This world is built on the backs of silent sacrificers. I was scrolling through some reels on Instagram this weekend when I heard those two words strung together for the first time…silent and sacrifice. It resonated deeply with me. I don’t recall much about the reel other than those two words being entangled together in significant meaning.
Silent sacrificers are the people who prefer to work behind the curtain rather than operate in the limelight. Those who serve selflessly amongst the selfish for a cause greater than oneself. Their sacrifice is grounded in the mere betterment of others.
These people are everyday superheroes disguised as parents, grandparents, brothers/sisters, aunts/uncles, spouses, friends, and soulmates. They are educators, coaches, public safety professionals, pastors, and any other role that requires a sacrifice on behalf of others. They are our difference makers.
Each of our lives has been impacted by silent sacrificers. We are better for their Intercedence in our worlds. They have modeled what it is like to be givers and doers rather than receivers and sayers.
Because of their silent strategy, their sacrifice can easily go unnoticed, underappreciated, and undervalued. Even to the greatest beneficiaries of their service, they can often be taken for granted. As Gritty as these amazing humans are, they are not immune from discouragement.
In order to prevent this, here are three things that the heart of our silent sacrificer needs us to know:
Respect the Weight
Silent sacrificers have broad shoulders. Wide enough to carry our burdens on top of their own. Their sacrifice for others has developed the necessary strength and stamina to consistently run into storms when everyone else is walking out. They can trudge forward despite the heavy loads.
Know this and respect this. Occasional acknowledgement always helps. They aren’t just carrying our burdens. It is likely that there are many others just like us. Ones we have not the faintest idea about.
Respect the weight they carry, its heavier than you know.
Give Grace
Silent sacrificers are known to be steady and consistent people in our lives. Often seen as flawless or perfect individuals because of their ability to always perform.
Here is a secret…Even a Superhero’s Cape Gets Tattered. Their sacrifice has a significant cost. They can grow exhausted trying to be all things to all people. While their aspirations are to save everyone’s day, they can stumble in the process. They are fully capable of falling short and failing us. They have bad moments too.
One of the greatest gifts we can give those who sacrificially serve us in moments of failure is grace.
Express Gratitude
We are internally grateful people. The question is, are we externally grateful? We are internally grateful for our silent sacrificers, but have we expressed it externally?
Sacrificial servants will come through despite it, but gratitude goes a long way. The occasional expression of gratitude can provide the necessary encouragement for them to keep going. Truett Cathy once said, “How do you know that someone needs encouragement? If they are breathing.” Even the strongest of the silent ones need it.
It is important to remember that gratitude is never silent. Express it through our words, either spoken or written. Gratitude acknowledges their sacrifice.
You Are Worth It
Any great sacrificial cause is worth it. No matter the obstacles, roadblocks, or detours along the journey, sacrifice is always worth it. No matter the amount of blood, sweat, and teers shed, it is worth it. No matter the time expended, the hours of sleep lost, or the negative implications to one’s health, it is worth it.
Your silent sacrificer would want you to know that while they help carry your burdens, you are not one. You are worth it to them, all day, every day.
Conclusion
Silent sacrificers are uncommon people. They are different. Their motives and intentions uniquely position them to better others and the worlds they live in. They are internally wired to put themselves last, so others may be first. These people are simply the best human beings. They are the ones we first think of when we are in need, the second our worlds fall apart, or we just need someone to listen to us.
Silent sacrificers will never have statues erected in their honor, but their legacies will be etched in the hearts of people that they loved and cared for. The hearts of people is the greatest canvas for one of life’s noblest of causes…to silently sacrifice for others.