How We See Ourselves

Grief often impacts every area of our lives. Sometimes it changes the way we think about ourselves. When we lost our first baby, I (Ashley) was able to worship God in the emergency room. With the second, I remember the echo I heard as I stomped my feet and cried out, “Nooo!” With the third, I whispered, “What happened to you little guy?” 

With each of these experiences, I remember taking my pain to God, but my methods and emotions changed. And the way I saw myself shifted with each loss. I was able to accept the first loss a little easier, but after the second loss, I became really upset with my body for not protecting my child. In time, I have done my best to thank God for my body, but during that time, my deficits were nearly all I could see.

How has your loss impacted the way you see yourself? Have you felt like no one sees your pain? Or maybe even that God doesn’t see your pain? Revelation 21:4 says that God will wipe away every one of our tears. In order for Him to wipe our tears away, He has to see us and recognize our pain. So He sees us.

He sees you.

Another verse we held on to says, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in Spirit”  (Psalm 34:18).

Let's pray.

God, 

Give me eyes to see myself as You see me. Sometimes I am tempted to think negatively about myself, but I need You to help me to draw close to You. You make me better, and You change my perspective! Fill me with love for myself.

Amen.