Craig Clouston

Feathers In The Wind

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.

Psalm 147:3

Anger seemed to be Danielle’s only emotion. From the moment she arose until she laid her head back on the pillow, she exuded frustration, displeasure, and impatience with everyone around her. When her children began exhibiting the same behavior, constantly fighting, the older calling the younger hurtful names, Danielle’s husband said, “You need to do something about how you treat people.”

Seeking resolution, they together sought Christian counseling. The first week the psychologist asked Danielle to complete an exercise. Upon Danielle’s agreement, the counselor said, “I want you to find a down pillow, take it to the center of a large field, cut it open, and scatter the feathers in the wind.”

Danielle thought it strange, and said so, but agreed to do as requested.

The following week, having proudly advising her counselor of completing the task, Danielle was disheartened when the counselor said, “This week’s assignment is to go back to where you scattered the feathers and collect each and every one of them.”

“Why, that would be impossible!” Danielle cried in anger.

The counselor pointed out, “And so it is with our words. Once they have left our heart through our mouth we can never retrieve them or completely heal the wound that careless words cause.”

†

Like feathers in the wind, we have no idea where the sting of carelessly-spoken words might end. One thing is for sure: they will not remain where we turned them loose. Wounding words carry far beyond what is readily evident and dwell in the memories of those we wound.

Many never know the lengths…and depths…to where their words have traveled. And for one reason or another, hurting people hurt other people. When the heart is full of hurt it flows out, into every part of our life. Matthew 12:23

The only way to stop the hurt from spilling over is for our heart to be healed. And the only healing that can truly take it away is the loving-kindness of Jesus Christ.

If you have been deeply hurt, I invite you to come to Jesus. Exchange your pain for His peace.

Prayer

“Lord Jesus, I come today with my heart full of ache, not completely sure how You can remove it, but trusting what Your words says. Please…bind up my wounds and take away this pain. Amen.”