Even through Joshua's illness, he has accomplished so much. Stories that will be shared from his accomplishments athletically, as well as his education through schooling and life experience, and of course the nightmares that he has had to live through and still is; an inspiration to everyone. But ultimately what was put on his heart through all the changes in his life was in his music. Always stating there are two absolutes in this world; two universal languages that can always be understood. Mathematics and music. Eventually this opened the door for him to be a part of movies. Without his illness, this blog page would be completely different. The purpose of music and movies and still, athletics, constantly educating, growing, as much as he can, was given to him by God. Some of the joys of his life.
Today's world, music has become canned. Basically, computers are making music. The same with movies. CGI. Though he loves to be entertained, as we all do, that raw emotion of a true story, a well written movie or play, people interacting, a live concert, seeing their raw passion and emotion. Seeing flaws and specifically in the music world, that someone has perfected their craft so well that not one single note is off. Not musically or vocally. Sounding better live than in the studio. What Joshua has always found interesting is that we accept this in these two fields. It is expected and many times respected. Speaking of mathematics, there is either a right or wrong answer. No exceptions. Always stating it is the key to the universe. Joshua has spoken that every idea, every gift has been given to man by God. It has been allowed through the life of Jesus Christ. And is driven through the discernment of the Holy Spirit. God has given us all these abilities. In Joshua's eyes, or rather his heart, since we are created in God's image, God would use the things He created. Giving us an insight into how He thinks. Living by faith, but still giving us the science to back it up (the answers; sometimes we just have to ask the question.) The universal joys that apply to all, do so because they are delivered to and through us by the Spirit of the Lord. Most people, as of late, want to be part of the movie and music industry for fame, for money; to Joshua that's not what it's about. Though there is nothing wrong with having fame or money.
No matter what you are doing for a living, to put all your being into it. Music and movies are not an art, they are a passion. It takes a multitude of people to create, not only a good movie, or a good song, but a great one. Where we can debate, even argue, but ultimately the end goal is to put something out there for people to learn, to relate to, to laugh, to be entertained, to connect us in love (God's love.) As Joshua has often stated, "I am a fan of no man. I am not a respecter of man. As Jesus said himself, but I can still respect men. Because even though we are infallible, our words and our actions can accomplish so much as long as we have the righteous and truthful heart behind them." And of course, this encompasses every living creature. Everyone has a start and an ending. Most of the time what gets left out is the middle. The most important part. That's the journey. That is the part that so many people want to be heard, but have such a hard time telling.
How we yearn for his music to be heard by the masses for what it will do. For his very first screenplay that has been turned into a big budget film, to be seen, simply the story of his life, wrapped into just over three hours. As we live our lives everyday, and as we have known Joshua for years, many people don't know him. Not only the gifts he has been given, but the gift of him, yes the gift of Joshua. How do you do a man like this justice? Many of the members of the team get wrapped up in his story, bringing us to tears. We forget that this is the man that we would see daily, or speak over the phone with, yet the only thing you heard was love and joy, kindness and compassion. The GSET team could not imagine, as many others who have met Joshua, being given the gifts from God, how he had struggled through so much sickness, to still accomplish what he has, yet alone being alive. Five time cancer survivor, amongst other illnesses. Every time, relapsing, going into remission and having to fight his way back, but never getting back what he had. As Joshua turned 34, our now team, had the pleasure of meeting him.
If we were asked in person, none of us would have a bad thing to say about him. None of us has heard a voice so powerful when singing, so convicted when speaking, the ability to play guitar like no one else. The words in his songs. The patience, the grace. As he's been trying to finish up his album, we have been able to hear some of the music. As most of it was done during the year 2009, It's just of the last month and a half that he had picked up the guitar or had sang for over three years. All 12 of us were invited, as we so wanted to hear him recording, to sit in and watch and listen. In 2009 every song was done within one to two takes. Flawless and perfect. Never hearing a man be able to do a variety of different music perfectly, even though blues is the music that lies in his heart. He always would say a good song is a good song. As of recent, as he has been trying to finish his album, watching him struggle vocally, watch his body lock up as he plays the guitar, is such a horrible sight. Taking hours, what he used to be able to do in minutes. And only being a percent of what he is capable of for even when the GSET team saw him for the first time, his health was only at about 35%.
How did we meet Joshua? Because he saved all our lives. In many different ways, and some literally. Though Joshua will always say, "I didn't, God did." We all have the same heart that he has. It's simply a choice to do right by God, yourself and others. There are so many reasons that Jesus had died for us. As Joshua said, it's more than just for our sins. Always repeating the last commandment that Jesus had stated. To love others as you love yourself. Why is that so difficult? It's not. Joshua always saying why is your time so much more previous than anyone else's? All of our lives have meaning.And that should be embraced. We see this man who has been cut down to nothing, but still has more strength and conviction than anyone else. To truly understand what it is to be loved, though he has experienced so little of it, and been shown even less.
Many times the GSET team will talk about Joshua, as he always puts himself in other people's shoes, we've tried to do the same. What it would be like to be given all those gifts, to work so hard, to have a heart like that while going through these horrors, as many people become jaded and embittered, and many times their heart becomes consumed with hate, but one act of love can change that. And very few people will ever know. Though he does not speak of this you can see the pain in his eyes. We have all seen how his illness has affected his mind and of course, his body. But never his heart. As we have talked, imagining what it would be like to see the world the way it is, and knowing that one song, one movie, one action that Joshua takes would change the world for the better. Yes we all pray and believe that God will reach down and heal Joshua by His own hand so that he can live his life. To show what true love is, relationship that he has with his wife Anna Bella, who will give his time for anyone. And expect nothing in return. Lastly, what seems to resonate the most in our office, amongst our team is Joshua always says, "When did we ever become so important to ourselves that everyone else is not?" To see the beauty of the world, of people, of everything through the eyes of God, which has been clearly given to all of us. Seek out joy for it is the only pathway to true love. This is another absolute.
All of these remarkable thoughts and words that Joshua speaks, all of these amazing actions, we are all capable of. But he always says, "They are not mine. They were given to me from the Lord. I am simply here to help Him." Just one piece of the puzzle that can so easily be put together if we all unite. And as Joshua has a great sense of humor, he said, What's the difficulty? This is a true metaphor for life, stating we already have the picture of what the puzzle looks like, and that is a representation of God. Taking things that seem so complicated and understanding that they are very simple. Sometimes, we just need a little help. So let's give it. And not be afraid to accept it.
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