The Master's Hand
Grants Freedom

I was a bird in a cage. I suffered the afflictions the world threw at me. So cruel they were, that I could no longer feel my wings.

They were numb by the coldness within my cage.

I remember when I felt good here, that it seemed okay to live within this cage. Those were lies, however.

The world grew darker and darker as time passed. My food and water grew less and less. It was soiled, and rotten.

No one seemed to care that I suffered.

Angry hands tried to reach in and grab me, they plucked out my feathers until I was naked. I was not myself.

I felt lost, and shivered any time that dark person strolled near.

I cried out when I felt hate; the angry dark tendrils threatened to choke me, to take me under. I knew for certain the next time the enemy came against me that I would surely die.

I tried to fly, to bust free from the iron bars trapping me. My wings didn't listen to me, it was as if they didn't belong to me anymore.

I was afraid. I didn't want to die.

I cried out, louder than I ever have before. I didn't know if my small voice would reach anyone, but I still tried. I cried out for anyone to save me until my throat was on fire, until my voice was cried out by my tears.

A light lit up the darkness, and I grew startled by the change.

Suddenly, a hand reached out to undo the lock of my cage. This unfamiliar hand came in and I instinctively grew closer to the warmth it gave off.

My shivers ceased, and I felt comfortable as the hand took care of me. I was given fresh water and the best food I've ever tasted.

Day in and day out this hand came in to treat me. My feathers slowly started to come back. The light stayed, and I felt so warm and secure.

This hand I came to know as the master's hand. This hand never treated me cruelly. It handled me with care and I began to feel something . . . I began to feel loved.

The master's hand held me, and the softness helped ease my bare skin. My feathers grew more, and I started to feel my wings again.

The master comforted me and assured me that yes, these wings were mine. And soon, I would fly away.

As they grew, I noticed the feathers were white. They were pure just like the light that surrounded me.

I learned trust, and loved the master's hand that healed me and cared for me.

I started looking outside, and I yearned to stretch my wings and fly to my true home.

I no longer paid attention to time because it came so soon that the master's hand granted my prayer.

He opened the door to my cage and I was given freedom.

Gone were the shackles, and I felt so overjoyed. My tears were of happiness. The master's hand was gentle as He guided me out of the cage.

Those prison bars were left forgotten as I flapped my wings and began my first flight. I flew to my friend, my savior, and I was welcomed into that warm light, into that delighted kingdom. My heaven I inherited. Where there, I no longer suffered. There was no more pain. Only peace, and everlasting love.

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This came to me one Sunday while in church. I started writing it, and finished it before service ended. What it means to me is a symbolic tone. As unbelievers in the world, you only see the darkness and pain of the world that Satan has dragged you into. Your sins weigh heavy on you, and the only relief there is is Jesus. He's the one that sets you free from the chains holding you down in your cage of darkness and hate. He gives you love and light, and by God's mercy you are saved and set free. You become a child of the most high God, and inherit His kingdom! You become like a dove, pure as snow, and under His grace, you become truly free. The Lord heals us of the past hurt, He takes care of us. Won't you let Him do the same for you? He wants to. He wants you to receive Him and all of His blessings.

Spread God's love so the world may become a little brighter.