Becoming The Face

Here's a reflection of my thoughts.  Hopefully this will be a way to bring some better clarity to who I am and all that I do.  I write this partially because lately I have received some criticism about me putting my "face" on everything instead of the earlier "The Symbol logo" (which is my silhouette in a light shining into the sky Batman style).  The face is not a self-centered ego driven thing, but rather a development from the light once shining upon my darkness to now that which must shine through my face. (Read HERE for the earlier logo explanation, and then understand the development)  I also write this for some received criticism for my continuous Instagram posts centering in my life and just joking around rather than spiritual reflections or direct education.  To all of this I reflect with these words.

"So we are ambassadors for Christ, as if God were appealing through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God." -  2 Corinthians 5:20

What St. Paul writes here is something I am learning more and more is about truly being The Symbol.  I have to represent he who is love in all places, and at all times.  In many ways, I have taken on this mission asked of me to simply be "The Mascot" for the All Star Team (Heaven. . . The Saints.). This doesn't mean I can't, and/or don't play for the team but instead it means that wherever I am, and in whatever I am doing I must be "The Face". 

About a month ago, at my daytime job we took the kids on a trip to the Bronx zoo.  I decided to buy my group of 4, 5, and 6 year olds these simple $1 animal masks.  As we are walking up the street, back to the train station one of the oldest kids in the group says "Mr. Brandon we are like the animals in Noah's ark, and you are like Noah."  I laughed to myself in response, but really this little boy made me want to cry. (Keep in mind, I work in a secular institution so in many ways, I am prevented to opening up a further dialogue with these children and I just have to keep them in my heart with prayer and offering. You don't know how many times this comes up)

I released the Golden EP and by my surprise one of everyone's favorite records has been a song entitled "Perdona Me" (which means forgive me in Spanish). I honestly did the record just for my own personal prayer life.  It was a song I honestly  thought many would just by pass.  It is probably my most honest and transparent record up to date, and its a song I wrote and re-wrote, and brought before the Blessed Sacrament many times before releasing.  

I say all of this because I recognize completely that I am broken.  I need God's help.  I have been blessed with many leadership opportunities as a Father, Teacher, Catechist, Business Owner, Artist, Spiritual Leader... And the list goes on.  In many ways, this little boy from San Francisco who was with us this summer hit it right on the head.  I have been asked to be sort of a "Noah" in the modern times.  I cannot drive this ship alone or it will surely crash, and in all honesty I know nothing about building this boat.  Despite all of this somehow God has channeled through me things like all is love media, the AMDG movement, and countless other groups/organizations. 

It's as I said on "The Animation" from the Golden EP 
"It hit me with no delaying so what you sayin' yo? I had my own plans, but that all had to go. So when I bust a rhyme or I kick a flow; its just an extension of the changes within my soul. So when you see this face with the infinite glow; there's no make up or fabrication you know. I owe it to the man that I call big bro. Home Run, touch down. Alley-oop, Say GOAL!"

I cannot do it alone.  I need you.... We need each other.  I will never completely be The Symbol unless you are yourself.

- The Symbol
- All is Love