Adventure of a Cageless Bird

"Standing on the shore of decision, looking into the face of adventure. Desire to abandon all I know. What pushes me is rooted somewhere between misunderstanding and knowing. Knowing that what I want to understand is not within my reach, so I ponder my escape. Not knowing what lies ahead.  Adventure in theory is, is full of excitement and bleeds with passion for life. Adventure in reality is full of breathless moments, silent nights, and wounds that leave scars of memory on a heart.
Can I go the distance? Can I give all my mind to get what the Messenger is saying? Can I surrender my knowing? Will I survive the humility of ignorance to obtain a treasure that earthly gold cannot buy? Will I ask the question of honesty, even if the answer leads me to the land of repentance?
All of these thoughts flood my mind.  As I stand on the shore of choosing and in the distance of my wandering I see with clear eyes a flock of wild beautiful birds.  Swooping clearly in my direction, as if they see me and are coming for me.  And how strange it is that their eyes are full of clarity.  And the melody of their flapping wings sings out, ‘We are coming for you’.
A song is waking up.  Wake up, songbird. We want to hear your melodies.  Songbird, wake up.  Start singing. You’re not in your cage anymore, bound by your shame anymore, the walls that held you in prison, the gate is flung wide open.  Start singing cageless bird.”
-Melissa Helser “Cageless Bird”

       Music and words are close to my heart and God tends to use one or the other and sometimes both to completely capture my attention. This poem and song have spoken to a deep place in my soul. After hearing it the first time I realized I had been a "caged bird" and had forgotten that I could in fact FLY! That not only could I fly, but I could sing as well! It was a revelation. I was born to FLY, I was born to SING, I was made for more than I had been living. I was once a voiceless, caged, sad little bird. But, that is who I was, not who I am now, nor who I was created to be. I am now a cageless bird, spreading my wings in the flight of liberty and singing songs that spill out of my mouth from the depths of my soul. 
       Another song, "On the Shores",  written by the same woman (Melissa Helser) has become an anthem for me. The difficulties that life brings; the heartache, the pain, the disappointment, the loss, these are the rains in life that can come and wash away hope and steal joy. I have been reminded that in Christ alone my hope can be found and that the purest form of joy, joy unspeakable comes from loving Jesus. I will no longer partner with disappointment, I say that hope is once again lit aflame. This hope flame isn't a small candle flame, but a huge bonfire flame full of fire, light, heat, reaching to the stars...that is what my hope looks like. I no longer will allow my joy to be stolen by circumstances or people. My joy has been sown by my tears and many tears have I sown, so I know that the joy I harvest is a vast and bountiful field. I once again BELIEVE in hope, and I AM FILLED with exceeding joy. I pray you will find your hope and joy again through the only one who can give it, Jesus. 

Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord. Psalm 31:24 Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy. Psalm 126:5

"On the shores of my soul I give you permission

To wash my tears away

And take all my disappointment

And fill me with joy once again."  
-Melissa Helser "On the Shores"