by: Kathy R. Williamson Bruce

It means everything when we feel seen, right? Not just with a mere glance or a deep gaze but to be “seen”. In my opinion to be “seen” means to be authentically recognized, understood, and accepted for who you are at your core. Being truly “seen” means you’re validated and your feelings, emotions, and presence are validated too. When you are “seen” in this way it fosters a deep sense of belonging and connection. It is hard to flourish when you feel invisible or neglected. We have a God-given need to belong and to connect in deep ways.

We get a glimpse of what it means to feel “seen” from reading Hagar’s story in the Book of Genesis chapter 16. The Bible tells us that Hagar was an Egyptian slave of Sarah, Abraham’s wife, whom Sarah gave to Abraham to bear a child, resulting in Ishmael. Her story, details her mistreatment by Sarah, her flight into the wilderness, as well as a crucial encounter with God, who promised to make a great nation from her descendants. Wow!! God saw her! Because God saw her plight she named Him “El Roi” (The God Who Sees). Hagar later faced eviction with Ishmael but was again saved by God in the desert, symbolizing God’s deep love for the marginalized, invisible, and neglected. Hagar was a victim of Sarah’s misaligned desire. As a slave woman, she had no power of her own. No power to say no. She was not “seen” as a person but as a “receptacle” to be used for that misaligned desire. But God. God saw her. He validated her when she was cast aside. Thanks be to God.

There is also a distinct connection with “seeing” the least of these and serving God. Have you made that connection? God’s Word tells us that we are rewarded when we “see” others, specifically the marginalized, for when we do, we are, in effect, “seeing” Him as our neighbor. [See Matthew 25:31-46]

As I watch the inhumane treatment of our neighbors (migrants) in this country, we’d do well to “see” them by revisiting Matthew 25:31-46

31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. 34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ 40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink,43 I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’
44 “They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’
45 “He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’
46 “Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”

Throughout the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus’ teaching has announced and illustrated the kingdom of God. God’s kingdom does not function like a typical kingdom. This divine reign has invaded the world and is good news — especially to those on the fringes of society. This rule welcomes those who have no status and seeks to serve others rather than exploit them. To “see” them.

There’s a word in the Zulu language that conveys this sentiment well—Sawabona. Zulu is the most widely spoken home language in South Africa. There are over 13.5 million people who speak this language. Did you know that the Zulu people traditionally practice a mix of Christianity and ancestral veneration (ancestor worship)? While I don’t practice ancestral worship I do recognize and honor my ancestors and connect with the spirit of their struggle. I am their dream and hope.

Sawubona (or Sawabona) is the Zulu word I’m referring to. It’s a greeting from South Africa that means “I see you”. Still, it carries a deeper meaning: acknowledging another’s intrinsic worth, value, and presence, bringing them into being through recognition. The literal translation signifies full attention and presence. More than words of politeness, sawubona carries the importance of recognizing the worth and dignity of each person. It says, “I see the whole of you—your experiences, your passions, your pain, your strengths and weaknesses, and your future. You are valuable to me.” When we “see” others in this way we are declaring that they are indeed the Imago Dei. Dei = God’s Diversity—Equity—Inclusion. What a beautiful thing! Everyone is included. No matter your lot in life. No matter where you come from. Who your parents are. What your skin color is. No matter your poverty or wealth. No matter the church denomination you align with. No matter your political affiliation. None of that matters. We are the imago dei. His image bearers.

Sawubona is also infused with the belief that when others “see” me, then I exist. The common response to Sawobona is “Shiboka”, which means “I exist for you”. It means “I am here”. It’s a profound gesture recognizing shared humanity, where seeing someone truly means seeing their whole self—past, present, and future!

As you can see, these are more than greetings. They’re ways to vitalize the other person by giving full attention and presence, communicating how much value they carry within them. 

So I say Sawabona to those who are being mistreated and discarded in any and every way. I pray that righteousness and justice prevail, just as others prayed for my ancestors to be liberated by the God of Justice. The Word of God says:

“Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; love and faithfulness go before You.” 
Psalm 89:14 NIV

This is my goal:
To “see” and be seen (Sawobona) by God and man and respond with “I am here” to those who “see” me (Sikhona). When I feel seen and heard, I feel respected. I’m sure you do too. We humans were created to experience a shared humanity. A Beloved Community. May we have the gift to “see” more clearly together by joining hearts and hands and declaring, “I am here!” and I bring you into being. Then go do it! This is pleasing to God.

Sawobona. Sikhona.