Broken Wings?

“Clipped wings, I was a broken thing, had a voice but I could not sing; you would wind me down, I struggled on the ground… I struggle to fly now” -Sia- Bird Set Free

I have loved this song from the moment I heard it for the first time. I related so much to these lyrics. It’s amazing how someone else’s experience would give them a creative expression that could touch many in places they didn’t know they needed to be touched, or reminded. I love that about the creative process!

Recently, I was interviewed by LaQuisha Hall (@confidentcanvas) as she was honoring the month of Domestic Violence awareness. It was my first time talking a little bit about my mom’s story and my own on social media. As you can imagine, many emotions, but for sure lot’s of gratitude for God’s redemption in our story and for the power of community.

I remember sharing about that day…the day when I had to make the tough choice of running away for my life while leaving my mom behind because she didn’t feel ready to escape with me. I bursted into tears as I shared about how I felt as if my wings were broken and began to heal that day…it’s almost as if a new pair of wings were being birth in me again. It was for sure going to take a long time for the healing process and for me to learn how to fly again…but I eventually did.

As Sia’s lyrics said: “you held me down but I fought back loud”… I had to fight my way out. I gathered a few scars in the process…but it was worth it. I am well aware that not all can scape or fight for their lives. It’s never easy, there is not a formula. However when we do…something beautiful begins to happen…your wings begin to heal. Part of my healing was found by helping other women and young girls that were struggling in similar areas. Your journey can serve as a healing to others as well.

There are many pieces of our stories that have caused our wings to be clipped. At times it’s hard to look at our wings and not feel scared. But we will fly again!

Don’t look at your broken wings with shame- look at them with compassion and love. Remember they’ve been through a lot…but they will be restored. They will feel like a brand new pair of wings when you heal.

For me, it began with realizing that I was made for more. Followed by the decision to scape, and being supported by my faith and my church community.

I don’t know if there are areas in your heart where you feel like you are being held down, and that you’re struggling to get back up…

Let me encourage you today…you were made for more. You matter. You’re worthy. You are loved. We were not created to live in fear, and held down by violence, injustice or abuse of any kind. We were created by love and for love. We were created to fly!

Consider to give your wings a chance to be healed…a chance to be free to fly again. You will not regret it.

This piece was inspired by the story of many survivors that decided to fight for their lives…and in honor to those that are still trying to find their way.

Hugs,

Jannette