Words Are My Wings

 

Nature has prompted many of my compositions, as wildlife is a consistent reminder of God’s infinite love, grace, and awe-inspiring creativity.

Ever fascinated by the transition from day to night in particular, this poem describes how a sunset, accented by seagulls, is akin to composing poetry. You can imagine the gulls gliding, dipping and soaring with the breeze in the picture above. Also, assuming the formatting works correctly (centered text), you should notice that even the poem itself resembles that of the beating of a bird’s wings to fly.

 

“Words Are My Wings”

In the silence of night
my spirit takes flight
To a higher plane
far from
this world
of pain.
I hear
my Master call
in shifting silhouettes
of the black trees tall
cast upon a deepening blue
…now a majestic
purple hue.
The sun
sinks
out of sight.
In the seagull’s cries
He moves me to write
expressions of love
and simplicity
of peace and
tranquility.
Sometimes
in the
day,
often
at night,
words are my wings
and my soul takes flight.

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© Ladeena Ashley

Free Rein
Speaking of birds, I am a night owl. In fact, my mother can attest to spending long evenings that turned into late nights talking about…well…everything. I count myself especially blessed that my mother has always been one of my best friends. In relation to writing, though inspiration can strike most anytime, for me it often happens after four or five o’clock. Partly because I’m often at work until that time (though in rare occasions, I have jotted down some verses at work), but even over the weekend the creative juices aren’t flowing until later in the day. No matter my natural tendencies, I’ve given the Lord free rein (and reign!) to nudge me wherever I am if He has something for me to write down. It’s rather refreshing to know that He knows my habits and works through me to accomplish His will! He loves me and uses me right where I’m at.

What gifts, talents, skills and abilities has He given you? When what we’ve been given is dedicated back to Him, He will use us in mighty ways, sending our hearts soaring as high as the birds! Never underestimate the power of even the simplest kind word, smile or loving gesture. If He can work through me, He can work through you!

“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10

Extra Credit  –  Romans 12:1-8

Blessings to you, this day and always!

©Ladeena Ashley
2017 All Rights Reserved (blog content and photo)

Poem’s Progress

(Picture: Herald of Spring – Crocus. Taken: 3-9-17)

John 10:27 “My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”

Not surprisingly, most poems I am inspired to write are from my own experiences and point of view. The one featured in this post is the first time I recall writing as God spoke directly to me, for me. It was written during a pivotal time in my young life: graduation not far behind me and an uncertain but wide-open future ahead. What the Lord spoke to my heart encouraged me to keep looking to Him through it all.

“You First!”

Hear Me when you have the voice,
Choose Me when you have the choice.
Fear Me when you have fear,
Come close and I’ll be near.
I never forsake those who call,
I lift up the weary who fall.
Follow My light when darkness is seen;
Accept My forgiveness and you will be clean.
Blindly trust Me and then you will see:
My love lasts for all eternity.
Hope in Me when no hope is there,
Love Me when your feelings are bare.
Acknowledge Me in everything you do.
Look towards Me and I will see you through.

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© Ladeena Ashley

Creative Inspiration
The poems I write aren’t planned, they are caught on paper as inspiration strikes! Most of my experiences writing poetry begin with one simple word or a suddenly meaningful phrase. Either a familiar one from a new perspective, an odd combination of words, or simply a random concept inspired by something I’ve seen.

My soul instinctively recognizes whether it is a moment to smile and reflect, or to swiftly grab a paper and pen to keep the inspiration for posterity. Thoughts seem to come from within and yet without; separate from but working in tandem somehow with my own thinking. Once the initial word or phrase is penned, another soon follows. Like a warm summer breeze, the inner prompting and “still small voice”of the Holy Spirit at once enlivens and calms my soul.

My heart, mind, soul and the Holy Spirit seem to dance together, swaying in a glorious rhythm to compose each line, expressing the very lyrics and steps of my faith. The harmony of my heart in full surrender to God silences all discordant fear and doubt. Without speculation as to the ending, I continue writing until the words cease flowing and I sense it is complete. Gleeful inspiration then gives way to reverent awe and peace. Often I lose myself in writing, and it’s only when I finally read my chicken scratch and scribbles that I begin to fully grasp what’s been created.

Blessed to Be A Blessing
I feel incredibly blessed to have such a close relationship with the God of the universe, and that He saw fit to grant me this gift to share with others. For me, the otherworldly peace, love and holy excitement I feel – in moments of everyday life, but especially when writing – are evidence of a real and living God. It is amazing to be known and loved so deeply and completely, and in thankful awe be able to convey the reason for my hope through verse and rhyme. It never ceases to amaze me. God never ceases to amaze me.

God will be close to you, too, if you let Him. The enemy knocks loudly, but the Lord whispers to our souls. Learn to quiet your soul in order to hear His still, small voice.

As believers, we’re all given gifts. Don’t hesitate to trust Him to help you use what He has given you to be a blessing to others, wherever you are.

Blessings to you, this day and always!

©Ladeena Ashley
2017 All Rights Reserved (blog content and photos)