An Interview With Music Artist JOYCE IM BARTHOLOMEW
The narrative in the Music Video is a modern artistic interpretation of the Prodigal Son story. The song itself is based on Ephesians 6:12 “ For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms”. Although the music video addresses drug addiction, which is prevalent in our culture, it is also a symbolic representation of the many aspects of spiritual battles we fight in our daily life.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the heroic emergency responders who oftentimes risk their own lives to save another. If or someone you know struggles with addiction, you are not alone, God is with you. There is a help. Please reach out to someone you know to ask for help.
1) What are your thoughts on the current national crisis on opioids addiction?
I believe drug addiction is everywhere, hidden by many people, and debilitating. It can lead to psychological problems as well. It can ruin someone’s life once they become addicted.
2) What do you hope viewers of the music video will experience after watching the music video?
The dangers of drug addiction, that it is a spiritual battle too. The devil wants to control you, and ruin your life by any means possible.
3) Tell us about the song, BIS
It is based off of Ephesians 6:12. Although the music video addresses drug addiction and the spiritual battle involved there, the song is meant to apply to the greater spiritual battle all around us daily. I often see flesh and blood and get angry, but I forget that the demons and angels are battling for my soul and I cannot see this happening. But, once I realized it more, I was able to focus less on man, and more on praying in the spiritual realm for God to change the circumstance. It switched my focus from man, and onto the spiritual demonic attack that occurs daily to everybody. This requires great prayer.
4) What compassion message would you like to tell the families of addicts?
God is greater than your addictions. He can help you overcome any obstacle, addiction, or trial. Turn to Jesus because He loves you.
5) What message would you like to tell viewers who are unaware of the harms of addition?
Nobody wants to become an addict, but drugs are so easy to acquire and so easy to destroy your life. Don’t even start. It kills brain cells, can make you psychotic, and can control your life. This is what the devil wants.
6) What message of compassion do you the for the current addict watching this music video?
The devil wants to kill you. Jesus wants to set you free. Turn to Him, cry out to Him and He can help you because He loves you.
7) What call to action do you have for policymakers?
Medical Marijuana should be strictly enforced by a physician, like morphine. Recreational marijuana is ridiculous because the states that have allowed this have seen an increase in car accident deaths and violence! I personally know someone who was prescribed this and drove “high”, which was allowed, but she refused to do it again. It was like being completely drunk.
8) How would you acknowledge or express gratitude to law enforcement, NGOs and first responders who are daily in the frontline caring for the addict and overdosed patiences?
Thank you for your compassionate and immediate service in helping these people, often putting yourselves in danger as well.
9) How would you call “the church” to action?
Getting involved with or starting a drug rehab type of program. Not everyone may be called to do this, but hopefully, someone will answer this call and help these people find Jesus Christ and get their lives back into order. If we don’t reach them with the gospel, which changes everything, then they will only have symptomatic assistance. They need life-changing help by Jesus Christ.
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