We need to be recognized as persons in our differences and singularities, strengthened in our luminous dimension, and comprehended in our shadowy dimension. Otherwise, we are like a plant that for lack of nutrients withers away and dies.
The fact that for most people the need for self-esteem is not met is a true tragedy. They don't even have a name, just a surname; they are considered to be a number in the mass, economic and social zeros, dead weight in history. So consider how important it is when the heavens open up, as the heavens once opened up over Jesus, and we hear: "You are my beloved son, my beloved daughter. How happy I am over your existence." That was how the Spirit spoke over Jesus, and that is how the Spirit speaks over each of us, Jesus' brothers and sisters. At that moment we have a thousand reasons to feel appreciated and feel our energies renewed. We can walk with hope and without fear.
— Leonardo Boff, The Lord is My Shepherd