Called: What Happens After Saying Yes to God

by Casey Cole

Whether you’re considering a religious vocation or simply trying to lead a Christ-centered life, Franciscan friar Casey Cole has Christian life doesn't end with a profession of faith or hearing of God's call. That's when it begins. Based on a series of contagiously enthusiastic blog posts Casey wrote while he was in formation, What Happens After Saying Yes to God reflects on realities that are common to anyone who is serious about living a sincere Christian life and trying to follow the message of Jesus in the Gospels. All Christians must discern God’s call for them. All Christians struggle at times knowing how to pray. All Christians work to be in intimate relationships with others. All Christians are challenged to give of themselves so to rely more on God. All Christians have a mission of building up the kingdom. And all Christians, like it or not, fail along the way. In his own path of discernment and discipleship, Casey has found a life that brings him amazement and wonder, sorrow and joy, encouragement and challenges, and he’s eager to share it all with everyone he can. Called offers inspiration and guidance to all those pursuing a life in Christ, in whatever form that may take. What you wonder, what you struggle with, what you experience in your daily life—you’re not alone.

Genres: Catholic, Christian, Christianity, Nonfiction, Religion, Theology

192 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2018

About the author

Fr. Casey graduated from Furman University in 2011 with a degree in Religious Studies and a minor in Poverty Studies. He entered the Order of Friars Minor (Franciscans) in August of 2011, made solemn profession in August of 2017, and was ordained to the priesthood in June of 2019. Fr. Casey has published two books, Called: What Happens After Saying Yes to God and Let Go: Seven Stumbling Blocks to Christian Discipleship. He is the creator of two YouTube channels, and regularly gives talks throughout the country on evangelization and vocations.

Reviews

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprisingly good!

[Patrick · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really did not like this book. I grew tired of the author’s I statements before the end of the first chapter.

I found the text and the author somewhat shallow and immature in parts and quite good in others.

The title is misleading since it is really about the author’s journey primarily and specific to being a discerning twenty-something in contemporary Franciscan religious life.

The most bizarre part was the baffling and brief 2-page aside about the author’s infatuation with a woman 5 years into his life as a Franciscan which he insisted was love and indicated would likely happen again more than once! I thought when he said he had fallen in love he was going to say something about Christ and the Church!

I can’t recommend it but hopefully it is helpful to some.

[Nancy McCleary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of the book

Father Casey writes in the style that is like he is talking. I like the way he speaks of his good days and bad days . Any one who is discerning what he or she should do with his or her life can read this and get a good idea if what communal life. He doesn't sugar coat what it's like to live with others. Incidents like when he walks into a messy kitchen and decides to ignore the mess and in the end he gets peanut butter all over his habit is told so you picture not only the scene, but get his reaction
from not cleaning up the mess and the lamenting that he didn't clean up. You could picture him standing there more upset with himself for his decision. I have also made a decision I later regretted. His style of conversational of writing puts the reader in the picture where her she knows exactly what he is experiencing and how he feels about it. I would recommend this book for anyone, but especially for someone standing at the crossroads of life and is discerning their next step. You get the feeling that you already know After Casey but would like to meet him in person. I like watching his videos and reading about his life. I give this book a enthusiastic two thumbs and would even give it four thumbs if, I fact , that I was blessed with four thumbs. Well done, Father Casey!

[Elkaza · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another of my little gems find, thrift shopping. I find this book very enjoyable, but I couldn’t really relate to it, having come to discern my life and relationship with Jesus Christ already. But, would have been so useful, even inspiration about 10 – 20 years ago, when I was a little lost, not knowing why my life was so different to people my age and family members.

Hence, this book is more suitable for people almost finishing High School, and college, not knowing what to do with their lives, or wanting to build a better relationship with God. In fact, I believe it should be a part of our kid’s school curriculum.

If not, just watch Brother Casey’s YouTube videos, as their fun and very knowledgeable. I enjoy them, and can’t wait until a new one is released. Yes, Brother Casey Cole, is a wonderful role model for our young people, and even adults can learn a lot from this Youthful Catholic Shepherd.

[Leo Rander · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, I have to tell you that this book really surprised me. I started reading (or rather listening) to Fr Casey's book earlier this week hoping I would find some of the answers I am looking for in my vocational discernment. Oh, I could not have been more wrong. To be fair, Fr Casey did raise very good points for me to consider on my journey forward, not only as I discern God's will for my life, but also as I move on as a Catholic. But honestly, I finished the reading with more questions than answers. Perhaps this is a good thing. Perhaps I need to go past the surface and ask the difficult and meaningful questions. After all, his book offers insights for all of us, discerning a vocation or not, from his own experience living as Franciscan friar.

[Jessie T · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book in one day! It’s written by a Franciscan friar who intersperses each chapter with his blog posts. It gives a great insight into what someone in/considering the ‘religious life’ experiences, and author does reiterate that the book is not only for those considering a full time Christian vocation. There are some great bits and practical tips (not just about discernment) in this which made me take some notes. As an Ethnomusicologist I appreciated that he talked about privilege (since he is an educated white male), and ways to overcome privileges you cannot denounce. Recommended.

[Ted Hinkle · Rating 5 out of 5]

CALLED: WHAT HAPPENS AFTER SAYING YES TO GOD is the autobiographical, sanctified journey of Casey Cole OFM from novitiate to vowed religous, training to be an ordained Priest (completed). Father Cole incorporates previous blog posts of his community life experiences, sharing his spiritual and life lesson perceptions. He uses religious virtues, Scriptural references and Catholic doctrines to convey his thoughts on many issues relative to both religious and layperson life experiences. A good, subtle religious study for any Christian library.

[A · Rating 3 out of 5]

From a young writer, and new Franciscan friar, Cole shares insights on what it means to be called to serve God. I like his response to people when they asked him, "What happens if you fall in love and find the right woman after you become a friar?" He wonders if those same people ask that same question when someone says they are going to get married, "What if after you get married, you find someone else and fall in love?"

[Feri Zsolnai · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very interesting book that shows a much more intimate side of Casey Cole (he's usually quite quirky and funny in his podcast and YouTube channel). I found it very easy to connect with the stories and the thoughts expressed, and could have listened to more easily. But I also think it was as short as it should be, because it had no fillers, it was substantial and meaningful, and yet comfortable to go through.

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Opening my eyes

I am thankful for the words of wisdom shared by cole. He makes you think about how it is to be Christian today. Weakness is what needs to framed in the positive sense because it is with our failures that we learn we are not alone.

[Barbara Lizana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is of great interest to professed religious.

[Stephen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book that I enjoyed very much. You undoubtedly will find more than one nugget of wisdom in this book. For me, you have to say yes to God every day.

[Karolina Jayasinghe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. This book explains deep things of our lives in a simple language. At times funny and always insightful. I will be waiting for another book to come, one day :)

[Jan Hodgkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant book

Excellent book, reflecting humility. Made me look differently at my Christian walk and challenged me in areas I didn't expect.

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

To the first half of this book, I would give three*'s, but to the second half, I give four *'s. This book will most resound with people who are considering entering religious life or who are in their first few years as a religious.

Fifty years ago, this was me. At this point in my life, however, I am neither. Yet the second half of the book really did speak to me as a "woman of the church." Even as a secular woman.

[Ila Sowins-dunmire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful read

Very inciteful reading. Even though I have said yes to God. It's nice to read someone else's journey and thoughts on their journey and yes. Casey Cole does it in a very thoughtful and modern day way.

[Joey · Rating 5 out of 5]

On the top of my list of spiritual books to consider and reflect upon. Very insightful.