What People Want

I know if I asked people what they wanted most, the answers would vary quite a bit. I’m sure the desire for money, a good job, a healthy church, good friends would all be high on the list. My experience lately is that people just want to be seen. I’m not talking about just being looked at, but to be recognized as a person with real ideas, feelings, struggles, desires, etc. We have become good at arguing, yelling, accusing, and disrupting others, but do we know them? I read something on the internet that sounds so terrible, although it also sounds very refined and rehearsed. There are pictures to back up the article, but looking in the background, it tells a different story... creating a storyline instead of opening a dialogue. I think one of the reasons the death of Charlie Kirk was so hard for those that knew him, and for those that had seen him on the internet. is that he was saying the things that they believed, only were too afraid to stand up and say it. In their hearts, many were cheering him on, but in practice, they were silent. Like it or not, Charlie brought the conversation into the public arena, listening to what was being said and sharing what he saw going on (with facts). Those attacking from hate often left angry. Those asking serious questions were left with things to ponder. I think many felt like Charlie knew them, saw them, and was standing up for them. When he was martyred, they realized the need to be seen more publicly, not passively, but standing up for what they believed. There are people turning to God’s word, going to church, and desiring to present themselves as someone with honor. We see them, and hopefully are praying that God would use terrible circumstances to bring about revival in the heart of the nation. I go to a men’s study where those in attendance feel they are a part of something greater than themselves. It is a place where they are seen, not just background decoration. I join in another Bible study and part of that time is sharing what is going on in our lives. I think that those in attendance feel seen and have a voice. Instead of name calling, maybe we can have an actual conversation... really seeing each other. Father, forgive us for putting labels on everyone and failing to listen and understand. Use us to bring open dialogue. Amen