Heed the Call: The Divine Moment That Shaped TraderBrock’s Journey
The Quiet Before the Calling
It was the spring of 1999, a warm and reflective season along the Panama Canal. The air was heavy with change, both in the country and in my life. I had just returned from Ukraine, unsure of what was next. My home was a small boatshed in Diablo, where the canal’s waters reflected the movement of great ships passing by.
I could fish right from my backyard, which made for peaceful mornings and long afternoons. It wasn’t a bad way to live, even if my backyard sat next to one of the world’s busiest waterways. But while the setting was calm, my heart was restless. I had reached another turning point, and I wasn’t sure what direction to take with TraderBrock.
The World Was Changing, and So Was I
As 1999 unfolded, a deep sense of transition filled the air. The Panama Canal was about to officially transfer to Panamanian control. Most Americans, who had been my customer base for nearly ten years, were preparing to leave.
At the same time, the Internet was just beginning to take shape. eBay was still new, and online selling felt uncertain. I wasn’t ready for that world yet. My business had always been hands-on and personal, filled with handmade molas, woven art, and direct connections with artisans and collectors.
For a while, I wondered if my time with TraderBrock had run its course. Then something extraordinary happened.
A Vision in the Night
It was late February, around 2:30 in the morning. The night was completely still, the kind of silence that feels sacred.
That is when it happened. I received a vision from God.
It began softly, like a dream, then grew brighter and more powerful. In this vision, God showed me scenes from the last ten years of my life, almost like watching them unfold through light. I saw myself as a child, but with my adult face, surrounded by folds of pure white light that felt like the arms of an angel.
I recognized the look on my face. It was embarrassment.
In that instant, I understood why. For all the joy and excitement that TraderBrock had given me, I realized that I had been treating it mostly as an adventure. I loved collecting art, meeting people, and exploring Latin America, but I had not fully understood the deeper purpose behind what I was doing.
It never crossed my mind that God had been watching and guiding my steps all along.
The Words That Changed Everything
The vision did not stop there. It continued, filled with movement and light, as if God was showing me all that I was meant to do.
Then I saw the back of a figure walking away. The voice that followed was strong and clear.
“You are not a cripple and never will be.”
Those words struck me to my core. They were both a message and a command.
In that moment, I knew exactly what they meant. It was God telling me to rise, to stop doubting, and to do the work I was meant to do. I was being reminded that my life and my purpose were not broken. I simply needed to act with faith and intention.
A New Beginning for TraderBrock
That night became the true beginning of TraderBrock as it exists today. From then on, it was no longer just a business. It became a calling to serve others through the power of art and culture.
Every mola, every handcrafted piece, every partnership with an artisan took on a new meaning. The purpose became clear: to honor creativity, preserve cultural heritage, and uplift the communities that make it all possible.
TraderBrock was no longer about me. It was about the Kuna and Emberá artists, about their families, their traditions, and the generations who would continue this sacred work.
That vision, and the words I heard that night, still guide every decision we make.
Faith, Art, and Purpose Interwoven
TraderBrock’s story is one of faith and purpose. It is about learning to see beyond the surface of business and into the heart of creation itself.
Faith showed me that art is not simply something to sell. It is something to serve. Each textile, carving, and handmade treasure is a reflection of human spirit and divine inspiration. These works carry stories, prayers, and blessings that deserve to be shared with the world.
Since that calling in 1999, TraderBrock has grown into a mission of empowerment. Our goal has always been to support artisans directly, to ensure fair trade, and to celebrate the deep cultural roots that make Latin American art so extraordinary.
Even now, when I look at a mola or a handcrafted mask, I remember that night. I remember the words that called me to action. And I remember that every piece we share at TraderBrock is a continuation of that calling.
FAQs About TraderBrock’s Journey
1. What inspired the founding of TraderBrock?
TraderBrock was born from a passion for collecting and sharing indigenous art, but it became a mission after a divine calling in 1999 reminded its founder of the deeper purpose behind the work.
2. What does “Heed the Call” mean to TraderBrock?
It means listening to the voice that guides you toward purpose. For TraderBrock, it was the call to preserve culture, empower artisans, and serve through art.
3. How does faith influence TraderBrock’s mission?
Faith shapes everything we do, reminding us that each handmade item represents a gift of creativity and a connection to something greater than ourselves.
4. Where does TraderBrock source its products?
Our pieces come directly from artisans in Panama and across Latin America, including the Kuna and Emberá communities, ensuring authenticity and fair trade.
5. What makes TraderBrock different from other art sellers?
TraderBrock is a family-run business built on relationships, not transactions. Every item we sell comes with a story, a purpose, and a promise of cultural respect.
6. How can I support TraderBrock’s mission?
You can visit TraderBrock.com or our Etsy shops, TraderBrock and MolaMagic, to purchase authentic handmade art that directly supports artisans and their communities.
Conclusion: Answering the Call Every Day
The story of TraderBrock began with a vision, but it continues through action. Every piece of art we share, every artisan we partner with, and every customer we reach is part of that divine purpose.
We believe that art is more than decoration. It is testimony. It is culture. It is connection.
When we heed the call, we honor the creativity that lives within us all
Leave a comment