From the House of Joe
During a liberty weekend while serving in the US Navy, I
found myself walking the streets of downtown Yokosuka, Japan. I encountered a
young Japanese girl with jet-black ponytails and beautiful brown eyes. Her gaze
lingered on me as if I were something divine, evoking the biblical reference
from John
10:34, where Jesus mentioned, "Ye are gods."
Venturing further into the city, I reached an authentic ramen
noodle stand, a favorite spot during my time off the ship. A steaming bowl of ramen
noodles topped with a boiled egg became a comforting indulgence as I explored
the busy streets. The energy of the Japanese locals was appreciable, radiating
peace, positivity, and entrepreneurial spirit.
Reflecting on my experiences abroad, I pondered the nature
of evil in different environments. I concluded that it is often learned
behavior rather than inherent to a place. Upon returning home from my
deployment, I encountered a contrast in the atmosphere. Walking through the Detroit
Metro Airport amidst the aftermath of the Detroit Piston's back-to-back
championships in 1989 and 1990, I felt a heavy presence weighing down on me. It
was as if invisible forces of darkness, hatred, and prejudice were lurking in
the air, reminding me of Deuteronomy
28:49-50, which speaks of bondage again via ships.
This juxtaposition between the tranquility of Japan and the
tension in my homeland highlighted the stark realities of societal influences
and the spiritual atmosphere that permeates different regions. I was reminded
why I had been hesitant to return to America. Despite my efforts to seek
reinstatement, it seemed God had other plans.
In a past relationship in Kalamazoo, MI, a woman told me I
was Hebrew due to the values I upheld. She referenced the Black Hebrew
Israelite movement, which gained momentum in my experience between 2012 and
2015. Intrigued, I dove into all the books I could find on Jewish history and
acquired a Cepher Hebrew Bible. I became convinced that many so-called Africans
brought to the Americas during the trans-Atlantic slave trade were descendants
of the biblical Israelites.
“You, from the house of Joe.” He spoke these words before exiting
the car and entering the building. The man I picked up during an Uber trip while
residing in Tucson, AZ, was five feet four inches tall, perfectly fitting his
frail body frame. His face was adorned with tattoos, marking his past Mexican gang
bang lifestyle. He was headed to the men's homeless shelter. Before meeting him,
the question, "Who am I?" echoed in my deep thoughts. It's been a
lifelong quest for identity, perhaps explaining my nomadic tendencies.
The Mexican man and I discussed religion, beliefs, and black
history during our conversation. As we conversed, he shared his testimony, and
the Spirit of the Lord fell upon us. He declared that I was from the House of
Joe. Upon reaching the shelter, he handed me the Bible he had tucked in a side
pocket of his pants. Before he got out of the car, he wrote The House of Joe on
the cover, urging me to call the number inside the casing.
He left behind a giant ring of keys in my car, about a
hundred or more. He vanished without a trace despite my efforts to return them,
and no one claimed the keys. It reminded me of Hebrews
13:2, which advises not to forget to entertain strangers, as they may be
angels in disguise.
Reflecting on this encounter, I received my DNA results in
2021, revealing West African and Nigerian ancestry. Further research linked
Nigerians to the "House of Joseph," specifically the tribe of
Ephraim. Meeting a stranger who identified me as such, after years of seeking
my identity, felt like more than mere coincidence.
Clear as black ink on white paper, black history in America
predates the slave trade; its roots extend back to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, ascending
to the Messiah, as referenced in Genesis
15:13-14. They changed our names, stole our culture, and gave us false narratives
of our identity. While there's an urgency to conceal the identities of African
Americans, diligent searching can uncover enough truths to piece together the
puzzle. Denial of God's actual chosen people becomes impossible when guided by
the Holy Spirit and driven by a quest for truth. This has been my personal
experience.
As I walk in the footprints of the Messiah, I find myself
enveloped in the shadow of His glory. The Messiah was sacrificed for the sins
of humanity, with a particular focus on the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
However, despite Israel's rejection, salvation was graciously extended to the
gentile nations that embraced belief in Him. Therefore, I urge you to repent
and turn away from the misguided doctrines of the world. Embrace the spirit of
God, that your soul may find salvation. Matthew
15:24-28
The spirit of God is present among us through His Holy Spirit;
turn away from the wicked ways of this era and renew your mind through prayer,
obedience, and sacrifice, for the wages of sin is death. I hope to express the
boundless love of God towards His creation, beginning with His chosen people,
the lost sheep of Israel, and extending to all gentile nations who willingly
embrace Him. Jeremiah
31:9-10
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