Last time, I wrote about how important it is to use our voices for good. This time, I want to talk about something many teens and even adults quietly struggle with…feeling overshadowed.
Feeling overshadowed can make us feel invisible or less special. It often happens when someone else, maybe a sibling, classmate, or a friend seems to receive more attention or praise. No matter what form it takes, it can hurt deeply.
I’ve felt that pain myself. One of my hardest moments came during sports, when a teammate who was often unkind to others was still praised as a leader and respected by coaches. It was hard to see someone who treated peers poorly be admired simply for what adults saw on the surface. Even though I tried to ignore it, I found myself wondering why kindness didn’t seem to matter as much.
Through that experience, I began to understand something much greater. I am a child of God, and so is everyone reading this, including the people who test our patience. When we start to see challenges as training instead of punishment, we begin to realize that God allows these moments for a reason. Feeling overshadowed can be one of the hardest, but also one of the most powerful, ways to draw closer to Him, if we allow ourselves to. In the quiet, when we feel unseen by others, God is helping us see that He sees us, and that continues to inspire me more than anything.
My mom once shared Psalm 27:10 with me: “Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me.” She reminded me that every single person- parents, friends, teachers, even teammates, will disappoint us at some point, but God never will. I finally understood that even when human love feels uneven, God’s love never wavers. Loneliness, when we offer it back to Him in prayer, becomes a gift.
God often reminds us that He doesn’t choose people for their strength, status, or appearance, but for their willing hearts. Second Timothy 3:12 says, “Indeed, all who desire to live a Godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” Hardship isn’t proof that you’re forgotten; it’s evidence that God is shaping you for something greater.
So if you ever feel overshadowed, remember this: God is preparing you. He’s refining you. He’s calling you by name. Anchor your confidence in Him, not in the opinions of others. While parents, teachers, or coaches may see who you’ve been, God sees who you’re becoming.
My hope is that this message reminds you that your light is never dimmed by someone else’s. If this message spoke to you, share it with someone who might need encouragement, or simply pray for them.
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About Future Voices
Future Voices is a Sunday morning column in The Dallas Express where young Texans share how faith and perseverance shape their lives. These stories remind readers that God often speaks through the honesty and courage of the next generation.