“Be somebody who makes everybody feel like somebody.” I’ll always remember when I got the plaque that reads this quote, which now hangs above my work station.
A couple years ago, I was going through a tough time, mostly in the friend-department. Several people who I cared about and relied upon stopped treating me like “somebody”. I felt replaceable and unwanted.
Most of us have been in this situation where it feels like our worth is up for debate. I’m sure that the people who treated me poorly have felt rejected or heartbroken before.
We have a choice whether or not we let our pain dictate our actions. Will we be so engulfed in our own shame and despair that we desire for everyone to feel as broken as us?
Or will we recognize that everybody else has already felt this way — or will — and we have the power to help them not feel alone.
Today I spent time with a wonderful friend who so beautifully embodies this quote. She has such an encouraging, life-giving presence, radiating with love and affection. She isn’t frugal when it comes to words of affirmation or gentle hugs. I believe she won’t often find herself regretting not saying “I love you” because she says it when she means it.
I’ve also recently been with somebody who has allowed her pain to cast a heavy burden upon her outlook, relationships, and future. This pain blocks her vision, affecting her capacity to feel joy. It deeply saddens me to watch her drown in her sorrows.
It’s not too late for you if the second example resonates more with you tonight. Every new morning is a chance for a clean slate, a fresh start. Jesus offers us redemption and grace when we turn to Him with a repentant heart.
The most beautiful thing about joy is that it’s contagious. People will notice you’ve changed when you allow yourself to absorb the joy Jesus offers.
Joy doesn’t mean minimizing our pain or others’ hardships. In fact, it is the opposite. Joy is embracing all situations with hope and trusting that Jesus will take care of us through it all.
I hope and pray you are able to release your burdens today and make space in your heart for joy. As you do, you will find yourself seeing with new eyes, remembering that every person truly is somebody. In Jesus’ eyes, and now in yours.
Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care.[b]30 And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
Matthew 10:29-31
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