Unveiling the Mystery of Joseph/GI Joe at Hobby Lobby
About a year ago, I visited Hobby Lobby, a Christian private organization, in search of art supplies to help alleviate some of my stress. For me, Hobby Lobby offers a sense of peace and calm. It’s a wonderful retreat when I don’t have other options available.
Another factor that contributes to the serene atmosphere at Hobby Lobby is its exceptional employees. As a Christian organization, it tends to attract Christian associates. Since my initial visit, I have had the pleasure of meeting some fantastic, humorous, and friendly women who work there.
Five months ago, I walked into the store and noticed a new associate from a distance. The six-foot-something associate did not appear to be a typical twenty-something man, nor did he fit the conventional image of a Christian. However, while walking by, I noticed he wore a cross and had a few small, thought-provoking tattoos on his person, which piqued my curiosity due to my past experiences.
Having dedicated myself to writing over the past year, I made an effort to go through his checkout line in the following weeks to investigate this uncommon, enigmatic individual. One day, I decided to approach him and ask if he would be interested in having me write an article about him for publication on Patheos.
Discovering Faith: Joseph’s Path from Passion to Purpose
Allow me to introduce – Joseph. In his younger years, Joseph had a deep passion for rap music, particularly the works of Eminem, alongside a love for motorcycles and an innate sense of wanderlust that propelled him to seek new adventures. Over time, he found profound inspiration in the teachings of Jesus and now dedicates himself to embodying the values and practices he believes exemplify the essence of being a true Christian.
Joseph demonstrates a deep commitment to his faith, regularly attending church services a few times a week and engaging in daily prayer. In his workplace, he extends his faith by offering to pray with colleagues and customers who seek support. His remarkable patience, kindness, and, most notably, his unwavering faith in God appear to have a significant and positive influence on those around him.
I’ve personally witnessed his daily testimony and the way he lives out his beliefs. Joseph and the word of God reignited my faith and shifted my perspective in a positive direction.
Joseph’s presence is not only an inspiration to me, but also a guiding light for his co-workers and numerous customers who interact with him daily at Hobby Lobby and wherever else the spirit leads him.
Joseph’s Heartfelt Expressions: Faith, Rap, Humor, and The Spoken Word
Joseph, widely recognized as GI Joe, is an exceptional performer who captivates audiences at regional venues throughout New York State with his remarkable talents. He integrates rap, biblical teachings, and the spoken word with humor and intelligence. His dedication to connecting with others and sharing insights about the Bible and the Almighty God is evident in every engagement.
Joseph showcases his deep faith in God boldly in his performances. On stage, he conveys his messages with remarkable skill and authenticity, thus leaving a powerful message and lasting impact on everyone who experiences his distinctive approach to the spoken word.
I asked Joseph which Bible verse resonates with him the most, he thoughtfully shared: “Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.”
Undoubtedly, the first commandment is fundamental. If we pause to reflect, we realize that we often fail to uphold even the very first law, thereby breaking His commandments.
This commandment holds significant relevance in the modern world. For millennia, humans have engaged in idol worship, and with technological advancements, this practice has been magnified, facilitating the creation of countless new idols. This phenomenon is particularly pronounced in the entertainment industry, where numerous celebrities actively pursue fame, wealth, and adoration.
The Cost of Honesty: Joseph’s Job Experience in a Restaurant
Joseph accepted a position at a local restaurant, where his primary responsibility was to clean and maintain the pots and pans used in the kitchen. During one of his shifts, he witnessed a disturbing scene: a cook dropped a portion of food onto the floor. To Joseph’s shock, the cook quickly picked up the food and returned it to the pan without hesitation. Concerned about food safety, the customers, and the integrity of the restaurant, Joseph approached the co-worker and inquired whether that food would be served to customers. To his dismay, the co-worker said, yes.
Joseph was acutely aware that bringing attention to this issue could create tension among his colleagues. Despite the potential for conflict, he felt a moral obligation to act. He made the brave decision to inform the customers about what had occurred. Although he was not the designated server, he confidently walked into the dining area and approached a couple who were enjoying their meal.
Noticing that the woman looked unwell, he gently explained the situation regarding the food that had been dropped and assured them of his sincerity in ensuring their safety. He sincerely asked for their forgiveness, and to his relief, they graciously granted it.
However, his actions did not go unnoticed, and soon after, his co-workers confronted him. Their anger escalated into a heated argument with Joseph; thereafter, they proceeded to physically attack him. After the altercation, the boss held Joseph accountable for instigating the conflict.
Standing firm, Joseph pointed out that the incident had been captured on the restaurant’s security cameras. He suggested that his boss review the footage to see the events as they unfolded, hoping this would clarify the situation. Unfortunately, the boss sided with the cooks and said that Joseph should not have told the customers about the food that fell on the floor.
Faith in Action: Joseph’s Call to Embrace Prayer and Community
Joseph E. Bemis acts and inspires others by teaching them about the renewed and strengthened faith that comes from connecting with other Christians.
Joseph once chose to exercise his free will rather than solely relying on God’s Will. However, by being obedient and sharing his testimony, he shows others the significance of Prayer and following God’s instructions.
Joseph reminds us that in times of attack from the enemy, it’s important to remember the immense power of prayer. Prayer acts as a direct link to His Majesty, Father God. Prayer serves as a daily reminder that we are never alone. When we pray, we invite God into our lives, allowing Him to work in ways beyond our understanding. God is not merely a source of relief; prayer is a formidable weapon against the distractions and discouragement the enemy throws our way. Let’s commit to pray sincerely to God, trusting that He is attentive to our pleas and ready to respond.
There is no doubt that we will be hearing and seeing more of this accomplished and driven young man, known as GI Joe. It was a privilege to have a conversation with Joseph and learn about some of his profound life experiences. I am confident we will soon be seeing more of this wise young man.
God’s laws and instructions address a wide range of essential matters, including moral conduct, ethical behavior, spiritual development, and worship practices. The teachings of the Scriptures and God’s words are eternal and unchanging. By praying and adhering to God’s guidance as presented in the Bible, individuals can achieve peace of mind, spiritual growth. Therefore, we can nurture a deeper connection with God, thus ultimately discovering fulfillment and purpose in life.
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