By: Hannah Scott
Belief systems are undoubtedly a defining feature of humanity and drive our societies. However, societies often have different attitudes toward different values. Some might be widely accepted, while others might draw criticism and negative attention.
An example would be how liberal values are more openly celebrated. But Christians, on the other hand, believe their expression of faith is met with rolling eyes. So much so that in 2019, around 50% of Christians believed they faced some form of discrimination. Today, that statistic could be even higher.
That said, even in this unfavorable scenario, you’ll see some people not just following their beliefs but living them. As if what the world thinks about them doesn’t matter, while staying true to their own values does. They believe in displaying their faith publicly, not to attract controversy but to allow healthy conversations and learning.
Joel Colbeck, a Christian author, is one such individual who is an advocate for Christians to confidently display their faith. His life story weaves faith, passion, and purpose into a tapestry that inspires and uplifts.
A Humble Beginning
Joel grew up in a blue-collar family in Detroit. Raised Roman Catholic, Joel’s spiritual journey has been a winding road, leading him to attend evangelical churches. In his professional life, Joel has worn many hats in several industries, including hospitality, restaurants, and radio.
His academic journey was as diverse as his professional one. Despite being a late bloomer, he earned a Bachelor’s in Marketing and an MBA. However, Joel recalls, the educational experience that impacted him the most was his time at a liberal arts college, which exposed him to various religious perspectives. That, ultimately, reinforced his belief in the Christian faith and the message of salvation through Jesus Christ.
Finding Purpose
At a workplace, Joel dressed up as a rockstar to help one of his colleagues who celebrated Halloween feel more welcome. But, as a Christian, who didn’t agree with the concept of Halloween, a thought struck his mind. Was he being true to himself?
“The answer was no,” Joel says. “That’s where I realized that there were many ways to welcome my colleague, but compromising my ideals wasn’t one of them.”
That’s where his spiritual walk began as he started realizing how many Christians tried to accommodate different beliefs but were afraid to express their own. He wanted to change that, giving them the confidence to publicly display their faith. The only thing missing was how.
The Birth of the Redemption Flag
Surprisingly, Joel found his answer while waiting at a stoplight, observing the array of decals and stickers on the car in front of him. “It struck me that these symbols were powerful tools for communication, and I saw an opportunity to display the gospel in a modern, recognizable way,” Joel asserts. This epiphany led to the creation of the Redemption Flag, also known as the Isaiah Flag, featuring verses from Isaiah 1:18 and 53:5.
Spreading the Message
Once Joel got the idea of the Redemption Flag, he was on a mission to make it as iconic as the peace sign of the 60s or the smiley face of the 70s. For that, he launched the Isaiah Store, offering a range of products featuring the Redemption Flag, including coffee mugs, tumblers, towels, banners, flags, stickers, and clothing. You can visit www.isaiahflagstuff.com to check out these products.
Joel says, “I am acutely aware that my fellow believers hesitate to display their faith openly for fear of offending others or sparking uncomfortable discussions. But, I want to change that.” Thus, he encourages everyone to express their beliefs through everyday items that convey the message of God’s love in a non-intrusive manner.
Writing and Beyond
In addition to his work with the Isaiah Store, Joel is the author of “Happy Harvest Day: A Beginner’s Guide.” This book offers an alternative to Halloween, proposing Harvest Day as a more wholesome and Christian-appropriate celebration of October’s festivities. You can further explore what this day is all about at harvestday.org .
Joel’s future plans are as ambitious as they are inspiring. He aims to launch a podcast where he interviews people who have had close encounters with death, danger, or disaster, sharing their stories of survival and faith.
In the End
Joel Colbeck’s story reflects a faith-driven passion and purpose. He exemplifies how one person’s effort can inspire others to live their beliefs boldly and authentically. His dedication to spreading God’s love through creative means can set a standard for those seeking to make a difference in their communities and beyond.
In a world where it’s easy to follow the crowd, such stories show that we can all find our unique way to contribute to the greater good with faith and determination.
Published By: Aize Perez
