Your World – Spread Your Wings
Your World
Your world is as big as you make it.
I know, for I used to abide
In the narrower nest in a corner.
My wings pressing close to my side.
But I sighted the distant horizon
Where the skyline encircled the sea
And I throbbed with a burning desire
To travel this immensity.
I battered the cordons around me
And cradled my wings on the breeze
Then soared to the uttermost reaches
With rapture, with power, with ease!
Georgia Douglas Johnson
This poem is found in the Words with Wings, A Treasury of African-American Poetry and Art. It’s a beautifully illustrated book filled with poems selected by Belinda Rochelle. She writes, “Each poem and work of art was selected because it inspires our own creative energy. Each was chosen to give wings to your creativity.”
I love the title of this book, Words with WIngs, it creates such a beautiful picture of words flying off the page and flowing out into the universe. Words have power, “Black lives matter.!” Words take on new meanings “gender equality.” Words display emotions, “No justice, no peace!” Through poetry, words express feelings, ideas, and a thoughtful consciousness that can evoke change.
The words of this particular poem seem to describe how many of us view our own little world. We keep things close to us, never wanting to branch out too far and yet when the time is just right, we realize that there is this whole, great big world out there just waiting to be discovered.
Perhaps you may be finding yourself in this place of exploration, where you are just about ready to take flight. Don’t let the winds of change stop you from reaching your highest goals. Change happens, and sometimes we just have to flow with the winds and see where we land.
And yet, sometimes it takes a great deal of courage to break free from the strongholds that want to keep us from moving forward and spread your wings and take off.
Be on Guard and Stand Firm in Faith
The Bible tells us in 1 Corinthians 16:13, “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith, be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love.” We are told to be on our guard, be watchful. Why do you think we are told to be on our “guard?” Perhaps it is because if we let down our guard, we can fall into an unhealthy pattern of behavior. We become weak and insecure. Our faith wavers and those strongholds of discouragement take hold and will not let go.
It takes an amazing amount of courage to take that leap of faith, soar off into the unknown and fly with ease. Knowing that God is with you, He gives you strength and courage to do the hard things that you never thought possible.
“I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)
Where do you find yourself today, held up in the corners of your world, or ready to spread your wings and soar? Wherever you are, know that you are not alone, the God of all creation is waiting for you. Step out, no turning back, be at peace, and along the journey remember whatever you do, do it with love, and spread your wings.
If you are looking for more inspiration take a look at the other free resources available.