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Brenda Bradford Ottinger

Encouraging Women to Live Rooted in the Sacred

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I See You

To the one who feels overwhelmed and inadequate—I see you.

To the one so swallowed up by the have-to’s, she barely has time for the want-to’s—I see you.

To the one who lost her keys and fed her kids animal crackers for breakfast this morning—I see you.

To the one who feels left out and wonders why not her—I see you.

To the one who took a wrong turn in Laundry Land and can’t find her way back—I see you.

To the one who sits alone at lunch—I see you.

To the one who sits with the group, yet feels like a fraud—I see you.

To the one with an impossibly distant dream in her heart—I see you.

To the one who aches for 2 pink lines, yet sits with empty arms—I see you.

To the one who longs to make a difference, yet doesn’t know where to begin—I see you.

To the one who served cereal for supper for the second time this week—I see you.

To the one who doesn’t recognize the face in the mirror—I see you.

To the one who makes her bed while counting the hours until she can flop back in it—I see you.

To the one who feels: Overlooked. Forgotten. Judged. Misjudged. Rejected—I see you.

To the sweet sister who wonders if she matters—I see you.

To the one so used to being hurt, she’s afraid to try again—I see you.

To the one who wakes each morning praying for strength to make it through another day—I see you.

To the one who left the get-together last week feeling unnoticed—I see you.

To the one who wasn’t even invited—I see you.

To the one who spent 10 minutes in her closet looking for something that fits—I see you.

To the one who reaches out, waiting for someone to reach back—I see you.

To the sister who feels like she’s the only one, I see you—and you are not alone.

Friend, you are me. And I am you.

Let’s be honest, while seemingly put-together on the outside, don’t we all feel like a mess on the inside some days?

And, don’t we just need to know we’re seen?
Right in the middle of our mess. Seen. Acknowledged. Noticed.

And friend, isn’t it altogether too easy to forget that:

Grace walks beside us and Hope walks before us and Truth walks behind us and Peace covers us.Tweet This

How is it that we can so easily dismiss the presence of Him who–can’t not know–can’t not see–can’t not love?

He saw our reflection before we ever stepped up to the mirror.
He hand-placed that dream in our hearts.
He saw the pain coming before we experienced it.
The lost keys were never hidden from His eye.

He knew before we knew.
He smiled before we smiled.
He cried before cried.
He loved before we loved.

You see, the glory’s all intermingled with the mess, isn’t it?

This earthly walk is fragile and sweet and rough and relentless and—seen.

Seen by the One who knows well and loves well and whose strength carries us morning to morning.

Oh, for the grace to see as He sees.
For I am you and you are me. 



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Comments

  1. Ifeoma Samuel says

    May 25, 2017 at 6:07 am

    Hello Brenda, I’m grateful God sees me! No matter the state we are in, He never leaves neither will He forsake us.
    Much Blessings to you

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      May 25, 2017 at 11:38 am

      I am too, friend. ((blessings back at ya)) <3

      Reply
  2. Bev @ Walking Well With God says

    May 25, 2017 at 6:37 am

    Brenda,

    I needed these beautiful words you wrote this morning. Sitting here on my sofa, heading into my third week recuperating, alone a lot of the time, I forget that He sees me and He’s right here with me. I’ve had a rough few days, but your words are a comfort, truly. Even if the outside world doesn’t see or notice, or even care for that matter – He does. He sees me and He loves me and that makes my heart full. Thank you!!
    Blessings,
    Bev xoxo
    ps. Still eating on and enjoying the wonderful meals you prepared. May you be richly blessed for your kindness and for “seeing” others!!
    Bev @ Walking Well With God recently posted…The Blessing SeasonMy Profile

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      May 25, 2017 at 11:41 am

      Three weeks in, three weeks to go! 🙂 I’m sorry you’ve had a rough few days. ((hug)) I pray you recover fully and comfortably. — He’s so good at making “hearts full,” isn’t He? Thank you for sharing, Bev. And, so glad the meals have been helpful. ((xoxo))

      Reply
  3. Liz says

    May 25, 2017 at 6:40 am

    So beautiful and encouraging! He sees me, right here in my MESS!! The God who created heaven and earth sees little old me, and He loves me. No matter how MESSY I am. Because when He sees me, He sees His perfect Son. Blessings, friend! XO
    Liz recently posted…Word Nerd Wednesday – BeatitudesMy Profile

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      May 25, 2017 at 11:45 am

      Comforting to know the mess isn’t a deterrent for Him, isn’t it, Liz? Thankful for the Son who bridged the gap between the mess and God. ((hug))

      Reply
  4. Betsy de Cruz says

    May 25, 2017 at 6:56 am

    What beautiful encouragement, Brenda. I’ve been thinking lately a lot about Psalm 139. Yes, let’s walk together. With HIM. 🙂
    Betsy de Cruz recently posted…7 Important Scriptures You Want Your Teens to KnowMy Profile

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      May 25, 2017 at 11:47 am

      I’d love to know what your thoughts have been on Psalm 139, Betsy. 🙂 Such a beautiful passage. Thanks for sharing, friend. ((hug))

      Reply
      • Betsy de Cruz says

        May 28, 2017 at 1:11 am

        What grabs me most right now is that we can’t go anywhere outside of His presence. Nor can our kids. ) He is EVERYWHERE.
        Betsy de Cruz recently posted…7 Important Scriptures You Want Your Teens to KnowMy Profile

        Reply
        • Brenda says

          June 1, 2017 at 8:45 am

          Beautiful comfort, Betsy. The gift of His presence is beyond wonder. Everywhere. Amen. Thank you, Lord. — Thanks for sharing that, Betsy. ((hug))

          Reply
  5. Linda Stoll says

    May 25, 2017 at 6:58 am

    Seen, loved, cherished, held.

    What a wonderful Saviour!

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      May 25, 2017 at 11:50 am

      Amen, Linda. Words fall short in light of the wonder.
      Thanks for sharing, friend. ((hug))

      Reply
  6. Lesley says

    May 25, 2017 at 7:07 am

    Thank you for this encouragement. It is reassuring to remember that God sees us. So true that “the glory’s all intermingled with the mess.”
    Lesley recently posted…Whispers Of RestMy Profile

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      May 25, 2017 at 11:54 am

      Such a comforting reassurance that His faithful eye is always upon us, isn’t it? Thanks for sharing, Leslie. ((hug))

      Reply
  7. Michele Morin says

    May 25, 2017 at 7:46 am

    “He saw our reflection before we ever stepped up to the mirror.”
    What a beautiful sentence, and what beautiful truth. And as I write, it’s occurring to me that He i s the One with the clearer view since we all still “see in a mirror dimly.”
    Looking forward to the days of face to face.
    Michele Morin recently posted…Martin Luther in His Own WordsMy Profile

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      May 25, 2017 at 11:56 am

      So true, Michele. There will be a day when we see as we’re seen. Can’t really comprehend that, but I believe. 🙂 Thanks for sharing, friend. ((hug))

      Reply
  8. Joanne Viola says

    May 25, 2017 at 8:59 am

    This is such a beautiful post – may be my favorite one of yours thus far 🙂 So good to be reminded of Hagar’s words, “You are the God who sees me.” I am so grateful He sees each one of us and infuses us with His strength to carry on. Blessings to you!
    Joanne Viola recently posted…In the Night of Our SoulMy Profile

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      May 25, 2017 at 11:58 am

      Thank you for bringing up Hagar’s words, I hadn’t even considered that when I wrote this. Love that. Thank you for your sweet encouragement, friend. ((hug))

      Reply
  9. Paris Renae says

    May 25, 2017 at 9:11 am

    You are such an encourager – life is messy but grace picks up the pieces.
    Paris Renae recently posted……And In The QuietMy Profile

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      May 25, 2017 at 11:59 am

      “Grace picks up the pieces.” — Yes He does. Lovely sentiment, thank you for sharing, friend. ((hug))

      Reply
  10. Sherry Stahl says

    May 25, 2017 at 9:26 am

    Brenda,
    Your poem is so beautiful and we are all the same. So grateful for friends who don’t want you to feel you have to ‘make yourself presentable’ with 🙂 Praying this poem blesses hearts and encourages girls to not give up in well-doing, but to KNOW they’re seen and loved. Praying you sense God’s looking on you with love and approval. You are His voice extended through the written word in wonderful ways.
    Be Blessed & Refreshed,
    ~Sherry Stahl
    xoxo
    Sherry Stahl recently posted…Saying The Right ThingMy Profile

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      May 25, 2017 at 12:00 pm

      Such sweet words of encouragement, friend. Thank you. ((xoxo))

      Reply
  11. Abby McDonald says

    May 25, 2017 at 9:54 am

    Brenda, this post met me right where I’m at today. So beautiful and encouraging. Thank you, friend. xoxo
    Abby McDonald recently posted…When We Lose Our Faith in HumanityMy Profile

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      May 25, 2017 at 12:02 pm

      Your post and mine were drinking the same water this week, weren’t they? 🙂 Thank you for this sweet encouragement today, friend. My heart needed it. ((xoxo))

      Reply
  12. Leslie says

    May 25, 2017 at 10:26 am

    Brenda, This is absolutely beautiful. Thank you. ?

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      May 25, 2017 at 12:04 pm

      Leslie, bless you for your sweet encouragement. ((xoxo))

      Reply
  13. Donna Reidland says

    May 25, 2017 at 1:37 pm

    Brenda, I doubt there is one of us who couldn’t relate and see ourselves in your list. Thanks for the sweet reminder that we are seen!
    Donna Reidland recently posted…“God’s Love for Unborn Babies & Their Parents” May 25My Profile

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      May 25, 2017 at 5:07 pm

      I’m relating right there with you, Donna. 🙂 Thanks for sharing your sweet encouragement. ((hug))

      Reply
  14. Lisa notes says

    May 25, 2017 at 2:26 pm

    What a blessing to know that we are seen! Some days that is all that we need to know. Thanks for sharing this so beautifully, Brenda.

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      May 25, 2017 at 5:09 pm

      Agreed, Lisa. Love it when he whispers those reminders into my hectic chaos. Life might stay crazy, but my spirit lightens. 🙂 Great to connect with you, Lisa. Thanks for being here and for sharing your sweet encouragement. ((hug))

      Reply
  15. Kelli LaFram says

    May 25, 2017 at 3:37 pm

    Like others, I’m sure, I can relate to so many of those statements. Thank you for reminding us that He sees us and loves us in our mess.
    Kelli LaFram recently posted…Train Up Your Children in the Way they Should Go :: Quietly Through Thursday (Plus LinkUp)My Profile

    Reply
    • Brenda says

      May 25, 2017 at 5:11 pm

      Thanks for relating, Kelli and for being a sweet encouragement. Have enjoyed connecting with you. ((xoxo))

      Reply
  16. Julie says

    May 25, 2017 at 9:43 pm

    Thank you for this reminder today! I’m so glad He sees me.
    Have a great weekend, Brenda!
    Julie recently posted…How to Minimize Anxiety with a Simple, Successful HackMy Profile

    Reply
  17. Ruth says

    May 25, 2017 at 10:34 pm

    Yes, to have the grace to see as He sees. That’s what I want, too.
    I’m so glad that our Lord is the God who sees and cares and can!
    Amen!
    🙂

    Reply
  18. Michele says

    May 26, 2017 at 6:35 am

    “You see, the glory’s all intermingled with the mess, isn’t it?” Oh, Brenda…such truth. When I am reminded I am not alone, when there are, “me too’s” wrapped around me I can move forward. Satan lives to pour on the lies of aloneness. Beautiful truths and reminders. Thank you, Brenda.

    Reply
  19. Maree Dee says

    May 26, 2017 at 3:50 pm

    Brenda – I see you! I love that reminder. Wish I was on Twitter – these words rang so true. -“Grace walks beside us and Hope walks before us and Truth walks behind us and Peace covers us.” Maree
    Maree Dee recently posted…Running The Race Of Life Like A MarathonerMy Profile

    Reply

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Oh, friend, if you too have ever cried the prayer, Oh, friend, if you too have ever cried the prayer, “Lord, we don’t know what to do, but our eyes are on You,” …

I hope you’ll join me on the Proverbs 31 Ministries, Encouragement For Today Podcast today for this short 5 minute encouragement.
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You can find the Encouragement For Today Podcast  in your podcast app, or at: encouragement-for-today-podcast.transistor.fm/
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How can I pray for you today as you wait in worship for the Lord’s victory in you life? 💕🙏🏻
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I wonder how these same palms I lift in praise can I wonder how these same palms I lift in praise can grip so tightly to a thousand concerns.
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Long have I held my concerns close, because sometimes letting go feels like giving up, and often I confuse the restless management of life with perseverance.
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I ponder the familiar words of trust and hope and confidence…trying to remove them from my Sunday School vernacular; willing them to to become foreign to my vocabulary so they might become alive again to my understanding.
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…Oh, friend, if you have ever heard the familiar phrase, “Let go and let God,” and wondered…okay, but how?
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Me too.
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In today’s Proverbs 31 Ministries devotion, I share how the Lord met me in this struggle, and showed me how to trade constant concern for quiet relief.
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You can read the full devotion over at Proverbs31.org.
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How I pray that today dawns anew for you in this area, my friend, as you release the cares of your life to the God of your life.
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What cares are you gripping today? Praying for you, friend. 💕
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How did yesterday get so far away? . 35 years this How did yesterday get so far away?
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35 years this man and I have mini-golfed our way through Labor Day.
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We skipped “Selfie 101;” our photos are forever random. We’re fancy like that. 🙃
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I’d rather have a picture of a flower than a picture of my face every day of the week. 🌸
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Time, I don’t know how you do it. How you turn 1988 into 2023 with just a wink.
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But I do know that the best traditions are always the ones that choose you.
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Oh, for 35 more. 💕
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Oh, friend, if you’re in a season of “trying” that’s making you just plain tired…
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Grab a copy of Tired of Trying, by @ashley.morgan.jackson . In this book, Ashley vulnerably shares her story of holding on to God when she felt forgotten by the world amidst a long season of hardship.
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So much goodness in these pages for understanding how to release the frustration of feeling tired and stuck.
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Plus layers of wisdom nestled chapter upon chapter, offering insight into the blessing that comes with the wrestle, as we hold on to the One who forever holds on to us.
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If you decide to read, I’d love to hear your thoughts! May the Lord meet you in its pages, my friend. 💕
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