Meet the Community Fellows: Gabi
Perspectives are a strange thing. They affect every aspect
of what we do, how we see, how we think, how we feel, who we are. As you read
this post, you’re reading from a very particular and special perspective. I’d
like to share some of the things Jesus has used to create my perspective over
the last twenty years.
But first, a few quick facts: my name is Gabi Benalcazar and
I have the opportunity to be a Community Fellow this year. I was part of the
Fellows Program last year, but only for half the year beginning in January. I
am incredibly thankful for the chance to continue living in Bellflower.
Alright, back to perspectives. One of the biggest ways Jesus
has shaped my perspective is, no surprise, my home-life. “Home” is in Ohio;
Westerville, OH to be exact. “Home” is my awesome, supportive parents, my big
bro and four grandparents whom I was lucky enough to grow up living close to.
“Home” is an old horse farm with way too much space to run around in and to
spend time alone with Jesus. “Home” is where Jesus first drew me to himself, it
is where I learned to love and live life with people. “Home” is a huge factor in
Jesus shaping my perspective.
The next biggest factor is a place located at the corner of
Clark and Flower...well, not the place, but the people there who make up part
of Jesus’ body: Bellflower Brethren Church (BBC). Jesus has used BBC to shape
the way I see and connect with community.
I’ll end with this story... The other night, I was running
around with some kids that live in the apartments behind our church. We raced
up the stairs of the courtyard at church and over to a balcony. The kids
noticed that it was facing the direction of their home, so we ran to the
railing to see if we could see their door. We could. Excitement, pointing and
happy chatter broke out. Then they just stood there for a bit (the longest they
stood still all night, no joke!) looking at their home from the second floor of
this building. They had a whole new vantage point, a whole different
perspective of their home, one that they’d never seen before. And that’s my
hope. I hope that Jesus will continue to bring me through and to places,
people, whatever it may be, to give me and others a new perspective. A “new”
perspective for me, that is, but one as old as time to Him. I trust that,
completely by his grace, during this next year and beyond, he will continue
helping me to see and love like he does. Helping me to live with His
perspective. I hope and trust that the same will happen with you.