Fellows Update: Noemi

I’ve noticed, in more than one way, the world tells us that we are not enough. Not strong enough smart enough, rich enough. The world tends to highlight everything that is wrong with us and then gives us a temporary “solution”. In reality, the world puts a Band-Aid on people who are looking for a cure. I think most of us would agree that being accepted into a group, no matter how good or bad, gives us a sense of purpose.

I like to think of myself as a person who is not judgmental and overall very accepting. In the past 9 months of getting to know my neighbors, I’ve noticed that’s not the case. I realized around month 5,that I saw my neighbors as projects and not people. I weighed there worth based on appearance, education and income. This realization made me feel guilty and self-righteous. I put people, who God designed in His image, into a category the world has already put them in.

I did not expect a particular neighbor to change my perspective. Here I thought I was going to come in like some white knight, but instead I got schooled. I think God used my neighbor to show me how He sees us. While we are underserving of God’s grace, He accepts us and adopts us as His own. God welcomed me with open arms into His family and it was like I forgot! I needed to accept my neighbor, like God did with me. I think that when we accept those who are struggling, we help them find their purpose. Hopefully leading them to find their value and purpose in Christ.

Romans 15:5-7 paints the picture I hope to one day experience:

“May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God”