Today I wanted to show you something I made a while ago, and tell you why I made it. I should probably explain. There are no wings in this post.
But at the time I began making this book, there were questions about why the wings we do have are sometimes so broken.
Why we are utterly unable to fly as the storm swirls around us.
Fragile. Scuffed. Torn. Wounded to the core.
In the sweet calm that often comes just after, we look around, bruised. Can we become more beautiful because of the storm?
Four years ago this week, my father passed away. Lung cancer.
At the same time, my husband was deathly ill in the hospital too. It was touch and go.
My son was going through a very traumatic time also. Depression, fears for his safety. Life is very, very messy.
My wings were broken already. But then I got hurt too.
I'd herniated two disks, bone on bone, waves of pain that I couldn't escape from. I needed surgery immediately. Not now, there's just too much happening.
"Oh Lord, you are my God. I will exault You."
"I will praise Your Name, for you have done wonderful things...."
"...a strength to the needy in his distress. A refuge from the storm." Isaiah 25
By the time this book was finished, Tim was well again, Sam was whole, Papa had said his goodbyes and was with Jesus, and I was recovering from surgery to repair my poor neck. I had survived this storm, but I understood...
I needed broken wings here on earth, because that is what makes us real, and when we are real, we can offer comfort and encouragement with sincerity, we pray with more heart, our touch has more love.
Our life has more meaning.
Be of comfort to someone today. Help to heal their fears and wounds. Love unconditionally, pray without ceasing.
Eileen
Oh my goodness ~ this is simply beautiful. Both the book and the wonderful thoughts behind it. I'm loving your blog!!
Posted by: Marie | Wednesday, December 16, 2009 at 07:56 AM
This post makes me weep, it's sooooo beautiful. Never has surfing someone's blog archives meant more... Thank you for sharing.
LindaSonia
Posted by: LindaSonia | Wednesday, June 03, 2009 at 05:29 PM
Hi Eileen,
I know I am going way back in the archives, commenting on this. I just had to tell you, though, that every time I come to your blog, I read your latest post and then I HAVE to look at this book again---every time! I don't know why, other than the beauty and the sentiment of the piece, but I'm so drawn to it. I know one reason is that I share your hope in the faithfulness of God to make all things new. It also reminds me of a book that you might know called "Journey of Desire" by John Eldredge. Thanks so much for sharing this lovely post~~
Posted by: kathy slaughter | Wednesday, June 03, 2009 at 07:09 AM
Just beautiful ~ the writing and the book.
Posted by: Lana | Saturday, March 21, 2009 at 09:44 AM
A beautiful book and most perfect sentiment. Thank you for sharing your praise of God with us through your book and this post!
Posted by: Jen Day~sugaredsongbird | Tuesday, February 24, 2009 at 09:45 AM
Wow! What a wonderful post and what a beautiful book you made. I love the wording stamped across the bottom throughout the book. It goes very well with you message to us, typed under each photo. Bless you! Thanks for sharing your marvelous book and your heartfelt words.
There is always room for you in The Shadow of the Cross. Feel free to stop in anytime.
Posted by: Alice Hendon | Tuesday, February 24, 2009 at 06:41 AM
What a beautiful post and book! So touching.
Cerri xo
Posted by: Cerri Campbell | Monday, February 23, 2009 at 08:06 PM
I'am speechless !!
Posted by: Ellen Prinsen | Monday, February 23, 2009 at 11:36 AM
I have read this post over and over...amazing. You have a beautiful soul...I can tell.
Blessings,
Susie
Posted by: Susie Homemaker | Sunday, February 22, 2009 at 06:23 PM
Dear Eileen,
I am so glad Diane sent me your way. You have a beautiful blog! Thank you for sharing your gorgeous artwork! I was so blessed by your comforting words! The Lord is so good and He is so faithful to never leave us nor forsake us! What you said about needing broken wings is so very true and reading that really helped me! Thank you for sharing your heart!
Love in Jesus, Paula
Posted by: Paula | Sunday, February 22, 2009 at 12:00 PM
What a wonderful post! I'm so glad Diane Knott shared the link to your blog. I've spent an hour here and still have more to see. Thank you for sharing such beautiful things.
Blessings, Susie
Posted by: Susie Mitchell | Sunday, February 22, 2009 at 11:51 AM
WOW! That took my breath away.
What beautiful insights, and a good reminder for me in the midst of emotional healing.
I'm so glad Diane (Diane Knott's Musings) sent me over.
Blessings,
Barbara Jean
Posted by: Barbara Jean | Sunday, February 22, 2009 at 11:33 AM
I love when people share their art~ this one included your heart...nothing more beautiful!
Thank you for sharing. My dad passed away from lung cancer~ I look forward to embracing him again.
Your work is lovely~
Wishing you all the best!
Michelle
Posted by: Michelle Palmer | Sunday, February 22, 2009 at 11:24 AM
Eileen, so beautiful! I really felt all of your sentiments too.
Art is healing. We've been given such a wondrous gift in our art.
Blessings and new wings...
Diane
Posted by: Diane Knott | Sunday, February 22, 2009 at 10:52 AM
What a lovely book and you tell a wonderful story with so much truth and passion.
Posted by: Leann | Sunday, February 22, 2009 at 10:34 AM
Thank you for sharing. The book is breathtaking! So sorry about your father.
Posted by: Jeanne | Sunday, February 22, 2009 at 10:04 AM
Oh my gosh Eileen... your post is so beautiful. It touched me more than you know... thanks for sharing your beautiful work. and your beautiful words.
xoxo Heather
Posted by: Heather ~ Pretty Petals | Sunday, February 22, 2009 at 09:31 AM
Eileen what an absolutely beautiful book , and touching story, to have all that at once. So sorry to hear of the loss of your Father. Thank you for sharing both your inspiring words and amazing talents.
~Shari
Posted by: shari replogle / playswithpaper | Sunday, February 22, 2009 at 06:39 AM
A beautiful post Eileen. So sorry about your Papa.
Posted by: Susan Elliott | Sunday, February 22, 2009 at 01:46 AM
Oh Eileen, what a beautiful, beautiful post...so well said and so very true ~ thank you for this and your book is just as gorgeous, xxoo, Dawn
Posted by: Dawn @ The Feathered Nest | Saturday, February 21, 2009 at 10:56 PM
This book is beautiful! And what you say about broken wings is so true! Thank you for sharing so much of yourself and your beautiful art! karen...
recycledrita.blogspot.com
Posted by: karen | Saturday, February 21, 2009 at 09:19 PM
You never cease to amaze me! Just wonderful work and what a lovely post. Thank you for sharing.
Posted by: Becky Caldwell | Saturday, February 21, 2009 at 07:38 PM
Eileen,
That was absolutely beautiful! Thank you for sharing.
Posted by: Ashley | Saturday, February 21, 2009 at 07:23 PM
This post is beautiful- THank you!
God's Word is true- Joy comes in the morning- I am wondering if that should be mourning?
blessings
mary
Posted by: Mary Ellen | Saturday, February 21, 2009 at 06:16 PM
Your book is amazing! Thank you for sharing!
Posted by: Lisa | Saturday, February 21, 2009 at 05:02 PM
beautifully said!!!!!
Posted by: jennifer | Saturday, February 21, 2009 at 04:41 PM
Oh - what a beautiful post.
Life is tough sometimes.
I love your book.
Posted by: Tina | Saturday, February 21, 2009 at 12:37 PM
I love this post. My wings are broken also...but my hope is in the Lord. Thank you, and your book is amazing!
Posted by: Ceekay | Saturday, February 21, 2009 at 11:58 AM