In Missouri, there is a Bald Eagle rescue at the local zoo. They often find eagles with broken wings and restore them back to health. It is sad to see such beautiful, stately birds grounded. But, when they are well enough to be released, they are taken to an area where they can begin to fly again. They might not be able to soar to the heights they once knew, but all they need is the wind beneath their wings. 

The human spirit can also be broken. Tragedy, rejection, and despair can all break our spirits, keeping us grounded. However, unlike the broken wing, the human spirit can actually become stronger than it ever was. Brokenness brings renewal. It purges old habits, ways, and destructive thought patterns. It takes us out of the equation and makes room for our Heavenly Father. Brokenness can lead us to rely on His strength and not our own. Those who have known brokenness can learn who it is that is truly the wind beneath their wings. They can now soar to new heights, unhindered by their own limitations. Brokenness isn’t the end; it’s only the beginning of the pathway to wholeness.