Is your wing broken?

I met someone this week. Someone who has been told she can't fly. Someone who has had her feathers clipped just enough to make her wonder if she can make it. I don't know the whole story. But, when I look into someone's eyes and see the years of hurt blinking through tears and hear the stammering of words....I know enough. It reminds me of young birds learning to fly. They hop and bob around, testing their new found wings. Some are instantly strong and swoop up to the skies. Others are uncertain. They can't believe they are capable of flapping hard enough to stay off the ground. In marriages where there is a dominating spouse, there is the danger of the other partner flying low to the ground and getting hurt. Not everyone believes what they hear. Some people can overcome this negativity, but there are those who, over time, start to think it is true. "Your not smart enough. You can't think for yourself." I tried to imagine her homelife as I listened. I don't do well when I see a wounded creature. I wondered why she can't see her beauty or strenght. I could hear her husband telling her, "you can't do that, you'll never make it." As I left her and continued through my day, I lifted her up. I placed her on the highest mountain top and prayed she would feel the strength in her wings as the wind blew past her. Maybe she will take a few steps to the edge and practice. Maybe she will shut out the words of discouragement. Maybe she will mend that broken wing and I will see her fly one day. Everyone has wings. God gives them to everyone. Some just haven't had the courage to see if they work, yet.