Exploring Carol Ann Castagna’s Literary Journey
“Mama, the cool breeze is just like a kiss from God.”
These words from Carol Ann Castagna’s four-year-old daughter, Paige, became the inspiration for her heartfelt book, A Gentle Kiss from God. A seemingly simple statement encapsulated the essence of the work: discovering God in life’s quiet, fleeting moments.
Carol Ann Castagna’s writing offers a personal exploration of faith, resilience, and creativity. Her book celebrates the human spirit’s ability to persevere and discover beauty, even during life’s challenging seasons.
As a poet, composer, and retired psychiatric nurse, Castagna blends compassion and artistry, creating a narrative that feels relatable and profoundly moving.
A Journey Rooted in Faith and Service
For Carol Ann Castagna, faith in the Triune God—God the Father, Jesus Christ the Son, and the Holy Spirit—is central to her life. Her 25-year career as a psychiatric R.N. Clinicians exposed her to various facets of human suffering. From emergency rooms to leading adolescent psychiatric programs, these experiences informed her understanding of resilience, a recurring theme in her writing.
A Gentle Kiss from God offers glimpses into her life’s work and faith journey. Castagna shares personal stories, heartfelt poetry, and original hymns, creating an intimate and reflective narrative.
Whether describing her daughter Jill’s recovery from encephalitis or sharing prayers written during times of personal struggle, her work conveys a sense of authenticity and hope.
A Blend of Poetry, Prose, and Music
A defining characteristic of A Gentle Kiss from God is its integration of poetry, prose, and music. Castagna uses poetry to highlight the beauty of nature, prose to share her personal journey, and music to express her faith. Each element is thoughtfully composed, offering readers a meaningful and evocative experience.
In “Winter’s Statement,” she writes: “Ice-covered branches drenched in frost, framed by sunglow, glittering! On a shimmering daybreak! All this presides against a backdrop of a pearl-mauve sky.”
Her vivid imagery and lyrical style capture the essence of each season, transforming ordinary moments into poetic reflections of God’s artistry. For Castagna, the natural world serves as a reminder of divine beauty, and her poetry gently encourages readers to appreciate its splendor.
Overcoming Life’s Trials Through Faith
Carol Ann Castagna does not shy away from addressing the hardships she has faced. From navigating the challenges of a turbulent first marriage to experiencing personal loss, her story illustrates resilience and faith.
In the epilogue, she reflects candidly on the emotional scars left by these experiences and shares how she believes God sustained her through them.
A particularly poignant section describes her decision to leave an unhealthy marriage—a choice that was neither easy nor without inner conflict, but one made with the clarity that prioritizing her well-being and that of her children was essential.
Through these personal stories, Castagna conveys that faith does not guarantee a life free of pain but can provide strength and peace in facing it, drawing on the compassion and guidance of the Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit.
The Universal Appeal of Her Message
While deeply rooted in Christian faith, A Gentle Kiss from God speaks to readers of all backgrounds. Castagna’s reflections on love, resilience, and gratitude offer insights that many can relate to, regardless of their beliefs.
Her honesty and vulnerability create a connection with readers, enabling them to see their own struggles and triumphs reflected in her words.
A Legacy of Creativity and Compassion
Beyond her writing, Castagna’s life reflects her dedication to helping others. As a pianist, she has shared her musical talents to comfort patients in hospitals and assisted living facilities.
Her original compositions, many of which are included in the book, serve as extensions of her mission to uplift and inspire.
Her chapbook, Giggles of Nature, highlights her versatility as a writer, offering lighthearted poetry for those seeking moments of joy and reflection. Together, her works form a collection of literature that is as diverse as it is meaningful.
An Invitation to Reflect
“Mama, the cool breeze is just like a kiss from God.”
These simple yet profound words encourage us to pause, breathe, and notice the beauty in the world around us. Through A Gentle Kiss from God, Carol Ann Castagna provides a lens through which to consider life’s struggles and blessings.
For readers seeking a work that is both deeply personal and widely resonant, this book offers an inspiring perspective. It is a celebration of faith, a testament to resilience, and a reminder of the power of art and storytelling.
Castagna’s words gently remind us that, even in life’s darkest moments, we are not alone—and sometimes, all it takes is a cool breeze to feel what might be described as a gentle kiss from God.
Published by Drake M.
