Recently, in considering how many times the Gospels say, “Jesus saw” someone, often a woman, I was reminded of the Name of God, El Roi. That is the only name first ascribed to God by a woman.

Hagar was a pregnant outcast in the desert when the Angel of the LORD came to her. After this encounter, Genesis 16:13 says, “she gave this name to the LORD Who spoke to her. ‘You are the God Who sees me.’ For she said, ‘I have seen the One Who sees me.’

Isn’t it interesting how little girls want to be seen? “Mommy, watch what I do!” … “Daddy, did you see me?” And it’s this name that is given by a woman. El Roi saw Hagar. El Roi sees you. He sees you when you go into the center on a rainy day, expecting no one to come. But you will be there, just in case.

He sees you as you gently and lovingly listen to a girl pour out her broken heart—a story you’ve no doubt heard before. He sees you as you give formula and diapers. He sees you extending the Heart of Jesus through your hands.

Take heart! God sees you. And, because of His Son’s bloody cross and empty tomb, He is pleased.

Dottie Wobb, founding Executive Director (now retired) of Hope Pregnancy Centers of Broward County (now Hope Women’s Centers). Her anointing and experience has taken her across the nation and beyond, teaching and training on women’s and pregnancy help ministry.