We see you and we celebrate you

We see the good you do

We see the love you share

We see the people you serve

We hear the names people call you

Names that we do not recognize or publicize, lest we legitimize

For those names don’t define you

We know you by one name: Beloved Child of God

Created in God’s own image

We don’t pretend to know your pain

But when you hurt, we hurt, too

We may not walk in your shoes

But we will walk beside you

In or out

Bold or bashful

Proud and strong or

Timid and tired

We welcome you

We see you struggle and

We marvel at your strength

We see you embrace who you are and hope

We can seize some self-acceptance as well

We see you and we celebrate you

You are worthy

You are loved

You are fabulous

---

Rev. Anne Russ is an ordained pastor in the Presbyterian Church (USA), currently based in New York City. Doubting Believer provides tools and encouragement for the rollercoaster ride of your faith journey. Follow me on Facebook , Instagram and YouTube. You can also follow on TikTok. Get emails to keep up with all that is happening.