Visibility vs. Importance
When You Feel Invisible
Lately, I’ve caught myself looking at (or let’s be honest—scrolling through) other people’s lives, comparing them to my own. I see their careers, their callings, their perfect outfits, their beautiful homes, and the thousands of likes and followers they have. And before I know it, my thoughts spiral: Wow, they must really be doing amazing things for the Lord. They’re bestselling authors and speakers. Am I walking in my calling? Does what I’m doing even matter?
I heard one of those amazing women, Christine Caine, say one day that we live in a culture that confuses visibility with importance. That is definitely a fact. But the truth is, what the world sees isn’t always what matters most to God. I want to remind you (and myself) of some sweet truths for when we start running someone else’s race or feeling like the work we do doesn’t matter simply because it isn’t recognized.
Jesus, in so many ways, was a behind-the-scenes kind of guy. He performed miracles and then told people, “Don’t tell anyone.” He wasn’t looking for applause or admiration—He was living in His Father’s approval. How freeing would it be if that’s how we were to live too?
Mermaids Need Oceans
One year in high school, I had to take a musical theatre class. My two friends joined me, but after two weeks, they dropped out, leaving me to fend for myself. At the time, I was dancing competitively, so I couldn’t make it to rehearsals. As a result, my musical theatre teacher wasn’t exactly my biggest fan.
That year, the school was putting on The Little Mermaid. Since I was dancing 20 hours a week, I figured a high school play would be easy for me. Honestly, I expected to be cast as a mermaid with a big role, even though I hadn’t put in the time for it.
But after auditions? I wasn’t cast as a mermaid. Not a maid. Not even a fish.
I was cast as the water.
That’s right. The ocean. The thing all the beautiful mermaids swam in. You can laugh—it’s okay.
On the night of the big performance, I stood on the side of the stage, waving a blue sheet around like a madwoman. I laughed it off, but deep down, I felt invisible. I wanted to be one of the ones in the spotlight, dressed up in cute little shell tops, seen and admired.
It took me a while to realize something important: There could be no mermaids without the ocean.
The same is true for the body of Christ. Every single part is vital for us to function as one (1 Corinthians 12:12-25). Some people will be on stage, and others will be behind the curtain. But the beauty of God’s kingdom is that all of it matters. Just because something isn’t seen doesn’t mean it’s not important.
The God Who Sees You
We serve a God who sees. He sees behind curtains, behind closed doors. He sees you. Whether you’re leading worship or scrubbing floors, whether you’re preaching to thousands or praying alone in your room—your role is crucial. Your service is seen by the One who truly matters.
So, wherever you are today, know this: You are an important, beautiful, hand-picked part of the body of Christ. I’m so thankful you’re here. Let’s keep working with our whole hearts for the One who gave it all.
“She answered God by name, praying to the God who spoke to her, ‘You’re the God who sees me!’” —Genesis 16:13
