Finding a Place to Belong
MIGUEL & JENNY SIERRA
“The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” James 5:16
Earlier this year, when my family and I were introduced to the military community small group, we came in both nervous and hopeful. For years, my wife and I had been praying for the Lord to lead us to a group where there would be true fruit—where we could pour into others and be poured into in return. For nearly four years, we searched for a place where we could truly be ourselves. This year, God finally brought us home—to a family.
A few weeks ago, our group talked about the idea of belonging. What does it really look like to belong? That question stirred a memory from years ago when my wife and I attended a young adult gathering. We stood in the doorway with our children and quickly realized we didn’t fit in—both practically and spiritually. Our small children made us feel out of place, but we refused to let that moment stop us from continuing the search for community.
As we reflected on that question around the table—What does belonging look like?—I looked at the faces around me and said, “This is belonging.” A place where we can be fully ourselves, without fear of judgment, ridicule, or being misunderstood. A place where differences don’t divide us, but instead draw us closer together.
What stood out most in this group was our shared willingness to show up and look out for one another. What began as a small group became something far more—it became family. We see one another as brothers and sisters in Christ. When someone is sick, hurting, or in need, we don’t hesitate; we step in immediately, just as family does.
I know our prayers were answered, because for the first time I watched my wife step fully into the woman God created her to be. As her husband, I couldn’t be prouder. She found friends she can trust, sisters who walk with her in faith. Through this community, God has transformed us, reminding us that He hears the prayers of the righteous and faithfully leads His people into belonging.
“The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” James 5:16
Earlier this year, when my family and I were introduced to the military community small group, we came in both nervous and hopeful. For years, my wife and I had been praying for the Lord to lead us to a group where there would be true fruit—where we could pour into others and be poured into in return. For nearly four years, we searched for a place where we could truly be ourselves. This year, God finally brought us home—to a family.
A few weeks ago, our group talked about the idea of belonging. What does it really look like to belong? That question stirred a memory from years ago when my wife and I attended a young adult gathering. We stood in the doorway with our children and quickly realized we didn’t fit in—both practically and spiritually. Our small children made us feel out of place, but we refused to let that moment stop us from continuing the search for community.
As we reflected on that question around the table—What does belonging look like?—I looked at the faces around me and said, “This is belonging.” A place where we can be fully ourselves, without fear of judgment, ridicule, or being misunderstood. A place where differences don’t divide us, but instead draw us closer together.
What stood out most in this group was our shared willingness to show up and look out for one another. What began as a small group became something far more—it became family. We see one another as brothers and sisters in Christ. When someone is sick, hurting, or in need, we don’t hesitate; we step in immediately, just as family does.
I know our prayers were answered, because for the first time I watched my wife step fully into the woman God created her to be. As her husband, I couldn’t be prouder. She found friends she can trust, sisters who walk with her in faith. Through this community, God has transformed us, reminding us that He hears the prayers of the righteous and faithfully leads His people into belonging.
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