Happy New Year!
One of my favorite poems hangs on the wall opposite my desk.
“She made broken look beautiful
and strong look invincible
She walked with the Universe on her shoulders
and made it look like a pair of wings”
– Ariana Dancu
When women and men first come to Sheltering Wings, they feel far from invincible, believe me. They do, indeed, feel broken … shattered until they’ve become unrecognizable to themselves. But for most, having time to themselves at our shelter clears their vision.
As people treat them the way they should be treated, these men and women begin to heal. As they learn how to become independent, they find themselves again. They certainly don’t ever forget their experiences … but they transform them into wings that lift them to a new life.
In this New Year, let’s pause for a moment to pray for the people who are still in abusive relationships Let’s pray someone notices and steps in to help them find a place like Sheltering Wings. Let’s pray they find a way to leave safely. Let’s pray they make a phone call for help.
Ariana Dancu has another poem I love. It speaks to what women and men have risen to become when they’re ready to leave our shelter.
“You have fallen apart
Just to come back together
And look how beautiful
You have become.”
Thank you for your partnership in putting these beautiful pieces back together.
Gratefully,
Cassie Mecklenburg
Executive Director
P.S. The Premier Event – Everybody Always – is right around the corner. You won’t want to miss New York Times best-selling author and speaker Bob Goff. Join us on February 7, 2020, at the Embassy Suites Conference Center in Plainfield.
