I’m going to do something a little different with this post, in that I’m going to ask you to be involved with it. Find yourself asking “huh”? Read on.
I have been asked to speak at a break-out session at my church’s annual ladies retreat. I’ve been praying about what topic to talk about and had something pop in my head during my quiet time this morning. My lesson in the bible study I’m working through was about our longing to “be known” – the fact that we often feel invisible. This really resonated with me, as I can look back over my life and see times where I’ve definitely felt this way. I’m mulling over and praying about discussing this topic in my talk.
My question for you is this: Have you ever (or do you now) feel invisible, or suffer feelings of discontent, emptiness or longing? What ways have you (do you) tried to fill the emptiness or fix the situation? Was it successful or did you still come up empty? What is your opinion of how God works into all of these feelings?
Because I might like to use some of these answers in my talk, I’d prefer that you comment as “Anonymous”. This should be a perfect opportunity for all those “lurkers” out there to come out of the dark and let us hear from you! :o) I look forward to reading your thoughts and appreciate your insight. And…if I decide to go another direction with my topic, you might hear from me again on that one!
GREAT topic!!
As a mom of young children, I think its easy to get caught up in “feeling” invisible. I hear it so often from other moms as well – the idea that what we do when our children are small is insignificant in this world.
For me, I have to remember to focus on God and not on myself. To focus on this work that God has called me to do; if even just for a season. If God calls me to it, then it can’t possibly be insignificant. Just the opposite. I also have to remind myself that “feelings” just aren’t a reliable barometer of what is true in life. God gives us feelings and experiencing all ranges of emotions can be healthy – but I don’t think we can base our reality on them. They change too quickly. In feeling invisible, I think the underlying problem is that I’m not viewing myself through the eyes of the Lord, but rather the eyes of the world. And that will make me feel invisible and insignificant in no time.
Well, I am now in my 50’s and the more I have learned about “Who God Is” and “Who I AM in Christ” ~ the more content, fulfilled, and joyful I have become. I remember in my 30’s I tried to fill my self-worth with designer handbags and jewelry. That, of course, was a fraudulent, empty fix. The closer I get to God, the vanity of just about everything temporal becomes more evident. I have tried to teach that to my daughters in this world of materialism.
I can’t say I have had the feeling of being invisible ~ my kids needed me, still do, although grown.
Now, I just long to please God….although, I fail miserably, alot.
I marvel at the intensity of sports fans and their dogged devotion to “their team” ~ it is really just a deep longing to “belong” ~ to feel a part of something, to be known as someone who belongs, to appease the emptiness.
I get what you are saying about “being known.” There is nothing like your “old” girlfriends with whom you have a history ~ those who have known you since childhood, or college, or single years.
It’s interesting with the blog phenomenon….we just want people to know who we are, our thoughts, our dreams, our lives. I am itching to blog…I want others to get to know me as I get to know them, but have been holding back because I know it would usurp my time with the Lord, so I have to abstain. (thinking about my blog during my QT) I’ve even written a blog fan letter, because I like her a lot and I want her to know me.
So, really…God knows our every thought, desire, dream, ability, breath…and yet, we continue to look elsewhere for our “known-ness,” when we really already have the perfect “Know-er,” Jesus.
I’m reminded of the song:
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His beautiful face,
and the things of this world will grown strangely dim,
in the light of His glory and grace.
Hope all this makes sense.
P.S. I just found your blog tonite while blog surfing ~ always looking for kindred spirits ~ I think you are one.
Sometimes I do feel invisible – and I find myself really getting down if/when those feelings linger. Guess it happens most when I find myself doing and being for everyone else – husband, children, parents, family, work, etc. I feel most significant when I stop to realize the purpose and plan God has for me… even if it is running shuttle bus for everyone, mopping the floors, grocery shopping, etc. When I am closest to the Father, I more fully realize my significance in Him.
This is a loaded question! I am overweight (100 lbs over) and I have often read that obese people feel they are invisible. People don’t seem to pay much attention to you. I have struggled with a poor self esteem most of my life and you can imagine how obesity can affect that. I’ve also struggled with the fact that God could love me – after all, He knows me very well; all my secret thoughts etc. I constantly have to remind myself that God does indeed love me – fat or thin.
I think at times, that being “invisible” can be a comfort zone. After all, if you’re “invisible”, then no one is going to expect much from you. God is calling me out of my comfort zone into His light. What an adventure!