Seen. Heard. Valued. Loved.

I DON’T want to be seen because people will see my flaws and weaknesses, mistakes and sins and perhaps will decide that it’s not worth knowing me or loving me.

I DO want to be seen because I want people to see my value and the gifts God has given me and invite me to be a part of community with them.

I DON’T want to be heard because I might say something wrong, or foolish, might trip over my words, or reveal something that shows my own depravity and sin apart from God. I don’t want to be judged or ridiculed.

I DO want to be heard because I want people to see my worth and my value and know that I have something to offer. I want to be shown value and worth in how people listen to me.

I fear that if I am fully seen and fully heard then I will not also be fully loved. I have discovered that many times when I disclose things then I am judged for them and perhaps even mocked or ostracized or otherwise mistreated

I do want to be fully seen and fully heard because I want people to value me and show me love. I know that God is able to fully see me and fully hear me and treasure me. He cherishes me. He values me. He honors me in his love.

I fear that humans are not able to do this.

I know that they are with Christ at work within them.

And yet, I also know that many Christians choose not to allow Christ to live through them and therefore, although they believe in Him, they do not act like Him.

I want to be seen and heard valued and loved.

And I want to see and hear, value and love others.

Lord help us!