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Happy Birthday Bamhannigles….it’s been 3 years…for those of you who dont know, Joel is my little brother from another mother.  Who would of thought a sensitive little emo hood kid would become one of the dearest people to my soul.  One may wonder why I am choosing to write a blog about Joel Aaron Munoz…truth be told, I have no  idea.  I promise you its no homo stuff.  But truth be told that  is the amazing thing about my friendship with Joel, it’s never really made sense, or been about us.

Bams, it all started at your HS graduation which I attended not to see you.  But everyone from our church yelled for him, so i figured what the hell might as well join.  Then I saw him at care group and instantly my heart was knit to his.  He mentioned not having a Bible, so I bought him one.  I wrote a note in there and I cant remember what exactly I said but i know i wrote down, “No warrior is complete without a sword.”  And that’s where it all started; with a sword.  Outside of my wife and parents, Joel to this day has been the single most influential part in the sharpening of my sword so to speak.  He’s part of the iron that sharpens my iron.  Ironic huh?

Our relationship started out as a mentorship.  Sort of like taking him under my wing (because obviously he needed some help in the swag area haha).  And yes that element will always exist simply because I am further along in life experience, but I have been blessed with an incredible friendship to Joel.  Every so now and then people come across your path and change your world.  Ive been blessed to have several people do this in my life but since its his bday we will focus on Joel.

They say all good things have balance.  I’m a better man for having a friend in Joel.  He brings balance to my life.  I’m a better husband, father, friend, brother, and son because of Joel. I can say were soulmates.  My wife is my bride.  And were one.  But Joels and my heart are knit in a different manner.  2 individuals with like purpose, vision, and heart.  That’s a soulmate.  Me and my wife share one soul.  Its different.

Joel is a lover.  First and foremost when you meet Joel you know he loves his Jesus.  Joel loves his family.  I’m blessed to be in that family.  Joel loves my children as much as I do and I dont doubt that one bit.  Joel loves my friends simply because I do.  Joel loves me, flawed and all.  My favorite Bible story is David and Jonathan.  Joel is the epitome of an armor bearer.  I’m blessed because so many times I sit and think about our friendship and I think people pray for friends like this….literally…to have someone that truly is just down to roll with the punches of life and be able to bear your soul to and what not.

It’s been a journey.  And it’s still going.  To imagine having a friendship with someone with the qualities of Joel just blows me away.  I can only laugh when I think about how different we are.  He’s sensitive and wears his emotions on his sleeve.   I’m blunt and reserve emotions pretty much to myself.  Our whole thought processing system and cognitive gifting is such a contrast, it really is the grace of God that we’re in each others lives.  Joel said the other night, kind of quoting me but none the less, that the “Gospel puts us all on the same playing field.”  And it truly does.  It neglects personality and background; it doesn’t care about economic class or education; and the Gospel doesn’t care about style or trends.  It cuts straight to the heart.  And that’s where our friendship began and continually resides, in the heart. I guess one would call it “gospel-centered” friendship, but that just sounds stupid to me.  Sorry.  I call it being boys.  ’Nuff said.

So, Happy Birthday to Bamhannigles.  Even though sometimes it’s a trip and feels like a struggle, it’s always a blessing to have a friend in you.  I really am better for having known you.  For those of you who don’t know, Joel is gonna die rather early (according to him) and I am going to write a book about him so people will truly get to know what I think is an often misunderstood individual.  I guess we can save this for the introductory chapter; because the depths of my love and appreciation for such a partner in life simply could not be contained in a blog.  Much Love Bams.  Ride or Die.