By Magen Thetford
Selling used items on Facebook brings zero joy to my heart. I’d rather not deal with the hassle of communicating back and forth several times with someone over an item that I’m going to sell for a few dollars. But I had a bulky crib stacked in the corner of a closet for the last year, and it was time to say goodbye.
As soon as I posted it, I felt the nudge to pray that I would have the opportunity to see, know and love whoever bought that bed. Not long after that prayer, a newly pregnant lady was at my doorstep. As I loaded it into the back of her vehicle, she noticed one of the pieces was missing. Of course, I saw this as an immediate frustration to my schedule. Now, I needed to interrupt my day to look for this lost piece. I called my husband, hoping he might know where it was hidden.
I half-heartedly welcomed her into my unorganized, chaotic home. I searched everywhere for it, but to no avail. My annoyance increased as I had to tell her that I would need to hunt for it and call her as soon as I located it.
As we stood talking at my garage, I suddenly remembered my previous prayer. So I stilled my hurried mind, disregarded my frustration about the inconvenience of the situation and I listened.
Her story unfolded like a dramatic soap opera. It was filled with heartache and broken pieces. It didn’t seem fair. For whatever reason she felt like opening up to me, I’m still not sure, but I’m thankful she did because it forced me to look past outward appearance.
This woman was strong and beautiful. She was created in the image of God, loved deeply by Him, desiring a relationship with her, wanting to fill up all the broken pieces of her heart. I believe she walked away with more confidence because she felt seen.
Isn’t that what everyone desires? We are all walking around with plenty of insecurities screaming in our heads, and our hearts are begging for someone to SEE us. To look long enough to know us and love us, not because they have to but because they choose to.
I’m reminded of Jesus’ life here on this earth. He was focused on doing the will of His Father, and as he came across hurting, sick, broken people, he would stop what he was doing and care for their needs. He saw them. He offered people what they thought they needed, so that he could give them what they really needed – his love.
If someone hasn’t stopped to see you lately, I hope you know that you have a God who sees you. He is deeply concerned about what has happened and what will happen in your story. He knows the burdens you carry, and he lovingly invites you to take his hand. Will you transfer your insecurities, your shame, your fears, your doubts into his loving embrace and watch him transform you?
When you feel that love that touches the deepest part of your brokenness, will you be the person who stops your busy schedule and see others? Our world is full of hurting people begging to be seen, known and loved. It can start in your home with your family and extends to every stranger your path crosse if you’re willing.