Written by Joseph Donlin, a Long-Term Volunteer.
Confirmation bias is defined as the tendency we as humans have to evaluate new data as confirmation or supporting evidence of preexisting beliefs. Without a doubt this appears in our everyday lives in positive and neutral ways, but what happens when we confirm negative beliefs about ourselves and how do we exit this cycle? I sit here today after a four month internship in which I saw almost every part of this wonderful organization and reflect on this idea and how Amigos for Christ has not only recognized this concept, but harnessed it for God’s mission!
As Manuel was providing announcements and preparing us all for the day, he included a list of translators who would be able to assist with conversation. For the first time, he included my name. Up until this point I viewed my Spanish as both rudimentary and limiting; however, it proved to be sufficient when put to the test! Hearing from another that I could translate (even if imperfectly and slowly), allowed me the ability to think of myself in a different light.
Scratch that, Amigos for Christ is the channel for God’s voice speaking life into these communities and individuals. Speaking truths like: you are not alone and if you so desire, your situation will change. It is not a demand, not a request, rather an invitation.
Despite a profound calling, serving to make Christ more visible, sometimes these community advocates can be met with pushback. With such a large task at hand, the families may be hesitant, unsure, and even untrusting of these new ideas. Which makes sense! Compare this to when we hear a new idea that challenges our perspective (much like this experience has done for me). First, we must make a paradigm shift. There may be a learning curve in the beginning, but over time there is great potential for growth. For instance, after walking alongside a family for seven years, their growth, living conditions, and unity had all greatly improved. Not only were the healthy hygiene habits implemented, but the ways in which Community Advocates were received by the families revealed the most important insight: there is trust, there is friendship, and there is a real relationship which has allowed them to promote lives full of dignity.
As I approach my temporary exit from Amigos (as I am sure in some capacity I shall return), I ask myself: what are my dreams, what beliefs do I have limiting me, and how can I be a better external cue for those in my community of St. Louis or Indianapolis? Well, I would love to create a family and lead music in my Church. Truthfully, the idea of perfectionism and scrupulosity can be limiting in my pursuit of this (as I have both learned in reflection and through my own friends and family serving as external cues); yet, knowing this allows me the opportunity to make small daily improvements. With Manuel’s example of seeing something more than I could imagine within myself, I hope to follow in his footsteps to do the same for others. Not only this, but I encourage you to do the same. (Oh, and don’t worry, if “I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me” you can too!) Phillipians 4:13.
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