William Strutt (1825-1915) was an English painter. He was born into a family of artists and continued that tradition. Peace is his vision of Isaiah 11:6-7 done in the classical and romanticized style of his time. It hangs in the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Brecon, Wales.

As we view this precise and delicate painting with a very fair child surrounded by light, we can appreciate it as an artifact of the 1800’s and we can challenge ourselves to overlay different children here as diverse as the animals in the frame. May we look upon this prophetic view with the respectful, faithful, and inclusive eyes of our time as we pray for this very peace for our world. May it be so.

In gratitude, faith and hope,

Sandy Prouty
Minister of Children and Families
Montview Church