JOEseph Ramli IS A LAW STUDENT, PHOTOGRAPHER, SURFBOARD SHAPER, AND MALIBU LOCAL.

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What are you currently up to?

I am a first year law student at Pepperdine University. The little free time I have is used for surfing, music, cooking, and a little DND.

How do you see law school and career in view of the gospel/eternity/your identity as a christian?

Firstly, I am currently doubting my entire faith and my Christian background; I'm going through a "reconstruction" phase of sorts. And I don't think it's a bad thing - critically examining the cornerstone of one's identity should be encouraged. My understanding of the Christian God is that He values truth; therefore, if by seeking truth you begin to doubt the things you once thought to be true, that is totally fine. Unfortunately, I don't think many Christian circles genuinely encourage believers to doubt, rather, they view doubt as the opposite of faith. I find that notion to be ridiculous. Doubt is evidence of faith. Faith is only possible when you don't know something for certain. 

Ironically, my Christian background is the main motivation for going to law school. Jesus was an advocate for the orphan, widow, and alien. He set captives free and told a story of redemption. Those needs are apparent today; mass incarceration, refugee crisis, weak foster care systems, and systemic racism are a few pieces of evidence. I found that a legal career would best equip me to address these issues.

Why read the bible?

Honestly, I haven't read the Bible in a while. I do think it is a collection of tradition, myths (please don't hurt me for that), letters, and poetry that tell a beautiful story of redemption and gives first hand accounts of the people who interacted closely with Jesus.

Can you share a little bit about the journey to Honest Surfboards and the intent behind the name?

I was able to make surfboards because I got lucky. Every step along the way was facilitated by generous people who had no reason to do so. A friend of a friend offered his place and helped me make my first board. A surf shop gave me a job doing ding repairs and a space to make boards. A professor wrote me a check fund my first two boards. Another friend "lent" me his shaping tools (which I still have today). A family in Maui I had never met let me stay in their home, fed me, and taught me so many tricks of the trade. I got lucky.

The name Honest Surfboards was inspired by a sermon I once heard. Basically, being perfect is impossible - I miss the mark everyday. So instead of making excuses or denying our shortcomings, we should be honest with God, others, and ourselves. My surfboards were handmade start to finish and I knew that every time I touched the board, it was an opportunity to make a mistake. So rather than presenting my boards as perfect, I intended to be honest and transparent with people.

Is there someone that comes to mind when you hear the word mentor?

(Not really)

What would you tell your 20-year-old self? 40-year-old self? 

20 year old: Don't worry because no one really has it figured out. Adults are just slightly larger children who pretend to know things.

40 year old: I really hope you have it figured out by now. 

what questions make you anxious? (which others ask or you ask yourself)

What do you wanna do with your career?

How are you going to pay off your student loans?

How much longer will you be alive?

Do you think God is real just because you want him to be real?

What kind of sauce do I want with my waffle fries?

A song that currently sparks joy?  

Begin Againers by Scott Mulvahill (the NPR tiny desk concert version)

Best,

Joseph