my keeping distance from my regular readings as I did many years ago, I believe is the reason for all the weight of sin, guilt and shame that had returned into my life. Trying to hide from it myself or showing it to others around me, I just made it worse.
Now I know that voice instructing me to “believe in me”, has been the Spirit of God reaching into my mind and inviting me back to a place where I found peace and joy for so many years. I don’t know how I became so far out from the path I once trod, but my heart and soul longs for a comfort that can only be a spiritual one from deep within.
I am on a path unlike the one in ministry I held before when I was so devoted to my reading the Word. I find it challenging at times to make time to read or study. With my recent revelation, which brings relief, I have decided to reclaim my dedication to reading and prayer lost to the cares of this world and everything in it.
I renew my vow of commitment to His word this day and its reading, as a new diet and eating a regular healthy meal three times a day brings the body into a good rhythm. So I pray, His Spirit remain within me and at my side, to keep me on this new path and help me from deviating from its direction and blessings.
~Webholyman~
This first video / photo link is from Sunday morning’s first service at 8:30 am. We had one of seven scheduled baptisms.
http://public.fotki.com/Webholyman/st-lukes-baptisms/mikal-adam-de-young/01-11-15-mikal-adam.html
I just completed another Bellevue.com video.
This one is promoting businesses offering a good hot bowl of soup.
http://corsiniproductions.smugmug.com/Corsini-Videography/Soups-around-Bellevue/i-Q39W7KH/A
Mom’s story is on the front page of LA Times.
Francine Orr (Photographer) called me 2 days ago to tell me it was being released but I waited until I saw it myself before sharing it. Francine did a great job in giving one last portrayal of our Mom and in her use of sensitive images and video. Thank you Francine!
http://www.latimes.com/local/great-reads/la-me-c1-caregiver-20141218-story.html#page=1
The Kullnat Family baptized their daughter this past Sunday, 11-30-14.
http://public.fotki.com/Webholyman/11-30-14-kullnat-baptism/?cmd=fs_slideshow
This is a two (2) part video presentation of last Sunday 10-12-14 where we had our congregational meeting to vote on approving an MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) to partner with Imagine Housing for the purpose of building 52 low income housing units on St. Luke’s property.
PART 1 & 2
On 10-09-14, St. Luke’s hosted an informational meeting with members of Imagine Housing and the City of Bellevue
The video link with only show summary comments on the process of changing the zoning and ‘Comprehensive Plan’ to allow for the 52 units on St. Luke’s property.
https://webholyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/st-lukes-a-pioneer-in-the-community.mov
Amy and I begin Selah’s eating of solid food…
WebHolyman 