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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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  • Please remember to visit and leave some encouragement for the friend linked before you–and others as you’re able.
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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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Never can there be too many magnolia pictures. . S Never can there be too many magnolia pictures.
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Says the lens of my eyes; of my soul.
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(“Not so,” says my iphone storage, but that’s a tomorrow problem.)
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Every time I leave my house, I can’t not stop, not stare, not take another jillion pictures.
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This magnolia tree of mine, she keeps a record of time, reaching farther into the sky with each passing year.
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In all her southern glory, she lifts leaves and limbs toward heaven, pointing to the One on whom all glory rests.
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Boldly, yet elegantly, she speaks of a Creator who, year upon year, grows lovely things under the banner of His care in the lives of His own.
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Even in times when life doesn’t feel full of lovely, may we listen to the magnolia’s anthem.
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She doesn’t question the winter, knowing full well that her Maker has yet to deny spring its beauty.
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I wonder how breathtaking magnolias must be in the City of God. ✨
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“Not to us, O, LORD, not to us, but to Your name goes all the glory for Your unfailing love and faithfulness.” Psalm 115:1 💕
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The May calendar has a way of turning our thoughts The May calendar has a way of turning our thoughts toward home, doesn’t it?
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Perhaps, for you, that’s a beloved Home State where the soil smells like childhood and dreams.
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Or, maybe the humble shelter of your youth, where boo-boos were kissed & fairytales carried you into dreamland.
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Perhaps you’re like me, and yesteryear’s home holds heartache and rejection, insecurity and confusion.
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Far too much of my past I spent chasing roots, not sensing an inheritance of belonging within the halls of my kin.
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Layer by broken layer, though, the Lord is healing me from within, showing me that…
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What our hearts long for can’t be satisfied with what our lives long for.
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The temporal can’t pacify the eternal.
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We’re so prone to searching for home in containers not meant to carry its calling—whether in place or people, title or position, acceptance or belonging—that we seek to satisfy its longing with lesser things.
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Having a sense of home within our circles is beautiful and sacred, but—it’s a shallow substitute for the inheritance we have in God.
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No place, no person, no position—no earthly brand of belonging—can ever claim home to your soul like the Haven of Him.
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Quiet your spirit in the shadow of His covering, dear friend, for never will He stop calling you His own. 💕
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Dear friend, do you feel like you’re etching a p Dear friend, do you feel like you’re etching a prayer into the ear of God, day upon year upon decade?
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You’re asking “why,” and “when, O Lord,” yet the situation your heart plays on repeat at the altar of God, remains seemingly unchanged.
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Oh, friend, I understand; me too.
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Sometimes those miracles we’re waiting for, they come at the expense of years of prayer.
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Not because God is cruel, but because God is thorough. He phones nothing in; takes no shortcuts with our hearts.
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The life-mending, soul-touching, supernatural work of God takes time to witness from our perspective.
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Oh, but take heart, dear friend, for God hears the cries of your heart.
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That outcome you’re praying for? Your God is already there, working out the details ahead of you.
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Even when it feels like you’re crying yet one more prayer into the silence, He hears and is moving ahead of you in ways you can’t even imagine right now.
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Hang on, my friend; keep praying, for those prayers are a worthy sacrifice to the only God who is altogether able. 🙌💕
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I wonder, friend, do the demands of life leave you I wonder, friend, do the demands of life leave you feeling downright weary at times?
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If so, I understand. Me too.
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Oh, that our souls would rest in remembering that Jesus also knew what it was to feel weary as He walked this earth in human flesh.
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You are not alone.
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This one’s for the weary. 💗
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Head over to Proverbs31ministries.org. to read & join the conversation! 💕
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