Seen: Healing Despair and Anxiety Through Connection Sýnishorn

To Be Seen

What does it mean to be seen? To be seen is to be noticed beyond the exterior of one’s body. To be noticed beyond the facial expressions, beyond the lack of response, and the eye rolls. To be truly seen is to be noticed in a deeper place, the depths of our souls. It’s in this place where we are the most vulnerable. But, few can find it. Few can really see beyond all there is on the outside and navigate to the depth of the soul of another. However, that’s where the healing takes place. Love is what drives us to see beyond one’s behavior or exterior. Love heals.

Hurting people often don’t feel seen, they feel alone. When we pause to remember times when we were hurting, at the moment, we can relate. Chances are you’ve felt alone to some degree in your past as well. Remembering these times is vital to helping those around you who are hurting.

The two most powerful tools in helping others heal are empathy and love. No one modeled this better than Jesus. His ability to see beyond the exterior and help others was driven by His love and shown by His empathy.

To be driven by love is to see beyond one’s behavior, which is the essence of the Gospel. While we were still sinners, God loved us. As you look to help those around you to heal from despair, know that love is the driver. Ask God to help you to see beyond behavior and see deeper.