Belong: Seeing Through a Smaller Lens
Belong: Seeing Through a Smaller Lens
At Kingdom Causes Bellflower (KCB), our mission is to mobilize the community and provide transformative services so that everyone has a place to live, work, and belong. This week, we focused on the theme of "belong," and to get a different perspective, we sat down with a group of children who were here at our office’s Kids Corner. Their answers reminded us of the importance of belonging and how our community center plays a pivotal role in fostering that.
When asked what it means to belong, Tristen explained that it means "to fit in, and to be in a community," while Mateo shared that it’s “knowing people have your back." This sense of support resonated with all the children. Jacob emphasized that it's important for everyone to feel like they belong because "you don’t want people to feel left out," and Mateo added that it means "you can trust people." Troy summarized that belonging “helps everyone to feel good."
The kids also shared personal stories of when they felt they truly belonged. Troy and Mateo both spoke of feeling this way during football practice and games, where the camaraderie of their teammates made them feel supported. Tristen remembered her first time at gymnastics, initially feeling nervous and unsure, but soon finding that everyone wanted to be her partner. Jacob thought about a moment at school recess when he fell and his classmates helped him up, turning them into best friends!
We asked them why they think some people, like those without homes, might feel like they don’t belong. Mateo noted that "they don’t have a home or people they can trust," and Tristen added that "maybe they have nobody to lean on when they feel sad." Jacob acknowledged the practical challenges, saying, "they’re people and have lives like everyone else but they don’t have money," while Troy observed that seeing others enjoy family time or walking and talking with others when they don’t have the same thing might make them feel sad.
As part of our efforts here in the community center, we want to help people feel like people, so we asked them how we can help our neighbors feel exactly that. Tristen suggested finding them homes, Mateo proposed giving them baskets of food or clean water, and Jacob mentioned providing money so they could buy necessities. When it comes to making new friends feel welcome, Tristen said she includes them in everything and sits next to them, while Troy suggested sitting with them at lunch. Jacob shared his food at school once, and Mateo emphasized the importance of helping others up when they fall. These simple acts of kindness are powerful and we’d be wise to incorporate some if we’re not already.
The children also shared what their church or school does to make people feel welcome. They mentioned talking to newcomers, praying for them at the end of service, and providing food and water. They suggested that we could do something similar for our homeless neighbors by talking with them, praying for them, and offering basic necessities.
When asked about fun activities or events that include everyone, the children excitedly suggested board games, puzzles, and art projects. They believed these activities could help bring people together and create a sense of community. They also noted that hygiene kits, food, and resources can make a difference in the lives of those in need, with Tristen adding that even small gestures like notes or crafts can make someone smile. Jacob added that kindness "makes their day and makes them feel happy."
Finally, the children reflected on how it makes them feel to know that we can help others in our community center. Mateo shared a story of hearing about a homeless person finding a home and feeling happy for them. Tristen observed that when people come to our center, they are greeted by name and with laughter, which would make her feel good if it were her. Troy expressed that seeing KCB help people makes him feel good as well.
In the words of Mateo, who shared John 3:16 with us, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." This verse reminds us of the ultimate act of love and belonging that we strive to show here in our community center and beyond.
Through the eyes of these young people, we begin to see the impact of belonging and the simple yet powerful ways we can make a difference. At KCB, we are committed to creating a place where everyone feels they have a place to live, work, and belong, and today we were reminded by these little ones that a lot more is caught, than taught.
From left to right: Tristen, Troy, Jacob, Mateo