Recently I watched a movie about a group of kids competing for the chance to have their voices recorded and sent into space through a NASA program. The contest wasn’t really the most important part of the movie, though a casual viewing might lead you to believe it was. More important to the characters and viewers alike was the way the kids grew in confidence and began believing their lives — their selves — were valuable.
Over the course of the movie, they transformed from kids (and some adults) who had so little self-worth that they were dismissive of and even angry at anyone who suggested who they were and what they did mattered to a bunch of free spirits shouting in a field, no longer caring who watched or what they thought.
With arms flung out and chins lifted up, they shouted to a sky full of stars: “I’m here! We’re here! Here I am! I’m HERE!”
Finally, after ninety minutes or so (and a lifetime, really) of being told in every way that
they were nobodies,
they were losers,
they didn’t matter,
they realized those were lies. And they slowly, together, began replacing those lies with the truth:
They were somebody who mattered.
They were winners simply by being themselves.
They mattered so much.
Anyone who knows me will not be surprised to learn that I sobbed during that scene. My tender heart and weepy eyes can barely make it through an Olympic commercial or Disney movie without an emotional breakdown, so of course this moving moment got me.
How many times have I believed that I don’t matter? That nobody sees me? That I’m too weird or too poor or too big or too messy or too slow or too loud or too quiet? How many times, for how many years, have I believed that just maybe nobody would care or even notice if I stopped showing up or just ran away forever?
So many times, for so many years.
Maybe you’ve believed some of those things too. But those things that keep our heads down and our hearts heavy and our hope squashed? They are all lies! Not one bit is true.
What’s true? The truth is that we absolutely matter. We are seen. We will never be too much of anything to not be loved exactly as we are.
That doesn’t mean this world or the people around us won’t try to convince us otherwise. But all we have to do is to turn back to the truth — God’s Word and all His promises — to remember who we are.
We are wonderfully made. (Psalm 139:14)
We are loved. (Isaiah 54:10)
We were created for a purpose. (Ephesians 2:10)
We are seen. (Matthew 10:29-31)
We don’t have to train and practice, travel and compete, or wait for someone else to tell us how much we’re worth. We can stand in a field and shout, “I’m here!” anytime. We can whisper it to ourselves when we forget who we are and Whose we are. We can throw off the judgment of every person and any lingering doubts, fling out our arms, or simply lift our heads and say it with conviction: “I’m here!” We can know every day that we are incredibly important to the One who matters most — the One who is both the Most High Almighty and our constant Friend, who never leaves us.
You’re here, and you matter.
You’re here, and I am so glad you are.
You’re here, and I see you.
But more importantly, God sees you.
Whether you shout or whisper, win or lose, God sees you, and He calls you His beloved child.
Listen to Mary’s words below, or download wherever you stream podcasts.
Leave a Comment
Vicki Engh says
God knew I needed this today. Thank you!
Mary Carver says
You’re welcome, Vicki. I’m glad this arrived at just the right time!
Elizabeth (Betsy) Hall says
I love that!!!!! Yes, everyone is important!!! i just read Our Daily Bread for today 2/23/22. It spoke of a poet that in the Industrial Era in America, put down the stars—he wrote that all that mattered was the use of machines and the benefits of war! Well, WWI came and the stars were still there. Then WWII–and that poet died in 1944. The stars were and are still there. I guess we all know now, that he knows he was wrong and where he will spend eternity. So heartbreaking. God put each star where it is for His glory and purpose. He knows them by name, just as He knows us by name–yes, we matter in all ways.
Mary Carver says
Yes, exactly – if God knows each of the stars, how much more must He value us?!
Tonya says
So needed this today, this moment. Thank you and God Bless!
Mary Carver says
You’re welcome, Tonya. Thanks for reading today!
Susen says
It’s not who we are but WHOSE are are.
We are fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of God the Father.
Amen
Mary Carver says
So true – being daughters of the King is all we need to know about how valued we are!
Olivia says
Thank you for this today! Calms my spirit and affirms my soul. I also cry during the heart breaking/jerking commercials . Tender hearts filled with love.
Mary Carver says
You’re welcome, Olivia. Solidarity from a tender-hearted sister!
Kathy Cheek says
I just happen to have a devotion on this theme on my blog, because it is so important to be reminded God Sees You!
https://www.kathycheek.com/2022/02/god-sees-you.html
@thenightwillshine says
Confidence is not my strong suit AT ALL, but this is a good reminder that my confidence comes from Whose I am and not who I am!
Mary Carver says
It’s not my strong suit at all. I’m so grateful God is generous with reminders so we don’t forget!
ELMorehead says
The further I am from God, the more I believe the lies.
Mary Carver says
Same here. Praying we can both draw near to God and believe only the Truth today.
Sandy says
Hello
What wonderful words you
All are writing!
Everyone of these testimonies
Are a Blessing to all who hear
Them!
Thank You for all you do!
Sandy
Mary Carver says
Thank you for your kind words, Sandy! So glad you’re here!
Valerie Foster says
Thank you Mary for such an inspiring message!
Mary Carver says
You’re quite welcome, Valerie!
Dee says
Mary,
My word for the year is Beloved. This came at a perfect time. I’ve had much trauma in my early life that causes triggers in now my later life. In my head I know the care and love God has for me. Long way to my heart sadly. I really enjoy your posts and happy when you show up. Thank you! Yes, we are fearfully and wonderfully created! Amen Dee
Mary Carver says
Dee, I absolutely understand how long the distance between our head and heart can be. Choosing “beloved” as your word is so wise! Praying it keeps you mindful of just how much God adores you!
Beth Williams says
Mary,
The devil loves nothing more than to have us feel down & depressed. He breaths lies to us just when we’re tired. He knows that we will believe them. God speaks truth over us. He says we were bought at a very high price-the death of His beloved son on a cross. Zephaniah 3:17 The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.” Wow!! The God of the universe rejoicing & singing over me. No matter what we do or how far we stray He will love & patiently wait for our return to the fold. Don’t let the lies of the evil one get you down-You matter. You are somebody, seen & loved by Jesus.
Blessings 🙂
Mary Carver says
Yes and amen, Beth!!
Anonymous says
So needed this today, this moment. Thank you.
Mary Carver says
So glad you found this on just the right day. Thank God for His timing!
Ruth Mills says
Amen Amen & Amen!!!