The Modern Golden Calf: How Brands Became Our Modern Idols
How do we stand out in the digital world?
Why should we even care?
There's so much noise.
What is my part?
No one even knows who I am.
What should I be creating?
The truth is, we are all created for a purpose—to worship.
Who we worship is the question.
That's really what creating a brand is all about.
The word "brand" means "to burn."
It comes from old cattle owners burning their initials directly into the cows so people knew they were theirs.
Everyone throws around the word "brand" these days.
It's fascinating—when you think about idols, it was always the golden calf.
The cow.
It was about taking what was most valuable to you—your livestock, your food—and putting it up on an altar.
The Bible says, "They will worship the created thing rather than the creator."
The Israelites were delivered from slavery in Egypt through incredible miracles—the plagues, the parting of the Red Sea—yet they still turned to idol worship almost immediately.
While Moses was up on Mount Sinai receiving God's commands, the people grew impatient and convinced Aaron to make them a golden calf to worship.
This shows how quickly our hearts can turn from true worship to idolatry, even after experiencing God's power firsthand.
It's a sobering reminder that we're all prone to creating and worshipping our own idols—whether they're relationships, success, or even our own personal brand.
When Jesus tells us to fast, He's telling us to give up food—to give up the most important thing to our flesh.
To give up the golden calf.
To give up what matters most to us.
In today's culture, we use money to purchase the most important things.
But put a starving man in the middle of a desert with a pile of money and a steak, and he'll choose the steak.
Money still represents the golden calf.
Burning a mark into the cow represents claiming ownership over something.
We live in a culture that idolizes brands.
It's our modern-day golden calf—a cash cow with a Nike logo burned in the side.
An idol that has us fixate on the creation rather than the Creator Himself.
We must ask ourselves: Where did all of this come from?
Who created the universe?
Who created the stars and the sun and the moon?
Who created the laughter of a child?
Certainly not man.
Certainly not a brand.
Humans are very limited.
The way forward is not to create a better brand, a better idol, a new golden calf.
The kingdom of heaven will be filled with brands that glorify the Creator.
They put His story at the center, highlighting the things He loves, rejecting the things He hates.
The future is not AI.
The future is not more tech.
The future is not determined by man.
The future is determined by the Lord.
It's time for men to stop burning their marks into the calf.
It's time for men to let the burning mark of the Holy Spirit burn bright in them, for the purpose God has created them for—to illuminate the world.
To let the Holy Spirit burn up sin and destructiveness.
You're not a good person because you have good ideas.
You're not a good person because you're kind to people.
We are all broken and need the forgiveness of God that is offered on the cross.
It's not until we accept that forgiveness and walk with the Lord that His purpose for us can begin to shine and make an impact.
Don't let the world fool you.
There is a God.
He came to earth 2,000 years ago, and He built the best brand of all time.
And it's eternal.
Get on board or get left behind.
For those who are born again: It's time to create with purpose.
To create without fear.
To burn bright.
To tear down the idols of the world.
And testify of the kingdom that is coming.
Divine Appointments at the Laundromat: A Story of Faith, Pizza, and Unexpected Friendship
It all begins with an idea.
Life has a beautiful way of turning ordinary moments into divine appointments. ✨
What started as a simple act of kindness at a Hoboken laundromat became a profound lesson in faith and human connection. I met Henry, an elderly gentleman struggling with bandaged legs, trying to manage his laundry. The Spirit moved me to offer him a ride home, but little did I know that I was about to receive far more than I was giving.
During our drive, Henry's deep Christian faith shone through in every word. Though I had intended to help him, his wisdom and spiritual insights touched my heart in unexpected ways. 🙏 Our connection didn't end with that ride - it grew into a meaningful friendship where I would occasionally bring him supplies and food, particularly his favorite: Papa John's pizza with pineapple (no meats!) 🍕
What struck me most about Henry was how he wove prayer into everything, even his grocery lists. Between requests for plantain chips and green beans, he would break into spontaneous praise: "God Bless You Jesus Christ Bless You. Thank You God Almighty And Jesus Christ our Lord. For givings and compassions." His simple faith and gratitude were a powerful reminder of how we should approach every aspect of life with thanksgiving ✝️.
Henry's influence on my life exemplifies how God often works through seemingly chance encounters to teach us valuable lessons about faith, service, and genuine human connection. Though I haven't been able to reach him lately, his impact continues to resonate. I ask that you join me in prayer for Henry, that God's grace and protection would be with him wherever he may be ❤️.
These are the moments that remind us why we do what we do at Sammak Studio - because authentic human connections and divine appointments can happen anywhere, even in a laundromat, and transform both lives in the process.
Casting nets and catching dreams,
Derek Sammak
God Weaves Divine Markers Into Our Stories
It all begins with an idea.
When you dig deep enough into your story, patterns emerge that can't be dismissed as mere coincidence. For me, these patterns – what I call Divine Markers – revealed themselves in the most unexpected ways, weaving together my family's heritage, our creative studio's mission, and an ancient street in Damascus that changed the course of history.
The Street That Started It All
My family's story begins on the Straight Street of Damascus, a place where transformation has been happening for millennia. This same street witnessed one of history's most profound transformations – where Saul, the persecutor, became Paul, the apostle. It's no small detail that my family's roots trace back to this very location.
A Name With Purpose
In Arabic, 'Sammak' means 'fisherman.' This isn't just a linguistic curiosity – it's a divine marker that points to our studio's purpose. Just as fishermen cast their nets with purpose and patience, we at Sammak Studio cast our creative vision into the world, seeking to draw people toward deeper meaning and understanding.
Where Heritage Meets Purpose
These connections – the transformative street, our name's meaning, the biblical parallels – they're not just interesting anecdotes. They form the foundation of how we approach every creative project at Sammak Studio. We believe that true creativity isn't just about making beautiful things; it's about facilitating transformation.
Your Story Matters
Perhaps you're wondering about the divine markers in your own story. What patterns are waiting to be discovered in your heritage? How might your past be illuminating your present purpose? These aren't just philosophical questions – they're invitations to explore the deeper meaning behind who you are and what you're called to do.
Looking Forward
At Sammak Studio, we're not just designing; we're continuing a legacy of transformation that began on an ancient street in Damascus. Every project we undertake is infused with this understanding – that creativity, when aligned with purpose, has the power to transform not just how things look, but how people see.
<aside> Ready to explore how your story can transform your brand's creative direction? Let's connect and discover the divine markers in your journey.
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