Do You Really See People?

Today’s post is our top post from 2020! (Wow, we made it!) This was originally published in mid February and was written by Sara.

“You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely.”
(Psalm 139:1-4 NIV)

I felt a hand on my arm. 

“Are you okay?” he whispered.

I gave a noncommittal shrug.

Honestly, I wasn’t okay, but the fact that someone saw beyond my calm facade meant the world to me.

A few days later, a friend asked, “How are you?” and I told her, “I’m okay.” But she wouldn’t let me off the hook. She saw — or rather heard — the hidden struggle in my voice and asked more questions.

These two people both did something few people seem to — they saw me. They saw that I wasn’t okay; they saw that I was struggling; they saw in my eyes the desperate begging for someone to see me.

I want to be more like them. I want to make people feel seen. I want to help people understand that they are loved. They are not forgotten. They are worthy of attention.

Because I think a lot of us just want someone to see us. To put a hand on our arm or ask more questions. We want to tell someone about our day and have them care.

If this is you, please know that you truly are seen. Maybe I can’t look into your eyes or give you a hug, but there is a God who sees you. There is a God who knows you completely. Not only that, there is a God who knows you fully yet also loves you fully.

So next time you feel lonely in a crowded room or create an impenetrable cheery mask, know that you are seen no matter where you go. The mundane days at school are seen. The smile you give the grocery store clerk is seen. The momentous spiritual battle you fought while everyone was asleep is seen.

Here’s the thing: you’re not the only one who feels unseen and longs for someone to care. The desire to be seen and loved is one of our deepest human desires because we were created to long for God and be in relationship with Him.

So I today I want to not only let you know that you are seen, but I also want to challenge you to let someone else know they are seen.

You don’t have to actually say those words out loud. But can you spare five minutes of your time and focus to listen to someone tell you about their day? Even if their day was really boring or you already know what happened?

Can you take the time to look someone in the eyes and see past “I’m okay!”? Can you notice the tiniest signs that show someone is struggling, put your hand on their shoulder, and ask if they need to talk?

I know it seems small. But as someone who has been on the receiving end, let me tell you that stuff like that can encourage someone for days.

In Christ,
Sara