“In Pastures Green”
1/9
Pastel on paper
27″ × 21″
This is the painting that proved to be the springboard for the idea to change my signature from “Cathey Cadieux” to L’Ma’An Sh’Mo (Hebrew meaning “for His Name’s sake”). In the background of the painting, in Hebrew, are the first three verses of Psalm 23. In English, the verses are:
The LORD is my shepherd: I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me besides still waters. He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the path of righteousness for His Name’s sake.
The placement of those words fell into place in the area where I would usually sign my name (see painting detail below). That was a revelation: for His Name’s sake, not mine! As artists, we are told that the value of our work is based on our signature. We are to promote our name. I realized that if He is leading me in the path to be a righteous person, it has to be for His Name’s sake.
L’Ma’An Sh’Mo (“for His Name’s sake”)
In the years that have passed since I made this decision, my study and understanding of the scriptures have grown ever deeper. Both Christians and Jews are very familiar with the 23rd psalm. I had heard it all my life, but did not discover a deeper significance until I heard it said at Jewish funerals.
As always, when one looks at the original Hebrew scripture, additional meanings are revealed. Yod Heh Vav Heh is my Shepherd; he does not want me to lack for anything, he takes me as one of His sheep to a rich spring pasture where I can be filled: then he takes me to Mayim Menuchot (“waters of restfulness”). From my understanding of the Bible, Yeshua (Jesus) is our Rest!
The next verse says He returns my soul to me, and having restored my soul leads me forward as a tsedek (a righteous person). His rod (shevet, also meaning branch and scepter) and staff comfort me as I pass through the valley of the shadow of death. I believe that Yeshua (Jesus) is the Rod, the scepter of Judah. Because Yeshua is my comforter, I shall fear no evil. And I will pass through death! When I reach the other side, there is a banquet table set in order for me, and I am treated as royalty.
