Back in 1984, Sally Field won an academy award. She joyously ended her acceptance speech with, “You like me! Right now! You like me!” (Often misquoted since then as “You like me! You really, really like me!” but that’s close enough. Scroll down to see the original speech.)
I can sure relate to Sally.
I’ve been noticing a strange desire to ask for reassurance that people like me as I’ve been sitting in various situations the last few months. Our women’s group, Sunday school class, fellowship time at church, family gatherings, and online zoom meetings. The setting doesn’t matter, but the feeling is often there.
I fight back the urge to ask, “Am I doing okay? Do you like me? (Do you really, really like me?)”
I imagine most people have those feelings to some degree as they go through life. We just don’t voice that insecurity because we’re afraid it will clue everyone in to how fragile we actually are. Ironically, we think that if we show our vulnerability, people won’t like us.
Finding that balance between strength and vulnerability may help us feel more sure of ourselves in the long run.
Sometimes we need to act brave in spite of the fears raging inside us.
Sometimes we need to be vulnerable and share our fears with a trusted friend or family member.
Most of all, we need to remember that our worth doesn’t come from what people here on earth think of us. We are valuable because God loves us—in our brave moments, our vulnerable moments, and every moment in between.
He loves us. He really, really loves us! And that can give us all the reassurance we need.
Knowing God loves us might even help us remember to offer encouragement to someone else. “I like you! I really, really like you!”
We all need to hear that once in a while.
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever.” (Psalm 136:1 NIV)
Do you crave affirmation from others? How can focusing on God help you to feel more secure because you know he loves you?
Thank you for the encouraging post. Often when things are going badly in my life, I wonder if God truly does like me or care about me. That will spill over into every other relationship. I have to take those times to affirm the truth: God likes me, loves me, cares for me, and He will strengthen me and help me get through every trial. I also needed the reminder to encourage others that I like them. 🙂
Oh, I’m so glad you liked it, Lora! We can’t forget that God loves us no matter what. I’m glad you’re going to tell others that you like them. Guess what? I like you! ~Robyn
I really like you, too, Robyn! I appreciate your posts so much. 🙂
I think the thing I struggle with the most is not liking myself which undermines the potential I have through Christ. Because I struggle with this it causes me not to love others as I should. Why? Maybe it is knowing that eventually I will disappoint others which means later they will not like me. Is it an issue of trust? Perhaps. I know that God loves me, but the struggle is real and it is daily that I question my worth or likeability. Thank you for the great post Robyn!!!
I would even go as far and add that we need to tell ourselves that we like ourselves. This is something I have personally struggled with for many years. Hearing it from others is very important which inherently builds emotional and spiritual strength with every Christian, but we also have to balance this with the idea that have not deserved an ounce of the Grace God has given us. For me beating myself up daily is something I should not do, but I do. The feelings of being inadequate and not worthy of being liked or even loved for that matter can act as a barrier to the very emotional structure we need and what I believe God expects for us. At least I hope I am on track with my thoughts…
Thanks for the comments, Don! (Sorry I missed the first one…I decided to approve them both because there are such great thoughts in there.) Yes, we can beat ourselves up way too often. Maybe reminding ourselves of how much God loves us will help us to rest in his grace and really like ourselves (and others) more! ~Robyn