To be seen and known and loved – Denia Bradshaw

On Sunday Bill White and Jenny Yang led us through the sermon entitled, “What Happens at the Table” and throughout it touched on the theme of being seen.  

God wants us to know that we are seen and known and loved and wants us to see, know, and love one another just the way God loves us. Like Jenny Yang reminded us at the beginning of the sermon on Sunday when referencing her home church, let’s continue learning to live and love like Jesus. 

You have looked deep

into my heart, Lord,

You know when I am resting

or when I am working,

and from heaven

you discover my thoughts.

You notice everything I do

and everywhere I go.

Before I even speak a word,

you know what I will say,

and with your powerful arm

you protect me

from every side.

I can't understand all of this!

Such wonderful knowledge

is far above me.

Where could I go to escape

from your Spirit

or from your sight?

If I were to climb up

to the highest heavens,

you would be there.

If I were to dig down

to the world of the dead

you would also be there.

Suppose I had wings

like the dawning day

and flew across the ocean.

Even then your powerful arm

would guide and protect me.

Or suppose I said, “I'll hide

in the dark until night comes

to cover me over.”

But you see in the dark

because daylight and dark

are all the same to you.

You are the one

who put me together

inside my mother's body,

and I praise you because of

the wonderful way

you created me.

Everything you do is marvelous!

Of this I have no doubt.

Nothing about me

is hidden from you!

I was secretly woven together

out of human sight,

but with your own eyes you saw

my body being formed.

Even before I was born,

you had written in your book

Psalm 139:1-16 CEV

What does being seen look like for you? How do you ensure others are seen?

In her book, Gifts of Imperfection, researcher Brené Brown describes being seen, heard, and valued as the underpinnings to her definition of “connection.” Brené writes:

“Connection is the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued; when they can give and receive without judgement; and when they derive sustenance and strength from the relationship” (p. 50) 

Where might God be nudging you to give and receive without judgement? Where might you connect with someone? 

Brown, B. (2010). The gifts of imperfection: let go of who you think you're supposed to be and embrace who you are.