Invisible: impossible to see or not easily noticed; hidden (The Free Dictionary). The opposite of that would be “un-invisible” – being seen despite the feeling of being unnoticed. Deep down, we all want to be noticed. We want someone to really see us and crave to be loved, despite our flaws and quirks.
I recently participated with a group of women from my church in a book study of Beth Moore’s book, So Long Insecurity. Beth makes a consistent point of urging us to show girls and younger women what it means to be secure. She talks about how we’re bombarded with images of how we should look and what we should wear – all in the pursuit of being beautiful. She poses a question several times in the book: “what would you say to girls today?” I’ve been unable to get that question out of my head. What I would tell them are the very things I secretly want to hear as well:
God loves you. He loves your friends and the person sitting beside you but He also loves you. He has the most amazing plans for you.
Jeremiah 29:11: I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for (Message).
He thinks you’re beautiful – exactly as you are. There’s absolutely nothing you have to do in order to make Him love you more. He made you just as you are – don’t think for a second that He messed up. You are not a mistake or a failure. He had a plan for you and saw you before you were even born.
Psalm 139: 13-16: For You did form my inward parts; You did knit me together in my mother’s womb.I will confess and praise You for You are fearful and wonderful and for the awful wonder of my birth! Wonderful are Your works, and that my inner self knows right well. My frame was not hidden from You when I was being formed in secret [and] intricately and curiously wrought [as if embroidered with various colors] in the depths of the earth [a region of darkness and mystery]. Your eyes saw my unformed substance, and in Your book all the days [of my life] were written before ever they took shape, when as yet there was none of them (Amplified).
God cares about all of the little things you care about. He’s not too busy for you or forgotten about you. He’s put gifts and abilities in you for a specific purpose. Even though you might feel you’ve wandered off the path He has for you, He’s waiting for you to come back; it’s not too late and you’re not lost.
Don’t get impatient as you wait (way easier said than done, I know). Maybe you’re waiting for the right job or the right guy to come along. Sister in Christ, trust His timing. I know it’s tempting to run ahead and settle for less than His best but wait and “rest in hope” (Psalm 16:9). His plans are beyond what you can possibly imagine!
Ephesians 3:20: Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams]– (Amplified).
Know He’s working things out for you, even though you might not be able to see it. You know God loves you enough to give His Son for you so trust that He wants the absolute best for you. Let that truth seep into the deepest parts of your heart and soul, chasing away the doubts that try to linger. He loves you so much. Even when you feel no one sees you, you’re always un-invisible to Him.
Amber French, snidbits
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Alia Joy says
I love this! I just posted on my blog a letter to my daughter on being beautiful and this resonates with me. I did Beth Moore’s study too and it stuck in my mind how few women grow up to actually believe they are beautiful even if we’re told by our loved ones that we are. Our image of ourselves can get so tainted. How we need to hear this message of seeing ourselves through God’s eyes. This touched my heart. Thank you.
Amy @ themessymiddle says
The concept of “un-invisible” resonates so strongly with me! I wrote about it in “God is whispering to me” (http://wp.me/p1Ut5W-7u) and a follow up in “God is whispering to you” (http://wp.me/p1Ut5W-9E). Thanks for this post!!
Brittnie (A Joy Renewed) says
Great post. I am very interested in learning more about this specific Beth Moore study. Have done a few of hers and always so enjoy it.
SueBE says
Our church book club is getting ready to select our next set of books. This looks like an excellent choice. Thank you!
Kaitlin @ Perceptions & Passions says
My pastor did this great sermon out of Ephesians that this post reminded me of.
He modeled it after the best-seller SIT. WALK. STAND.
(and they’re in order…you can’t jump ahead!)
You must SIT and rest your heart in the Lord and trust His promises
You must WALK your daily life in accordance with His word
AND ONLY THEN…
May you STAND and make a true difference in this world (and the one up there too)
Lisa says
This is lovely. Sometimes I do feel invisible. I wrote about it recently…I call it my super power but really that is me trying to figure out why I am invisible. I love knowing that He always knows where I am and He sees the real me.
Here is the post about my “superpower” haha http://hamershappenings.blogspot.com/2012/03/my-super-power.html
Liz G says
For some years I thought I had ‘no voice’. I spoke, wrote and thought positive, happy and accepting…it felt invisible to have needs for my families well being and safety met. Girls and women in society today, children and men too, might be ignored by someone who hurts but it is so important to recognize thu are loved by God just the same and that their own pain is real. God’s love is big enough that no one need be invisible. I loved this story today, it blessed me.
aimymichelle says
its so hard to comprehend sometimes.
Leigh Kay says
“being seen despite the feeling of being unnoticed.” Whew…precisely said to hit the nail on the head. I loved your description of that.
And that book…world-rocker of a book isn’t it? There just aren’t adjectives that do it proper justice to a girl like me, who the book may as well have been titled “Leigh – get with it and say So Long Insecurity!” It probably wouldn’t have sold as many copies, but oh well.
OH may we never — ladies NEVER run ahead and settle for less. Oh my heart, do not do it. Thank you for your words Amber.
Beth Williams says
Sometimes I feel invisible. Like no one really notices what I do, say or think. I know that God hears & sees all that I do and He cares for me.
I would tell young women to forget the images you see on TV & magazines. Be your wonderful, God given self, the person God made you to be. He knows you intimately. Love yourself and others as God does!
Liz G says
That is what I said when I starte Be strong, Be beautiful, be yourself on Facebook a few years ago Beth. Though the group never ‘took off’ I have held to the belief that God loves us, our broken yet beautiful families and those who hurt so much they victimize without comprehending even how that immeasurable love could heal their hurt. Psalm 139 does say it most beautifully!
Jennifer Cook says
The reminder to trust His timing is so key for me today–thank you for sharing your heart, that He can share Hs.
Liz G says
I have found myself coming back to this blog today, it is a needed reminder of God’s love for us and those we love who hurt. I will also take “to trust His timing” for that key today. It really is about trusting in that and a greater wisdom, a bigger picture that what we can see isn’t it? Thank you.