What’s the Meaning Behind the Wings?
This past weekend we celebrated my sister Shawna’s birthday. I absolutely loved her theme and decorations centered somewhat around wings (she had a movie-on-the-lawn watching Maleficent). She’s so talented and gifted at that (as I’ve written about before). However, my favorite part of her birthday was that in lieu of gifts this year, she hosted a fundraiser instead. She joined A21 in the fight against human trafficking. A21 informs that “Human trafficking is modern day slavery that fuels the growth of organized crime, undermining health, safety, security, and the basic needs of humanity. It is the fastest growing crime in the world.” Shawna used a wonderful and brilliant analogy about wings that fit right in with her Maleficent theme. Here was her message:
Hi friends,
I have decided to join A21 in the fight against human trafficking by hosting a small fundraiser for my birthday (in lieu of birthday gifts).
Please note that your gift may have just been a card or kind word (which I love!). And you can still donate that as well! A21 has a “how you can give” page and one of the ways to give is to write letters, make a card, or just send a small craft or something to brighten up the day of those who were rescued! Please check out A21’s page for all the ways you can donate!!
A21 aims to rescue and rebuild lives that have been affected by human trafficking and actively operate with ten offices in nine countries.
THANK YOU for choosing to support me as I work to raise funds that will free victims and restore lives. If you would like to learn more about the issue of human trafficking globally, please check out the Human Trafficking page on the A21 website.
My theme for my birthday is Maleficent. In that movie her wings were stolen and she could no longer fly and she lost hope. She regained her hope (and her wings) through seeing the kindness, grace, and love in another.
Those who have been trafficked have also had their wings stolen. I ask that you partner with me in showing those in need kindness, grace, and love. Help me give them back their wings!!
~ Shawna
I absolutely loved her wings analogy! Wings hold special meaning for me too because they are a part of my logo. Recently, I was talking with my doctor about my blog, and she jokingly asked about my logo, “Why the target logo? Do you just really like the store Target?” I explained how God gave me the idea for the target/mark logo when learning about God’s formula for success. I described how the wings represented God’s presence and support and how the target is a mark for success and that my goal is to help others press toward their mark, their success. I also pointed out a secondary purpose/symbolism for the wings on my logo–that goals and success often seem evasive or seem to be a moving target (wings on target=moving target) and that we often have to chase after our success. Even when we achieve goals and success, we still need to set a mark for yet another goal or area in which to succeed. Therefore our marks have wings and always keep us moving forward.
Wings hold a lot of symbolism in the bible too. According to the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, “often the wings of an eagle are mentioned because they are from 7 to 9 feet in sweep, of untiring flight, and have strength to carry heavy burdens: so they became the symbol of strength and endurance.” Wings are also used throughout the Bible to represent God’s presence.
“Above the Box were the winged creatures representing God’s presence, with their wings spread over the place where sins were forgiven…” Hebrews 9:5 (GNT)
“Be merciful and gracious to me, O God, be merciful and gracious to me, for my soul takes refuge and finds shelter and confidence in You; yes in the shadow of Your wings will I take refuge and be confident until calamities and destructive storms are passed.” Psalm 57:1 (AMP)
“He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings…” Psalm 91:4 (NLT)
“For You have been my help, and in the shadow of Your wings will I rejoice.” Psalm 63:7 (AMP)
“…hide me in the shadow of Your wings” Psalm 17:8 (AMP)
“…People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.” Psalm 36:7 (NIV)
“…let me find refuge and trust in the shelter of Your wings.” Psalm 61:4 (AMP)
God’s “wings” offer us protection, assistance, strength and endurance. There was a quote in the movie when Maleficent was describing her wings to Aurora. “They were strong. They could carry me above the clouds and into the headwinds. They never faltered. Not even once. I could trust them.” That is like God—He is strong. He will carry us. He will never falter—not even once. We can trust Him.
Take Some Practical Steps to Add Meaning to “Wings”:
- Take my sister’s advice and show kindness, grace and love to others who have lost their “wings”. Show them God’s love and presence through YOU and your actions. One wonderful way to do this is through supporting A21 and their efforts. Visit A21.org to learn more and offer support.
- Know that you always have the “wings” of God surrounding you. He is there to protect you, support you, give you strength and carry you through life’s difficult times. He will never falter nor fail you.
“for He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)! [Assuredly not!]” Hebrews 13:5 (AMP)
- The next time you see wings, let it always be a reminder to you of God’s presence and the protection, strength and endurance that are available to you through God.
Have “wings” had meaning in your life? In what other ways can you help others who have lost their “wings”? Leave a comment below (click on the post link to join the conversation if you’re viewing through e-mail) or take the conversation to your favorite social media channel (sharing links below).
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