You do you.

"From among his brothers, Joseph took 5 men and presented them to Pharaoh. Pharaoh said to his brothers, 'What is your occupation?' And they said to Pharaoh, 'Your servants are shepherds, as our ancestors were.'"

(Genesis 47:3)

The Joseph story is one of the Bible's greatest epics. Eleventh of twelve sons, Joe distinguished himself by his entitled attitude (plus, everything he did prospered!). Dad liked him the best, and everyone knew it. Plus, he had a knack for dreaming (and dream interpretation)... which made for some interesting breakfast table conversation.

Anyway, his brothers finally had enough and sold him into slavery. After making himself useful and getting promoted in Egypt, he was (falsely) accused of rape. In jail, he distinguished himself again and eventually caught the eye (and dreams?!?) of Pharaoh. Soon, he was #2 in all of Egypt with power and influence, to boot!

A famine hit the Ancient Near East, and among those coming to Egypt for food supplies were his brothers. They had no clue it was their brother who was distributing the goods, and after he "yanked their chain" a bit, Joseph revealed himself to them and invited them to come live with him in Egypt.

Before meeting Pharaoh, Joe gave them one single instruction: "When you meet the Big Guy, say you're 'keepers of livestock.' The Egyptians HATE shepherds with a passion." (Note: the Israelites were shepherds... always had been!)

So what happened when they met Pharaoh and were asked what they did for a living? THEY SAID THEY WERE SHEPHERDS!!! (Cue Star Wars music, with Luke saying, "I am a jedi, like my father before me!"). Did they forget what Joseph had told them? Could they not, in good conscience, go along with the ruse? Did they just freeze when put on the spot? Whatever the reason, they stayed true to themselves. And you know what? Pharaoh didn't bat an eye. He welcomed them with open arms and put them in charge of his... LIVESTOCK!

"You do you!" is a phrase popular right now. When seen in the light of our God-given gifts and abilities, it takes on new meaning. Be who God has called and created you to be. Don't be ashamed. Even (especially) if you're a shepherd! ;)