Advent - Seeing beyond first impressions

Josie shares her reflections on the theme of “do you see what I see” …

Do you see what I see? I love this simple but powerful question. I was prompted to reflect on this through the lens of my work with Restore, which is a project of Jacob’s Well working with vulnerable women in Derby. I felt God asking me, “Do you see what I see when I look at the women working on the street?” I felt God gently whisper his words to me. I was reminded that God sees behind the first impression, behind the body, and into the eyes of the women that we meet. God has given me a deep desire for Restore to show women that they are valuable, they are worthy and they are loved. They are used to a world where people see their body first…literally pricing it up and comparing to other women next to them who are also “for sale.” They may question- Is their body worth paying for? How do they measure up to the woman selling herself next to her?

There is no conversation, no sense of “getting to know” them. They are judged on one look at their body and asked if they are worth the cost of a tenner for a quick physical gratification. And what if the answer is no… they are left without money but with a sense of worthlessness. As we go out onto the street we make it a priority to “see” them and to show them that they are not just another body to us. We try and remember the things they have told us in the previous week, and make sure we ask questions about their lives. We make sure we know each of the women by name, and something as simple as remembering their name has been a ground breaking experience for them.

And I do this because of the love that God has shown me. It can sometimes feel really scary to feel like someone is “seeing” you truly for who you are. Along with the joy of being recognised and loved as a person, there can be a fear that some of the “gritty” parts of us that we would rather people not know about being exposed…but isn’t it amazing, that God who knows every ounce of us, good and bad, still wants to use us in his plan. I often say to my husband how frustrated I get that the one person who I love above all others, has to see me at my very worst and most unlovable- I hate it that my husband Tom has to witness me at my lowest moments (and there seems to be quite a few of these at the moment!). But yet the fact he hasn’t done a runner is an incredible statement to me. I have to remind myself that God’s love and grace are even stronger than my husband’s. And, because I have been shown compassion, understanding and forgiveness, it drives me to show that same love to those around me. When God works through people, it triggers a reaction that passes from person to person. I hope the women that we support through Restore, may treat others the way that we aim to treat them- with patience, love and genuine care.

In the Christmas Story, God uses unlikely people, like Mary and Joseph, the shepherds and the Magi. God looks beyond our first appearances and deep into our hearts. When we see people the way God sees them, we can see an abundance of skill, talent and gifting. But can we look at ourselves the same way? Can we really “see” ourselves the way God see’s us?

I speak quite easily about seeing the women from Restore with love. But I really struggle to put that same truth into practise for myself. It is easy to talk about and believe God’s love for others- but can that same love be experienced for ourselves? Can we truly “see” ourselves the way God created us?

Can you join us this Christmas for the women of Restore to know the true love and acceptance of God, and I will praying for us all to truly know the love and acceptance God has for all of us.

We are still going out every week for Street outreach and even though it is a lot quieter at the moment, the women we are seeing out regularly are ones that seem to be in the most desperate or dangerous situations, Please pray for safety and protection over these women.