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?