We’re looking forward to introducing you to Trenton Abernathy. Check out our conversation below.
Good morning Trenton , we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
Over the last year I’ve been called to be more vulnerable with my art. In it’s essence, and also by letting go and releasing it out into the world for others to perceive. I’ve begun to perform in front of live audiences, collaborate, and invest in myself and my brand by taking more actionable steps to make my dreams come true. Perception is something that has always been both fascinating and intimidating for me. Fascinating in the sense that people can have many different interpretations of the same thing, but yet each interpretation is unique for that specific individual. Each person is made-up of their own particular experiences, values and personal truths. On the other hand, sharing passion projects with the world can also feel like an invitation for ridicule or need for validation. Being physically and emotionally abused throughout adolescence often impacts the way I see myself and my work. I have a fear that my work, though I pour countless amounts time, energy and passion into them, ultimately don’t measure up to society’s “standard of excellence”.
Galatians 1:10 (NIV) – Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Yes! My name is Trenton Abernathy, and I am J-MELL. I like to consider J-MELL to be the outward manifestation of my inner workings. My mission is to offer exclusive artifacts and stylish collectibles that promote self-expression and encourage vulnerability. From music, to theatrics, to merchandise, the ultimate goal is to turn J-MELL into a noun. J-MELL is not only a performing artist, but also a brand and eventually a place that can serve as an artist sanctuary for creatives to escape their living circumstances to focus on their craft. The goal is gift gifted individuals with ample space and tools to bring their visions to life.
You can explore J-MELL’s newly rebranded homepage at jmell.net
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
To me, empathy or the lack thereof can both break and bond a relationship between two people. During my academic studies at New York University (NYU) I learned that the main reason humans can’t connect with each other is due to a lack of empathy. Empathy by definition means: the ability to understand and share the feelings of another. As I mentioned before, every single person experiences life differently. We all go through various levels of traumatic experiences that then shape our perception of the world and our behavior in it. As someone who has an outside perspective of someone else, the goal is to understand that everyone is the way they are for a reason. Bonds are broken when humans forget that other people are also humans: we have emotions. Instead of finding the root of why someone may believe or do the things they do, it requires a lot less energy to neglect the person and the relationship.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
Public humiliation, and exclusion caused me to develop a sense of inadequacy that has hindered my growth and self-expression.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Whose ideas do you rely on most that aren’t your own?
I rely and arm myself with the ideas and truths that come from the word of God; the Bible. The Bible was written by over 40 different human authors across the span of 1,600 years. People from all walks of life wrote as they were guided by the Holy Spirit. The Bible preserves their humanity while also recording God’s message. Yahweh (The God of Abraham), has gifted humans with immense power and talents that have helped us to evolve and create things that no other species on our planet can accomplish. From having the ability to make long term plans, to building immovable structures, to cultivating the many means of transportation. We pride ourselves on being at the top of the food chain. How can the completion of a 100-story building come in comparison to God’s creation of the entire universe? We live in a physical, three dimensional world. We are bound by the limits of time and space and are handicapped by the limitations of our physical bodies. Any idea or concept we can ever think of, stems from our three-dimensional brains; a physical organ. God is an omniscient spirit that sits outside of time. He orchestrates the occurrences of the universe.
Psalms 82:6 (NIV) – I said, “You are gods, And all of you are children of the Most High.
Ephesians 6:12 (NIV) – 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.
Romans 15:4 (NIV) – For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
Most of our problems with each other could be avoided if we all made an effort to listen to each other with the intent to understand one another. Certain peoples circumstances can determine how they see themselves and others in the world around them. We are all different. I have been given wisdom. The events that unfold for us in real time have been foreseen since the beginning of time. We receive and perceive new information everyday, whether it’s positive or negative. Yet, how will we respond?
Ephesians 4: 25-29 (NIV) – Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need. Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jmell.net
- Instagram: @trentonjemmell
- Facebook: @TrentJem
- Youtube: @trentonabernathy1823
Image Credits
Herman Laimone
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